I use my computer as a reference for the patterns of many of my quilts.I thought you might like to see the process and the results.

For instance take this photo below. It is a set of dishes I bought at a store called Anthropologie. The photo isn't spectacular but the pattern is interesting.

I use an app called pencil sketch pro.

Its great for illustrating notes, or breaking down an image into shades.

With this app, the image looks like this.

I used it to break down a photo into shades for a student.

or to create this soft image from a  rather ordinary photo.

Using a program called Photo Artista – sketch. I got this result.

I like both programs, but I like the bottom image best to create a quilted image.I could print it large, trace it onto fabric and thread paint it.Or I could print the image onto fabric color it and quilt it… it would look like a water color painting….quilted. Fabulous.

I can change the angle of the background lines in the computer…I like the 45 deg angle is has produced. Lets get away from stippling. !!!!!