tree wrapup

Can you imagine twelve different ways of depicting a tree in fabric?  For the last 12 days, that's been our challenge.  We set out to locate 12 quilts that would stimulate new ideas about quilting, and about  realistic vs. abstract representations of objects. Here is our "tree wrapup"...

Here are the links to the original posts:
Top row, L-R: An Evergreen Bias, by Debbie Grifka; O Tannenbaum, by Ricky Tims; A Christmas Tree, by Anna Grossnickle Hines
2nd row, L-R: Ginkgo Christmas Tree, by Ann Fahl; Santa Baby by Molly Shannon, based on a design by Janet Nesbitt; Ode to a Christmas Tree, by Lyn Mann
3rd row, L-R:  Oh Christmas Tree, by Kellie Wulfsohn; Winter Deluxe, by Jane Sassaman; Baubles, by Louise Papa
Bottom row, L-R; Alpine Wonder, by Mary Lou Hallenbeck; Four Seasons, by Laura Blanchard; Sage Country Christmas Tree, by Laura Estes

Ode to a tree: Alpine Wonder

When we began our "12 days of Christmas trees" series we talked about how many different ways there are to depict a tree in fabric. This evergreen looks so real, we feel that we could step right into the ethereal scene.

Alpine Wonder, 34 x 44, by Mary Lou Hallenbeck at HD Designs, as seen at Keepsake Quilting

We've spent a lot of time staring at this quilt to figure out what makes it so effective, and we realized that it is a perfect example of the use of value gradations to create highlights, shadows, and depth.  Amazingly, only four fabrics are used to make this quilt ! The gradated blue backdrop makes it look as if a light is shining down on the tree. The tree looks three-dimensional because the darker green branches are placed behind the lighter ones.  Also, the branches look like real evergreen branches, thanks to clever thread work (for detail, click to enlarge the photo). 

Mary Lou Hallenbeck is a designer, teacher, lecturer and quilt maker.  We really love her work with gradated fabrics - check out her stunning Orbital View 2 and Gradient Crystals at E.E. Schenck (you'll be glad you did ! )

Image credits:  The Alpine Wonder quilt is shown in Serenity fabrics from the Cara Collection by Maywood Studios. The pattern and quilt kit are both available at Keepsake Quilting.