CREATING A COMPUTER QUILT DESIGN

Artists use the computer as a design tool to make patterns for application to other media such as silk screen or tapestry. Christopher Pallotta created these two quilt patterns on the computer. The designs can be displayed and enjoyed as art works or they can be used to make quilts from fabric. You can create quilt patterns by designing a motif for a quilt square and adding solid colors, patterns, and textures. To make the quilt pattern, repeat the motif, using the same combination of colors or include contrasting colors. You can then emphasize the design with the addition of intricate details.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

You will use the principle of rhythm by repeating a geometric motif to make a decorative quilt pattern. First you will explore the Shape and Line tools to design a geometric motif. Next, you will use the Bucket tool to add color. Then you will learn how to Copy, Paste, and arrange copies of the square motifs to crate a quilt design. Discover how rotating or inverting copies of the motif creates varying quilt designs. Make several examples showing different arrangements of the original motif.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

• Computer with an art application
• Mouse or graphics tablet with a stylus or drawing pen
• Floppy disk to save work
• Color printer (for black-and-white printer, add color with pen, pencils, or markers)

WHAT YOU WILL DO

1. Look at Pallotta's quilt designs or recall other quilts you have seen. On the computer, make two or three geometric motifs. Hold down the Shift or Option key and draw an open square with the Rectangular Shape tool. (Choose the No Fill setting for an open square.) Choose from the Shape tools to add more open shapes. Use a variety of shapes and sizes, including circles, triangles, or hexagons.
2. Select the Straight Line tool to divide the area into smaller spaces or shapes. Add smaller lines and shapes to create details. Title and Save this geometric motif.
3. Create a different motif, beginning again with an open square. Title and Save.
4. Choose the motif you like the best. Select several hues--solid, gradients, or mixed with a pattern. Fill in spaces of the motif with color using the Bucket Flood-fill tool. (You may begin with the original line motif and fill with another color choice.) Title and Save your work.
5. Use the Lasso or Rectangular Selection tool to Select the geometric motif. From the Edit menu, click, drag, and choose COPY to place a copy of the motif in the Clipboard.
6. From the Edit menu, click, drag, and choose Paste to place a copy on the screen Note the keyboard shortcut key in the menu command box. You may wish to use this key later.
7. Notice the moving dotted lines around the selection. These indicate the motif is Selected and now can be moved or changed. Put the cursor on top of the motif and drag it into position. While the motif is still Selected, choose Flip, Rotate, or another command from the menu that allows you to transform selected graphics. To Paste selection into position, click the cursor on another area of the screen outside the selection. You may choose Paste from the Edit command or use the keyboard shortcut to add another copy. The new command immediately pastes the selection into place.
8. Continue to Paste additional copies and arrange them to complete a repeating rhythm. Decorate with a frame or border, if needed. Retitle, Save, and Print.

Evaluating Your Work

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