Tips from Expert Quilter Mary Knapp

Some of Mary Knapp's favorite light houses along the Great Lakes Seaway Trail

Tips from Expert Quilter Mary Knapp:

Mary Knapp, quilt pattern designer and the author of “Star Quilts” to be released by C&T Publishing later this year, offers these design tips if quilters are interested in creating a pictorial or art quilt to enter:

• Start with a photograph of the scenic drive or area that inspires you.
• Trace a simple general outline using tissue paper over a photo.
• Don’t be too complex at first; add details later.
• Think about whether you want to use warm or cool colors.
• Blend 3-6 shades of one color for effect.
• Add an accent color to make a detail jump out.
• Cut some pieces, lay the pattern out on the floor.
• Then fit fabrics to the elements.
• Stand back and look, adjust to your liking, then begin sewing.