Design Inspiration – Page 5 – Jinny Beyer Studio

Posted on June 24, 2015July 29, 2022 by Jinny Beyer — 13 Comments

The Row by Row Experience 2015

The Row by Row Experience has begun! If you are not familiar with the Row by Row Experience, it is similar to a shop hop, but a bit different– no fees, no cards to stamp, and you have all summer to participate. Simply visit any of the participating shops throughout the USA and Canada and receive a free pattern for a row in a quilt. Combine your rows in any way to create a unique quilt that represents the fun you had traveling throughout the summer. This year’s theme is…..water. Each shop has created a row based on this theme.

The Studio’s row is based on the nearby Great Falls National Park. At Great Falls, the Potomac River builds up speed and force as it falls over a series of steep, jagged rocks and flows through the narrow Mather Gorge creating its spectacular falls. The row represents that series of rocks and rushing white water. It may look complex but it is actually very easy to piece with simple paper piecing techniques.

Create a quilt using at least eight different rows from eight different participating shops and be the first to bring it into one of those participating shops to win a stack of 25 fat quarters. If you are the first to bring a quilt into the Studio, those 25 fat quarters will be your choice from our entire stock of fat quarters. And if you use the Studio’s row in your quilt, you will win a bonus prize—Golden Gage Calipers!

Why calipers? There is an interesting reason why we chose them. After our sample row was entirely put together, I made a discovery. Unknowingly and without trying, my design conforms to the Golden Ratio. The Golden Ratio, which occurs in nature, ancient and historic design, is said to be the perfect proportion. It is the ratio of 1 to 1.618 or .618 to one. When I put the calipers on our row, I saw that each triangle increases in size according to the Golden Ratio.

To learn more about the Golden Proportion, check out this blog post.

Claire M. from Florida made sure she got her Great Falls row kit.

Besides the free row pattern, we have some special products. Row kits with all the fabric needed to complete our row and fabric bundles in the gorgeous fabrics of our row will be available. Not only do we have fabric license plates with our slogan, “Perfect Piecer,” but we also have collectable pins. Watch for more products based on our Great Falls row.

Row by Row runs through Tuesday, September 8^th. Stop in when you are in the Washington, D.C. area or take a road trip with friends to discover new quilt shops and old favorites and have fun collecting your rows.

Diane from Utah along with Harolyn and Doreen from Virginia showing off their Row by Row purchases. (Yes, her name really starts with an H.) — Diane from Utah along with Harolyn and Doreen from Virginia showing
off their Row by Row purchases. (Yes, her name really starts with an H.)

Posted on June 17, 2015July 29, 2022 by Jinny Beyer — 13 Comments

How Stained Glass Star Was Created

My Stained Glass Star quilt has served as the logo for the Studio for many years and continues to be one of our best-selling kits. It did not start out, though, to be an actual quilt. It came about in a rather interesting way.

In 1990, my son, Darren, had a business setting up websites. He said that I needed a website and asked for two things: a credit card and a logo. Well, it was (somewhat) easy to hand over a credit card but I didn’t have a logo. He told me that I did so many “neat shaded things” that I should do something like that to use as a logo on the website. So Stained Glass Star was created.

Our shop sample pieced by Diane Kirkhart and quilted by Su Gardner.

It was all digital at the time using scanned images of the fabrics. Once the website was launched, hundreds of people were requesting a kit of the design. Of course, one did not exist so then I had to create one…quickly. The kit has been going strong ever since the website went live way back when.

Recently, in honor of the 25^th anniversary of my Palette collection, I have been updating the Studio’s Palette quilts. The first is my Stained Glass Star. What do you think?

SGS Quilting copy — The intricate quilting as seen on the front and back of the quilt.

Posted on June 3, 2015July 29, 2022 by Jinny Beyer — 4 Comments

Tips for Success with Mirror-Image Fabrics

My border prints and many of my paisleys can create wonderful effects when fussy-cutting their mirror-imaged designs. We’ve gotten a few questions lately from quilters who have had trouble matching those mirror-images whether in patches for blocks or in borders. In today’s blog, I’d like to give you a little advice to make the process easier. If border print fabrics are new to you, click here for a video of how my border print fabrics are designed.

First, press your fabric before you begin to cut. Remove any creases and distortion.

It is always best to use templates when working with mirrored fabrics. Mark a line directly on the template to indicate where the mirror motif should be. Use care when cutting. That seems a bit obvious, but taking the time to make accurate cuts pays off in the end. Make sure that the mirror line is centered on the mirror-imaged motif you have chosen. You can also use the straight line on the border print itself as a guide. We have wonderful resources on our website for various effects you can achieve with border prints and much more.

Carnival uses fussy cut patches to create a unique design.

Now, let’s do one more thing before sewing. Despite your best efforts, the design may not be exactly the same on the cut edges. Don’t worry! Take the first two pieces to be sewn and, with right sides together, line up the fabric design. The cut edges may not be even with each other, but it will work out as all the pieces will slightly off by the same amount. To line up the designs, find an edge or point on the fabric design near the seam line and put a pin through this spot first on the top fabric, then through the exact same point on the bottom. Repeat as often as you like. Working with bias cut edges will give you any stretch you need to match these points but use care to not distort the fabric.

Intricate medallions are created in the Sophia quilt using a border print.

For many machine sewers, especially when sewing long seams, basting the seam first is a way to insure accuracy. Increase your stitch length and take large stitches the length of the seam. You can then take a peek to make sure each of the motifs mirror perfectly. Then you can go ahead and sew with your normal stitch length.

block 6 col — A block from the 2013 BOM, Solstice

block 6 — Same block as above but with a light background and the Ashford border.

I’ve added a new page to the “Tips and Lessons” section of my website on the process of fussy cutting patches using my Carnival quilt as an example. Once you start playing with mirror-image border prints and paisleys, you’ll be amazed at the fantastic designs you can create. I hope you give it a try.

Posted on May 13, 2015July 29, 2022 by Jinny Beyer — 4 Comments

Red Fort

The Taj Mahal is one of the most popular tourist attractions in India. But I think, equally compelling is the amazing Red Fort which is only a mile and a half away. The Red Fort as it is today was built by Akbar the Great (1542-1605) at the site of an older fort dating back to the 11th century. More than 4000 builders worked on it daily until its completion in 1573. This remarkable structure was a walled city built by Akbar in 1654 and used as a military strategic point as well as the royal residence.

Built of red sandstone, it has incredible designs throughout. Whether we examine the edging on top of the building, latticework in windows, or decorations on the walls, patterns are everywhere.

I was inspired to make this quilt from one of those patterns which repeats throughout the fort. While modern day quilters call this design “Dutch Tile,” it has been around for centuries.

You can design one of these quilts yourself without a pattern. Check out “Designing with Diamonds” on my “Tips and Lessons” page. I’ve given you the “formula” I used when designing my “Red Fort” quilt. I would love to see what you create.

These photos of inside the Red Fort were taken on the tour to India with Sew Many Places last October. I began quilting while living in India years ago and every time I go back I am inspired anew by the color and design that surrounds this incredible country. I’ll be going there again on another tour next March. If you have ever wanted to go to India, this is a perfect way to be pampered and inspired.

Posted on February 18, 2015July 29, 2022 by Jinny Beyer — 6 Comments

Ox Cart Wheels

Last week I told you about my trip to Costa Rica and showed some photos of the decorative ox cart wheels that are an important part of the culture. It might be difficult, at first glance, to look at these awesome designs and figure out how to adapt them for use in a quilt. This week I want to show you images of more wheels and tell you how you can create your own design using some of the techniques that the artisans of Costa Rica use.

Each wheel is divided into 16 wedges. The design is painted onto the wedge and that motif is repeated 15 more times to complete the decorative wheel. Each artist makes their own design, all similar in style but unique to the artist. Notice the wheel shown here. The white lines indicate one of the 16 wedges.

1. This particular design has six circles. Other designs might have more or less. The distance between the circles is arbitrary, according to the artist’s whim. Start with 32 spokes and draw the first part of the design.

2. Increase the spokes to 64 and draw the remaining portions of the design.

3. Make 16 identical wedges to complete the design.

Look at these additional photos of ox cart wheels and see if you can find the “wedge”

Posted on February 4, 2015July 29, 2022 by Jinny Beyer — 18 Comments

Simple Stitches, Exquisite Quilts

It was with a little bit of trepidation that I waved goodbye to the majority of my personal quilts I have made. They were loaded into an SUV to be taken to the Virginia Quilt Museum in Harrisonburg for their three month exhibit “Simple Stitches, Exquisite Quilts.” I told my friend, Bunnie Jordon, the exhibit’s curator who was driving them down, “There goes my life’s work.” No pressure there!

Many of my longtime friends helped to hang the quilts. Since this experience has been something akin to handing over my children, this calmed me…somewhat.

As you know, I make all of my quilts by hand. People think I am crazy to do everything by hand and they marvel that I do it but wonder why.

But to me handwork is a solace. Sitting and stitching by hand and thinking about what is going on in my life spins the events of everyday life into the quilts. It is sort of a meditation – you don’t have to rush, finish, get it done. I can just relax and enjoy the moment. That is what hand stitching is to me.

I can look at each of those quilts and know where I was when I was making it, what was happening in my life at that time and each one brings back memories.

The exhibit will have 18 of my personal quilts including “Ray of Light” and “Windows” as well as 21 quilts from my charm quilt collection.

3 Quilts — Sundance, Day Lilies, and Ode to Vasarely

A quilt where every piece is cut from a different fabric is called a charm quilt. Charm quilts are usually made with pieces cut from a single shape such as a square, diamond, triangle or hexagon. Tumbling Blocks is one of my favorite designs for a charm quilt and is a great hand-piecing project. I love these unique quilts and often use their many fabrics as inspiration for my fabric designs.

My exhibit at the museum runs through April 25. I will be giving a lecture, to be followed by a reception, on February 22. I would love to have you join me. For more information, please visit the Virginia Quilt Museum website.

Posted on December 3, 2014July 29, 2022 by Jinny Beyer

Join Me on These Exciting Trips

If you are looking for a get-a-way during the doldrums of winter, I have the perfect spot! Two years ago my husband and I celebrated our 50^th wedding anniversary. We decided it would be great to have a family gathering in a beautiful tropical place and we chose Costa Rica. I made two scouting trips to Costa Rica to find the perfect place and I did! We rented a house in a private 125 acre resort and had a wonderful time. I will be returning to this same resort in February for another tour with Jim West of Craftours/Sew Many Places.

We will cruise to a nature preserve to snorkel with coral, a ship wreck, and lots of tropical sea life; then we’ll raft through the jungle. Shopping is always a must and we will visit a local community known for their well-made crafts. This trip would make the perfect Christmas present. There are still a few places remaining.

The view of the beach from the hotel balcony. — The view from the hotel balcony and the view of the beach from an overlook

I’m pleased that Jim West has asked me to be the guest quilter on a tour to Tuscany in April. Quilters are well acquainted with the beautiful floor tiles in the centuries old cathedrals and how they can inspire quilts such as my “Windows” quilt. We will visit ancient cathedrals and galleries housing the work of world-renowned artists in Florence and Siena, historic towns and quaint piazzas. Tuscany is also known for the rolling hills of the extraordinary countryside, its fabulous cuisine and its wonderful wines. I can’t wait to try them all! I’m looking forward to visiting these fabulous places and hoping some of you will join me. Maybe you’ll be inspired to make a quilt based on the designs we will see.

You can find more about these two trips on our website by clicking here.

Posted on November 5, 2014July 29, 2022 by Jinny Beyer — 4 Comments

My Visit to India

Wow! I’ve just arrived back from another whirlwind tour of India with Sew Many Places. Jim West certainly knows how to put together an exciting and educational adventure.

Diwali, Festival of Lights in Jaipur. A bicycle rickshaw ride through the old town was a perfect way to see all the lights.

We rode on bicycle rickshaws through Old Delhi and Jaipur, motor scooters, buses, camel carts and elephants. The dates of the trip were planned around the Festival of Diwali (known as the festival of lights) and the Pushkar camel fair.

Jim and our guide Govind in front of the Taj Mahal. Look at the pattern in the walkway.

I began quilting while living in India years ago and every time I go back I am inspired anew by the color and design that surrounds this incredible country.

Couldn’t help but do some color shading with the group as we were standing in front of Amber Palace in Jaipur.

Words cannot describe what all we did and saw, so I thought this blog should be more photos than words.

Delhi, India. Each section in the Qutab Minar, built in 1193 seems to follow the proportions of the Golden Ratio.

Meanwhile, I have three more exciting trips next year……..to Costa Rica, Tuscany and Bali. I would love to have you join me on another adventure.

Posted on October 22, 2014July 29, 2022 by Jinny Beyer — 18 Comments

2014 Quest Quilt- Lotus

Last February I was asked to give a lecture at the AQS show in Phoenix. The quilt show was amazing and it was my first opportunity to see the Tentmakers of Cairo. The two men from Egypt were demonstrating the appliqué technique that they use for decorating tents. I loved both the boldness and intricacies of their designs and thought that maybe it was time that I got back to appliqué. Inspired by what I saw, I have recently been working on quilt designs that contain both piecing and appliqué.

About a month ago, I shared with you a photo of a quilt on my blog that I was designing and making for our annual shop hop, Quilters’ Quest. At that point, I had the star made and was working on the appliqué which would be in the background squares and triangles. With all the flight time on my recent trip to Japan, I was able to finish the background and I recently added the borders.

If you are in the Washington D.C. area Nov. 7-16 this year or are in the mood for a road trip, you might enjoy taking part in the Quest. We are working very hard gearing up for it, making special projects, assembling kits, and preparing demonstrations.

Each shop has designed and made a quilt using our color-coordinated 2 ½” strips. When you visit a shop, you will receive a free pattern for that shop’s quilt. The colors are jewel tones and blend well together. Our Quest quilt, Lotus, shown here, is made up of the strips that each shop will be distributing. There are ten shops and if you make it to all ten shops you will be eligible for some fantastic prizes.

We still have a few places on our two buses and would love to have you join us.

Posted on October 15, 2014July 29, 2022 by Jinny Beyer — 4 Comments

The design process behind my fabric

People often ask me where I get my inspiration for fabric design. I am inspired by nature, architecture, antique fabric and wallpaper, and so much more. But a lot of my design inspiration comes from other art. There are design archive companies which cater to fabric and wallpaper designers. They have thousands of pieces of art that they, themselves, have collected to show to designers.

I have just recently returned from a whirlwind trip to Japan where I met with the artists who work with me on my fabric collections. I also went to the printing facility that prints my fabrics. I try to go periodically to personally touch base with the people who work with me and to also look through their design archives.

On my most recent trip, I looked at more than 10,000 pieces of art in two days. I was getting bleary eyed! When looking at each, it is important to look beyond what is actually there. I look for interesting textures, motifs, backgrounds. Sometimes, something with really high contrast or bold electric colors catches my eye even though I would never use it as is. I look for parts of the design that I can manipulate to turn into something else.

For instance, Chelsea, my most recent fabric collection, was inspired by designs that I selected on a previous trip to Japan. Let me show you an example of how this design worked for me.

Original floral design — Background design only

The first thing that caught my eye was the beautiful flowers on this more than 60-year-old piece of art. The second was the design in the background. Notice that there is too much separation between the flowers and the background making it a bit difficult to use in quilting. I also didn’t like the white dots on parts of the design.

Studying the design, I decided to make two fabrics from the one piece of art with one being a separate fabric of just the background. For the other, I eliminated the white dots and brought the value of the colors closer together.

I do most of this work in Photoshop and then send what I have done to the design studio. They make any corrections that I cannot do on my computer and send it back to me. Once I have the designs complete, I do the colors on my computer and send it back to Japan so they can prepare the art for printing. Here are photos of three of the final fabrics in the collection

Most exciting for me is to finally have the designs the way I like them. I then work with the digital images to create a quilt using that collection. I will talk more about designing fabric in upcoming blogs.

Chelsea both colorways — Chelsea quilt in blue and pink granite