From Photo to Pattern

We had two amazingly spring like days here in Pennsylvania this week.  It certainly helped to lift my spirits.  It was the perfect time to head to Longwood Gardens with my DIL.  She loves it there and knows every nook and cranny and lots of interesting information - plus she has guest passes!

Currently the Orchid Extravaganza is taking place.  There are orchids everywhere in the Conservatory.  Some are front and center, like this arbor

and others are tucked away in surprising places:

Longwood is just not a botanical garden, it is also a place for morning walks,   play dates for children,  and contemplative thinking.  You can even transport yourself to Versailles. The picture of all these strollers parked outside of the indoor children's  garden warmed my heart.

So many beautiful orchids are inspiration for so many quilts, more than anyone could make in a lifetime.  I took lots of photos so when I was ready to make a quilt, I had lots to choose from.

At our last quilt guild meeting I shared some computer apps/programs that can be used to manipulate photos. Some of these can be used as the basis for quilt design.
I used my photo of a Cattaleya orchid:

 I started with an app called StitchSketch

I wasn't able to adjust the number of squares or size, so it was hard to define the petals.
I tried another program called Pic2pat - where I could change the resolution

So I searched for one more program where I could adjust the resolution AND the color.  That was Picture Craftwork.  I could adjust the color to define the shape or to create a different hue.

And my final surprise of the day at Longwood, was in the bathroom near the gift shop.

Who needs computer programs?

Why I Love Key West

Many people think of Key West as a place to go to drink and party all night. But if you know me at all, you know that drinking is not on my agenda and I'm usually in bed by 10:00. Although I do spend a lot of my time quilting, and I do try to fit in an exercise class every day. Life here is filled with such unusual encounters.

During the past week, I volunteered to help set up for a brunch at The Studios of Key West, which is where I am also taking a painting class. It was fun to set up for a party for the patrons, but even more fun to see this wonderful painting being finished by island painter, Rick Worth. I didn't measure it but I'm guessing 10' high by 20' long. It's a collage of the island and he finished it in 1 month!

I was invited by one of my neighbors to attend a meeting of the KW Orchid Society. It had been raining for a few days and I needed to get out. Besides, I have been thinking about an orchid quilt and knew I could get some pictures.

There is a raffle at each meeting. Dan bought tickets for both of us, and I won! Not one, but two orchids. Woo Hoo!

Today I went with another neighbor to Nancy's Secret Garden. It's filled with parrots, 23 of them. Nancy owns them and takes care of them and brings them all inside every night.

 

Baby Blue liked me and walked onto my arm, apparently a first in Nancy's Secret Garden.

And afternoon walks with Bailey to savor a latte or cafe con leche, my new vice.

Life is definitely not dull here if you allow yourself to embrace the opportunities. Why wouldn't you?

 

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