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 Stitchin' Heaven

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. 


Note:  This post was updated on June 29, 2012.