Frigid Piecing- Part 2-Learning about Light

A Discussion of "Light Source"

The next step is determining the LIGHT SOURCE, and how it will affect the triangles you have drawn. I usually use the TOP of the quilt as the LIGHT ... that is, I think of the Sun Shining down from above. If each one of these triangles is lit from above, which Side will be Light? Which side will be Dark (the face is AWAY from the light). The other side is partially lit, therefore Medium.

So, for an exercise, look at the largest triangle, and label each EDGE. The one that is facing your LIGHT SOURCE, is Light, usually the Bottom/Right is what I use for the DARK and I label the bottom right corner DARK. then the bottom LEFT is the Medium You will now label each edge ... L M or D.

(as you get used to this, the labeling step is not necessary, but for now it is a thinking process you need to get used to)


Labeling the Triangles (or shapes..)

NEXT, you will give each triangle a NAME (Betsy, Fred..... no!!!) I generally label them A B C D E... and this should be done, either in a different color pen, or with a letter INSIDE A CIRCLE so that you do not confuse Triangle D with the shading for Dark. gee, that makes Betsy sound like a good idea!!

Tracing a Pattern

Some of you over achievers will want to know the next step.. so here it is *YES WE WILL TOUCH FABRIC SOON* .... Take your Freezer paper out, and this time WITH THE SHINY SIDE UP, you are going to Trace Triangle A. You must 'Rip off' a new sheet of FP to trace the triangle on. My method of Tracing is to hold with one hand, and trace the <  (corner  and center angles)  of the three angles, and then connect them using a ruler. That way I do not have wavy lines. Cut it out using a rotary ruler/cutter. You will then transfer all the markings to the DULL side of this tracing. CHECK the markings when you lay it back on the triangle.... SHINY SIDE Up ... that the LIGHT edge is marked.. and the MEDIUM edge is marked.. and the DARK edge is marked.. Put the triangle NAME "A" in a circle, on each edge.

IF ANY TRIANGLES WILL INTERSECT ALONG THE SIDE... it is a good idea to transfer that information in the form of a small hash mark on the dull side...(I usually write it on the shiny side, and then flip over and trace it on to the dull side... When the Triangle is on the paper the shiny side is up. When the dull side is up, the triangle probably will not fit in the space...

You can then do triangle B... Triangle C... do a few that will connect ... but do not do all of them.!!!!

Next step - Choose your Fabrics