EXTENDUS

2000  

I was inspired to make this quilt after viewing work by the artist, Vasarely.  His work is very geometric in nature and much of his work involves optical illusions.  In fact, he is called the "father of Op Art."  Several of his works contain the illusion of expansion.

This quilt is a result of that inspiration, an illusion of expansion or of the quilt ballooning outward.  This quilt was started while I was on vacation with my family in July 1999 and was finished in the last week of January 2000.

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Inner Glow

2001

I love creating quilts with illusions and this quilt is my  favorite illusions!  I wanted to create a quilt with the look of empty boxes, however I wanted the boxes to glow.  To achieve this look, I used warm colors as the inner portion of the cube and cool colors to form a frame around the box.  The result is a quilt that looks real!  I just love the "glowing" boxes.

To purchase this pattern, click here.

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FABRICKS!

2001

Sorry about the name!  It is corny, but it's so bad, it's good!  I created this quilt after seeing an antique quilt in a Nebraska antique shop.  I loved the optical illusion that was created using very simple shapes. 

For a fun treat, turn your head and look at this quilt from the side.  In fact, this quilt looks different from every side.  It's like having 4 quilts in one!  I just love the illusion in this quilt.

To purchase this pattern, click here

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Trina

2000 

I challenged myself to make an impossible figure using simple shapes.  This quilt was made by manipulating diamond shapes to create the impossible triangle figure.

I used hand dyed fabrics, batiks and hand painted fabrics to create a quilt that has the effect of being painted rather than quilted.

 

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Duo

2000

Using only 2 Nine-Patch cubes, I was able to create a very interesting design.   The cubes appear to tumble!

 

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Trio

2000

This is one of my favorite designs!  Using 3 Nine-Patch cubes, a fourth transparent cube appears as if by magic.

 

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Quad

2000

I created this design using 4 Nine-Patch cubes.  Just when you think you see the design, another part of the design will pop out.  I love the everchanging designs that are created by these cubes.

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f you would like Karen to come to your area, please contact her at: karen@karencombs.com .  You can also check her schedule page here. Karen travels all over the United States teaching these unique and wonderful techniques.    For more information on Karen, see her bio page.

To view Karen's books, patterns and notions, check out her on-line catalog .