I have mixed feelings about the quilt itself. Sometimes improv-style designing works really well for me, but I still have some sort of idea of what I am making and how it will all tie together. In this case however, I chose to follow a pattern in order to save time and make a quick Christmas quilt. I finished the blocks and wasn't really feelin the results...
I spent oodles of time arranging the blocks in different ways.
In the end I starched them all up and cut them on the diagonal. This 'quick' project was becoming an improv project, taking up my time, and really getting on my nerves!
Aiming to avoid spending any money on this quilt, I shopped my stash looking for background fabric. I wanted a bit of a vintage vibe. I liked the gray with it (DS on the right), but did not have enough and thought how cool this would have been with a newsprint fabric. Then I envisioned a bubble-gum ticking, but my pinks weren't right. I almost broke down and went to my LQS. I have a lot of fabric though, and it seemed silly to spend money on a project that I was not loving. I settled with the red stripe after calculating that I had just about EXACTLY the amount needed. (Actually, I ran out and a couple areas are patched in with the stripes the wrong direction).
Hopefully quilting will go more smoothly, and will help with it's contrast issues. For now, this is shelved for a bit while I pick up something else!
So that is my big share, my NewFO Project for September, as well as a goal achieved!
Without A Year of Lovely Finishes Monthly Link up, it is unlikely this top would have come to be!
I know what you mean about the improv thing. I usually stand back and ask, "Is it anything?" I like yours.
ReplyDeleteGreat save! a tip for when you're a bit short of binding. . . Add a bit of plain / white whatever. And write the "label" details on it, pretending it was a plan rather than a badge!
ReplyDeleteWow! That was a huge change you made leaping from the blocks to the flying geese. Totally different look, and the red looks fabulous with it.
ReplyDeleteI actually like it the way you did it, much better than the initial plan. Congrats to you for sticking to it and getting it done.
ReplyDeleteThat is very interesting. I do not think I would have seen the save if I were doing it!
ReplyDeleteOh! I like how it turned out. It took me a while to realize the flying geese quilt came from the improve blocks! Totally different feel. I really wouldn't worry about those spots where you said the stripes had to be turned the wrong way.
ReplyDeleteHey Heidi, I really like your process! I like improv a lot and use it in my work and as you say sometimes it works and sometimes not. But I think the way you resolved this piece really works! I think xmas fabs are hard to work with but cutting the blocks or the diagonal and using the red background really tied it all together! Great work! cheers, CW
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