Monday, August 12, 2013

Hocuspocusville - Stage II

So I took the blocks all apart and started again.

I knew I wanted to keep the color in the quilt, but not as  much color as I had going on in my first attempt.  I studied the pattern cover a little and decided I did like the 9 patches, so that's what I went with, only a little different.



The 9 patches finish at 1 1/2".  I'm using the dark brown and black fabric from Black Magic and the brights from Candy Corn to make the 9 patches.   Then I'm setting the 9 patches in a medium brown and gold piece of fabric also from Candy Corn.



I think using smaller pieces of the bright fabric, then surrounding it with the dark and medium fabric, tones everything down perfectly.  I love the brown, it's hard to tell in this picture, but it goes great with the background fabric and brown embroidery thread used for the stitched blocks.

I had to change my layout a little.  I prefer my layout that had the 4 smaller stitcheries in the center but they don't work with the 9 patches, it's a math thing.  I think once it's all done I'll be fine with the two larger stitcheries in the center, or I guess I'll have to be, because that's where they are staying.


Once the blocks are all connected I'll add an outer border using the same 9 patch blocks, only larger.

I think this setting does a much better job of complimenting the stitched blocks, I'm so glad I didn't settle on my first idea, deep down I just knew there had to be something better.

27 comments:

  1. Yep...sooooo much better and is going to be a sweet little quilt when done. Love the way you are able to change up the pattern or come up with one and have a winner! Colors are great too.

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  2. Love your solution, looks great! The 9 patches finish at 1-1/2", wow, that's amazing.

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  3. The only thing I admire more than this new arrangement, Thelma, is your "gotta get it right" perseverance. Now the stitcheries, not the fabric, take center stage. Well done.

    Cindy in NC

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  4. Could not express it better than Cindy in NC. Your perseverance is amazing. Unfortunately, I too often use the Scarlett O'Hara approach.

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  5. These 9-patches set off the embroidery so much better. Great idea!

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  6. I love the 9 patches . You were right. There was a better way.

    mary

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  7. Much better! I can't wait to see your finished top.

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  8. I knew you'd figure it out. Love it and can't wait to see the finished top.

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  9. Much better! The semi solid of the brown frames the embroideries and the nine patches just sparkle!

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  10. This looks AMAZING! And I can't wait to see it finished!! Happy Halloween!!!! joe

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  11. Love it! But then I love ninepatch anything! Looks great! Laura V.

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  12. You are not only an amazing quilter, but you can do quilter MATH!!!!!! Awesome!!!

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  13. Love it! I'm still stitching up my blocks, but I'll keep your setting genius in mind when it comes time to put them all together.

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  14. even though I am a fan of your first sashing choice, THIS setting is totally cool! Those 9 patches are teeny-tiny! How do you sew so small?!

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  15. This has more of an "old-fashioned" feel than the other setting. It's very cool. The other was nice too, but had a bit of a "quirky" feel to it.

    Good luck on the rest of the sashing. I like it a lot!

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  16. You really have an eye for this kind of stuff. I have to agree, you really nailed it with these tiny nine patches. They are perfect! I also agree that your original setting with the four smaller blocks in the centre were more visually pleasing. When set that way the larger blocks looked so balanced on the sides. With them in the centre I seem to notice the empty space at the bottoms of the large blocks, where it really did not appear at all on the sides...
    I know that as you add more of the nine patches that focus will change...right now that is where the emphasis is, and as more colour and dark is added that focus will spread evenly throughout the quilt.
    It is so amazing how different the same blocks look with different settings and sashing colours. I think what makes you such a good quilter is that you can see beyond the colours or settings you really don't care for and you can do your magic and make them very visually pleasing. I just know you will come up with another winner.

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  17. WOW! Those nine-patches are so tiny. I'm looking forward to seeing how you complete this quilt. I really like how you show us the processes you go through with quilting. I learn a lot from you this way.

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  18. WOW what a difference ! PERFECT ! Now you see the stitchery houses and the nine patch compliment them so well. You are brilliant !!!!!

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  19. Looks great Thelma! I love those math puzzles. :-)

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  20. Hi Thelma! I think you are on the right track with these little nine-patch blocks. Little pops of bright colors that don't overwhelm the stitcheries.

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  21. This is design sets off the embroidery perfectly. Great choice. Kathy

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  22. * BIG gulp!!! the whole 9 patch finishes at 1 1/2"?? You are goooood!!! I can see the focus on the embroidery so much better also. I'm really liking that line - Candy Corn!!

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  23. I love that you took blocks apart to get it right...I'm doing a bit of UNsewing myself.

    The 9 patches are so tiny (I would never get those right!) Your stitchery is amazing and I can't wait to see your finish.

    Good luck :)

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  24. This version is just perfect in terms of color and scale!

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  25. Wonderful solution. The small blocks add interest without taking away from the beautiful handwork. You are so creative.

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