So I measured three times and trimmed all the blocks to the size I wanted then I added the sashing. Then came the disappointment. This just doesn't look as good in real life as I thought it would in my head. Which really doesn't surprise me, things always look better in my head than on my design wall.
I don't think this is horrible or anything, I just don't think the piecing adds anything to the project, I think I can do better and I know these wonderfully stitched blocks deserve better.
You know me, I have no problem un-sewing my disasters. My biggest disappointment is that I actually cut the blocks. Looking back on it, I should have pinned the blocks to my design wall, made the sashing, put it on my design wall, THEN cut the blocks if I was happy.
Oh well, that will just be part of the challenge, how to use these blocks given their current size. Don't worry, I'm sure I'll come up with something, I always do! I'm nothing if not stubborn, I won't quit until I'm happy.
Thanks for all the great comments and compliments on these blocks. I agree, I am very very fortunate to be the recipient of these blocks, and while it's really impossible to repay someone for such an amazing act of kindness, I plan to try, and to also share the happiness I feel by somehow making others feel the same way.
I don't think this is horrible or anything, I just don't think the piecing adds anything to the project, I think I can do better and I know these wonderfully stitched blocks deserve better.
You know me, I have no problem un-sewing my disasters. My biggest disappointment is that I actually cut the blocks. Looking back on it, I should have pinned the blocks to my design wall, made the sashing, put it on my design wall, THEN cut the blocks if I was happy.
Oh well, that will just be part of the challenge, how to use these blocks given their current size. Don't worry, I'm sure I'll come up with something, I always do! I'm nothing if not stubborn, I won't quit until I'm happy.
Thanks for all the great comments and compliments on these blocks. I agree, I am very very fortunate to be the recipient of these blocks, and while it's really impossible to repay someone for such an amazing act of kindness, I plan to try, and to also share the happiness I feel by somehow making others feel the same way.
I love the fact that you share all of this with us. Even tho you did not ask for opinions I would like to offer one. I like your layout but think your fabric choices are too many and possibly too bright for the blocks.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what you come up with next.
I also am going to add that I think the layout is fine and I think I would go with a basic dark sash maybe even black to make those blocks really the focal point and use the colors for the binding
ReplyDeletei'm also going to toot my own horn I finished the quilting and binding on HUBBLE washed and scrunched i'll be posting later after my phone comes back to life
I do like the layout you have here... I think maybe it's the colors that are a bit overpowering for the intricate embroideries... how about charcoal grey, taupes and chocolate browns... maybe some of those colors could have tiny sage or pumpkin colored polka dots....
ReplyDeleteYou might be happier with less color in your sashings. How about a small print black with a cornerstone of color. Love the embroidery. Have fun.
ReplyDeleteWhat about black sashing or flying geese in blacks, grays, taupe or chocolate browns. I think you could then do a colorful outer border. I think the dark colors would draw the eye to the wonderful embroidery blocks ( what a treasure those are). I like the layout you have chosen.
ReplyDeleteLove the layout, but I agree with the others, too many colors, the blocks and their designs get lost. A black with small print or dot then color on the borders. But the layout is great! Love your blog. Laura V.
ReplyDeleteDitto. The setting is wonderful, but a more monochromatic sashing color might work better. How about that new hombre fabric that fades light to dark for an interesting effect. Maybe a nice, big border with Halloween applique? Whatever you end up with, I know it will be wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI do love the layout, as well. However, you do need a more subtle sashing. I know you'll come up with something perfect.
ReplyDeleteI think you could use a pieced border to draw it all together. I like the layout and pieced sashing myself.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the others~ too much color, is the blue showing the true color? Seems too bright. I know you will enjoy finding the right borders!
ReplyDeleteI emAiled you some pictures of embroidery quilts I have made with scrappy settings. I hope they help.
ReplyDeleteHi Thelma- I like it, but did you try to put something around for a border to see how it looked?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Dawn, maybe it just needs a couple of small borders to pull it all together. Can't wait to see what you do? Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone -- squint my eyes and that blue just blinks at me then the red -- too much "clear" color with the muddy color of the backgrounds on the embroidered blocks-- and again I agree with the other comments about changing to a black, gray , taupe background fabric for setting -- JoMorton has some gorgeous black / taupe fabrics -- maybe even a check . . . a subtle check then punch it up with a grayed orange little binding or small print cording between the quilt and the binding . . . Looking forward to your choice which will be perfect --
ReplyDeleteHow are you going to quilt this???
Take a look at your completed quilts -- I think Quilts 5, 6 & 7 have some colors that would work
ReplyDeleteor border from 70 -- or colors in 96 or 90
;o]
Like your layout,maybe a checkerboard of black/gray or very muted, even solid or muted pinwheels. Can't wait to see what you decide on :)
ReplyDeleteI love the sashing & the setting!! Work your borders before you make any radical changes.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the finish :)
Cheers
Lush
Worthing, UK
I totally love the layout, have you considered using the Halloween color pallette that Joanna of fig tree quilts uses, it's more black and cream and peachy orange...vintage looking? I think that would look perfect!
ReplyDeleteI really like the layout, but what if you framed all of the blocks in black and then added the sashing, however in a rectangular shape or a bit larger size? Your work in the end is always beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLove the layout, but why not use a solid or tone on tone black for the sashing?
ReplyDeleteI would go to the Crabapple Hill website & take a look at some of their other patterns & their settings, just for ideas. What a treasure those blocks are...wonderful! I'm sure you will come up with something fabulous.
ReplyDeleteYou could always go back and make smaller 9 patch blocks and put extra sashing around the embroidery blocks if needed.
ReplyDeleteHi Thelma, I love your pieced sashing but find that it does pull my focus away from the stitchery work. So I was wondering if you have auditioned a solid black sashing and 1" framing border, with your pieced border on the outside? I know it sounds boring, LOL, but that might make the stitchery work the "Star" of this quilt and still allow your pieced border to finish it off wonderfully. Just a thought...
ReplyDelete