Friday, August 9, 2013

Not A Finish

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.


24 comments:

  1. 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.

    Can't wait to see what you come up with next.

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  2. 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
    i'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

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  3. I do like the layout. I also agree with the black sashing to make the blocks stand out. Then add the colorful sashing between the black and also as an outside border. I think you can't get the full picture without the borders on the design wall.

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  4. 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....

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  5. You 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.

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  6. What 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.

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  7. Love 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.

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  8. Ditto. 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!

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  9. I do love the layout, as well. However, you do need a more subtle sashing. I know you'll come up with something perfect.

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  10. I think you could use a pieced border to draw it all together. I like the layout and pieced sashing myself.

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  11. I 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!

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  12. I emAiled you some pictures of embroidery quilts I have made with scrappy settings. I hope they help.

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  13. Hi Thelma- I like it, but did you try to put something around for a border to see how it looked?

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  14. I 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.

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  15. I 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 --

    How are you going to quilt this???

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  16. Take a look at your completed quilts -- I think Quilts 5, 6 & 7 have some colors that would work

    or border from 70 -- or colors in 96 or 90

    ;o]

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  17. 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 :)

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  18. I love the sashing & the setting!! Work your borders before you make any radical changes.
    Looking forward to the finish :)
    Cheers
    Lush
    Worthing, UK

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  19. 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!

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  20. I 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!

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  21. Love the layout, but why not use a solid or tone on tone black for the sashing?

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  22. I 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.

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  23. You could always go back and make smaller 9 patch blocks and put extra sashing around the embroidery blocks if needed.

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  24. Hi 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...

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