Blockhead
Armed with my sketches and oodles of precut strips donated over two years ago by blog friends eager to help me move seamlessly into piecing again, I failed to live up to my own expectations.
So I got out a few quilt books. I was looking for ways to use my solids/handdyed fabrics with all the prints I have acquired. My fave book is by Sandi Cummings, and lots of her work is also on the diagonal, a perfect fit.
Here's the thing: I know how to work with solids, but am not so great with prints which seem to have so much going on that they make my need for contrast...difficult to assuage. But Sandi does it well, so with lessons in the book, I proceeded to make her blocks.
And was not happy. They are very Sandi, and not so Melody.
I could do a variation of this kind of thing. It is huge for a block, 22.5 inches, but I like that part the best. Three across would make 67.5" and four down would make 90" and that would be a quilt. Twelve of these and I am done with this stinkin' quilt idea.
Yesterday Lindsey said...
Blown away...love your whole artistic process. Inspire! I know it comes so easily to you so just enjoy that fact that you are making someone smile today...me!Thanks...
Blown away...love your whole artistic process. Inspire! I know it comes so easily to you so just enjoy that fact that you are making someone smile today...me!Thanks...
Well Lindsey, it isn't all that easy. But I am working on it.
I'm really enjoying watching the design process unfold here. The evolution of a quilt. No, of course it's not easy. Please. Spare me "easy"!
ReplyDelete"Easy", along with its faithful sidekick "Quick", has a massive and apparently tireless cheering section. And sure those projects have their place. But sheesh, I want art/craft...even recipes that use 'the little grey cells' and challenge me, maybe even put up a bit of a fight.
I want projects that can't be completed "in an evening!"...and usually bloody-well look it, too! Ooops, tiny rant, there. Sorry!
Merry Christmas, Melody (and Dave, too)! Thanks again for sharing so much of your talent with us.
I can see already that adding patterns to the solids will create new ideas. I love to see the beginning of these on the second picture. The yellow "frame" shows definitely how coincidence may introduce surprises. In my experience, progress in art has always been connected with the unexpected.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas you two!
ReplyDeleteMel, I love your new block. Can't wait to see what the finished quilt will look like; I know it will be fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI have this book too although I must admit I haven't read it yet. So many books, so little time!
Wishing you and Dave a very Merry Christmas!
Kristin in SC
I'm glad to see I'm not the only person to find combining hand dyes with commercial prints difficult! I gave up trying years ago! Just an excuse to dye more fabric - yippee!
ReplyDeleteWow. love those colors! It seems to be banging the head season, doesn't it? But it's all worth it when something new works.
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ReplyDeleteI was hoping the design would be solely yours.
ReplyDeleteHappy holidays to you both!