Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Layout and auditions

When I started putting the blocks on the wall I began to wonder what it was that I didn't like about these blocks. After photographing it I remembered that it just doesn't photograph well. It didn't matter how much I liked it in person, I just couldn't show a photograph and get anyone else excited about it because it looked dull. I think it is the army green that subdues it. Oh, and I have 54 blocks not 42 like I thought yesterday. In person this little green arc looks wonderful on it and it also doesn't photograph well. This is what made me think that it needed a brighter green added though.
So.....I tried some different greens. # 2 is a dotted more lacy look.
#3 is a batik that has little shots of yellow and red through it. and I liked it.
#4 is a brighter green but I think it is too light.
And here is what one of my art quilters suggested, a little zebra. I have a little bit of zebra in every room in my house so it is kind of a trademark for me.
All of these arcs that have been placed on top of the quilt still have seam allowances on them so they will be skinnier when they are sewn in. I haven't made any final decisions and will probably still try some more things. My favorites are the green batik and the zebra print.

25 comments:

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I like the zebra print, it blends well, the green batik is great too.
I really like the top photo - so pretty.
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/

Cheri said...

I usually don't go for animal prints of any kind but I have to tell you, that zebra print really is the best fit! I think it ties the rest of the color scheme together very nicely. Can't wait to see the finished project.

Brenda said...

How will you sew in the arcs? won't those squares get smaller, or do you sew them into every block? I have the first book with this pattern, so I've contemplated this technique, but I've never done it.

Pat said...

I, of course, batik-lover that I am, favor the batik!

Jen said...

I like the green batik the best. I love the color of it against all of the other fabrics. I think the Zebra is just a little too out of place, yet it would be a conversation starter.

My vote is for the green batik.

I can't wait to see what you decide and then see the finished quilt.

Victoria Findlay Wolfe said...

There is so much movement in this quilt its quilt wonderful as it is! Fabulous.

Patchmaker said...

I agree with BumbleBeans . . .it's fabulous as it is! If it doesn't work for you, though, I'd go for the zebra!

Jennie said...

I think it's fine just the way it is! As far as the changes, though, I like the zebra print the best- it gives it a little "zing"! ~ Jennie

jovaliquilts said...

I love the zebra print in there -- really a great addition!

West Michigan Quilter said...

These arcs are just awesome. This is the pattern I was telling you about off blog yesterday. I like your choice of colors so much more than what I did. Wonderful!!

Anonymous said...

Are you kidding! It is fabulous! I pulled up your post and it about knocked me down, FABULOUS!! I, too, loved the Zebra print you put in there! WOW!WOW!

I think we over-think what we are doing sometimes, but I completely understand, I do it all the time.

Unknown said...

So nice that you have more blocks than you thought you did! I have to say that I am in agreement with you. Those two I think are the best choices. However, now you have to pick one. Could you possibly use both? I would have to see a picture with the quilt sporting just the batik, then just the zebra, then a combo to really decide. But that is me and my own version of the process of elimination.

Anonymous said...

Here's to the greens on St Paddys Day ! I like the batik best, then green lacy look . The zebra is lovely too, but changes the look quite a bit . Have fun, only three days until spring ! ! !
Linda M in BC

Cathi said...

I like the zebra the best. Now I'm thinking of this as your safari quilt!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for showing us the varied combinations for this quilt top. Love to see the how the color can change the entire 'feel' of the piece.

I have learned not to voice my opinion, as your final choice is always the best!

This is a stunning design that you have stitched with beautiful precision.

J~MT

Quiltdivajulie said...

skipped the other comments until later - I like the zebra print best

Elsie Montgomery said...

As always, your choices are great. The only thing I'm thinking is that value is more important than color here, and the addition of zebra adds some zing to the values that the greens miss.

Jean said...

Since you are adding green, couldn't you add all of them,or maybe some dark burgandy plus the zebra? or do you want something to unify?

It is pretty as is, but I know the feeling of finishing something and then not being sure if you like it. I do that all the time.

Sequana said...

When I looked at this yesterday, I craved a spot of yellow; and I still crave that today.

Right now, nothing makes it *pop* for me......

Anonymous said...

I think its beautiful just the way it is.

Vicky F said...

Hi Wanda,
I think the quilt blocks as they are would make a nice wall quilt for the right person and the right spot. But it is definitely calm for you.
It was difficult to imagine the other arcs as they would add to the whole look from a distance; it's your distance photo that you want to really have zing in order to draw you in.
I'm trusting that you are going to make it zing.
Vicky F

floribunda said...

why limit yourself to just one? I'd use both the zebra and the batik green to add some zip and some pop!

Lynda said...

The original blocks aren't dull, just sophisticated! However, I like the addition of the greens, but the zebra is my favourite.

Anonymous said...

I'm with floribunda, go for both! Beautiful all the same.

Marilyn said...

I think the zebra is definitely a Wanda "zing" and would be your personal touch. I agree with the two comments above that suggest a touch of yellow and the other who suggested a burgundy. A yellow green might be nice, too.