Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Back to the Kaffe fabric blocks.........
After working all day yesterday I just wanted to work on one of my "in progress" projects last night. Here are the 4 latest blocks and they are all larger than the earlier ones.
I put them on the design wall in a random order leaving spaces where they don't fit together. That could be filled in with the same fabric all the way through the project. I don't like it very much though.
Then I tried them in vertical rows of like sizes.
Remember when I made two wallhangings with blocks like these in January? Check them out here.
Thanks for all of your comments yesterday on my "dumbbells, lava lamp, peanuts, separating bubbles" quilt top. Some of the comments have me wondering what I will name it! It was a project that shows that the value (light, med, dark) of the fabric makes the design irregardless of what the colors were.

20 comments:

Gene Black said...

Interesting! My eye far prefers the like sized rows over the random order. I think with all that is going on in the fabric prints and various sizes of center squares in each block, the order of like sized blocks calms that almost chaotic feel I get from the first one.

Cindy Grisdela said...

Wanda,

I've just discovered your blog and I'm really enjoying it! Your use of color is wonderful. I like the random order blocks today best. I think you could tie the whole thing together with the "filler" pieces. Good luck!

Beena said...

I like the random order best, but it would be entirely contingent on what fabric would be used in between. I think I would go for something really bold there, like jet black. But for a border, I'd stay away from solid black, and go for a print with a lot of black. It's just my opinion!

I love the blocks. Take your time playing with them to get the perfect arrangement to your liking!

Rebel said...

I was wondering how you were going to sew them all together. I like the like-sized-rows idea. =)

Anonymous said...

What fun!

The curved pieces that you posted yesterday is great.

Your work continues to be so "exuberant!" Very inspirational.

Eva said...

...a gallery with precious frames!

Reg82 said...

Oooh, I love this blog, too! I like the random placement--it's all just so unexpected and fun! I'll be interested to learn how you piece it all together--in either configuration with all those different sizes. Is it as complex as I think it will be? I love your work! Thanks for sharing it with us!

Reg82

Vivian said...

I can't improve on what Eva wrote. Well said!
Both layouts are exciting.

jovaliquilts said...

I prefer the random placement, too and I think it's because I feel like I can breathe when I look at it -- the other seems so crowded. But I don't know what the effect would be if you filled in the white space on the random placement. Maybe if they all had a little white around them...but that would be an entirely different quilt! Thanks for showing us your auditions and letting us play with them!

SewCalGal said...

I love what you did in January, plus I really like the random approach you are showing. Great design & use of color.

SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

Cathi said...

I prefer the rows in size order over the random -- but wonder if the random blocks were spaced out a bit more with a background that would unify them what the effect would be.
For some reason, I keep seeing a light switch in some of those blocks.

Anonymous said...

I enjoy seeing what you create on your design wall, and the choices of two different designs. I really like them both. And can see some of your little blocks in those empty spaces.

The vertical rows of like sizes has a nice rythmn to it and I know that is what I would end up doing because it would not require any more work.

J~MT

Bren said...

Love the random way and yes I would fill in with a jet black, cheddar yellow, fushia,--but black is my first choice. Then a thin inner black border and outer border of more blocks.

I should use my Kaffe material made in these type of blocks.
What FUN!!!!

Lynda said...

Thje blocks need something to unify them (apart from the Kaffe Fassett fabric, of course!) The rows do it, but maybe all the big ones in the centre with the small ones round the edge would work?

jacquie said...

i like the look of the random order, but i can for the life of me figure out how that would all get fit together.

Barbara Strobel Lardon said...

I am playing catch up on the blogs I follow after a busy weekend. First I wanted to tell you your garden and plants look just gorgeous and I suppose that is why that baby bunny looks sooo content to be in your yard.

The "dumbbell" quilt turned out wonderfully. I must admit at first I was not a fan at all, but it surprises me now.

I am sure you will work out these different sized blocks. You always find a way to do it.

Janet said...

I love that they're not all the same size and width. Filling in the spaces would make an interesting touch.

Vicky F said...

Hi Wanda,
After looking at your previous photos, I think we have to see what interesting background filler fabric YOU have in your mind (and in your stash).
Maybe a black-ish batik?
Maybe a zebra? Or black and white leopard?
Either of the arrangements could work depending on the filler choice.
Vicky F

Wanda said...

The blocks are great. I think blocks like this are the best...sort of like so many moods all together. Tough decision...random or rowed. Both are nice in their own way...Isn't it great that there isn't any right or wrong?!

Patty Cramer said...

Hey Wanda,

Glad things went well with your Father. Sometimes I get the rudest of rude folks on the phone and I think - if it's that bad - why don't you find another job. Then I remember the economy. I've experienced much friendlier folks when I got out shopping these days. I'm met at the door with welcome, need help finding something??? Should have been that way all along.
Your quilts are awesome. I have so much of the same fabric - great minds "buy" alike. :) I just love that beachball quilt from January!! You Go Girl!!