I will be making two blocks from this pattern. These fabrics are for the brightly colored, scrappy quilt.
Hmm....
First off, there's a lot of empty space here. I'll could add to the grass and move everything up on the background or I could fill something in at the top of the block. If I put something at the top, what might it be? Pieces can't be too tiny or stitching becomes tricky, so that pretty much eliminates little appliqued birds. Embroidered birds? Flying in a group? Just little, black, curved "v" shapes?
I'm not sure that I like the green blobs on the tree either, but haven't thought of another way to deal with that yet. Maybe if I had more variation in sizes and shapes the tree would look better. Only one blob stands out as being different. The rest are all quite alike.
Of course, the easiest solution would be to cut the block down to 14" x 14" and add a pieced border all around it. Here are three possible layout ideas for a smaller block.
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| Just house and grass |
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| House with small tree |
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| House with large tree snug against it (Still need to work on those leaf blobs.) |
I see other little problems, too, but those are minor adjustments in proportion and possibly fabric choice.
Help!
I would sincerely welcome your thoughts! This is, after all, a group project and you need to be given a block pattern that you like. Every idea you share will be seriously considered.
What do you think? How shall I deal with the empty space at the top of the block?
What about the green blobs on the tree?
What else do you see that could be changed to improve the plan?
Waiting for your comments ...
I like the big tree, but I think the leaves should be bigger. Is that possible?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sue. Which big tree do you mean? The one on the 16" block or the one on the 14" block? As for the leaves, anything is possible. :)
DeleteThe 16 inch block
DeleteThanks again, Sue. That seems to be the definite favorite. :)
DeleteI think they're all great. The 16" one just slightly edges out the others for me. I don't mind the extra background, but maybe clouds if it doesn't push the blobby limit? I do also like the idea of more grass though, and maybe a walkway. As for the leaves the only one that really stands out to me is the one at the top that is more horizontally stretched, and maybe the others just need to overlap it. I agree that maybe making them all larger could also help.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alicia. The larger one definitely doesn't feel crowded at all. I'll experiment with some other leaf treatments and see what works. Larger leaf blobs is certainly an easy solution, so that will be the first thing I try.
DeleteThe larger one is my favorite. I like the forward tree in the last picture. Adding a deeper roof? adding a side room to the house? adding more trees, bushes, fence and or a clothes line peeking out from behind the house.? This is so exciting to see develop. You are so artistic!
ReplyDeleteThanks, CJ. You've given me some good ideas. :)
DeleteI like the very first sample. I would increase the size of the leaf pieces and fill in the open spaces with swirly stitching to look like a breezy day.
ReplyDeleteQuilting just might be what it needs most. Thanks, anonymous friend. :)
DeleteHow about a rainbow or a nice sun and a couple fluffy clouds.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anonymous. Ideas keep piling up!
DeleteTry using a tiny leafy fabric for your trees or use a more jagged cut on the leaves. how about putting the sun in the sky to fill the space
ReplyDeleteThank you, so much! I like the tiny leaf print idea.
Deletea tiny dog applique somewhere near the door.....
ReplyDeleteThanks, GrannyG. I'll definitely consider that idea.
DeleteHow about adding a little sunshine, sunset or clouds to provide interest in the sky thereby balancing the visual without overcrowding. Or, perhaps hillsides???
ReplyDeleteThank you, Randim. Definitely worth considering. :)
DeleteI like the 16 in block, I think less is more but maybe the leaves alittle bigger. With the other blocks I think just the house and tree is good. I don't see the need for anything else.
DeleteThank you. I really do appreciate hearing your opinion. I agree about not wanting to overdo this block with too much fussing. So far, I'm sure that the block will stay at 16" and it will have just the one tree. Once I'm happier with the layout of these pieces I'll think about whether or not anything else needs to be added.
DeleteSince you don't want to over fuss..maybe some hills behind the house. Vary the colors of green..The idea for curved v shaped birds is easy with a pigma pen.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Linda. I love getting all of these ideas. I think I almost have it figured out now.
Delete