Tuesday 13 March 2018

And just like that...

Playing with Scale is done. 

Of course it wasn't really 'just like that' - in fact I don't remember the last time a quilt caused me quite so many headaches.  I have stopped and started, tried lots of things that didn't work, but hopefully I've learned some useful lessons.

Here's a shot that reminds you roughly where I got to last time.
I knew I was close to the wire with my fabric at this point - for instance I didn't have enough of any single fabric to cut another big triangle - and for quite a long time I thought I was going to use that Coin strip in the top right hand corner to fill in a gap.  They were one of the various things I had tried and rejected at various points along the way; of course if I hadn't tried so many things that didn't work, I would still have had plenty of fabric, but that's the way of it.

But the Coins still weren't working for me.  I think if I'd incorporated some elsewhere in the quilt I'd have been okay to use these ones,  or if they had covered a bigger area (maybe two squares wide rather than just the one) so it's not the Coins in themselves I rejected; it was more a question of scale, which seems appropriate, though that doesn't make it any less annoying. 

At this point I was really scratching my head, and could have gone back to my fabric boxes to find an extra piece of something or other, but I finally concluded that if I pulled the Coin strips to pieces I could use those bits of fabric to piece enough strips to make four more string blocks.  If you look closely at the finished top you might be able to spot those last four.

So I ended up here.
Having really struggled with lots of aspects of this make, including the colour scheme, I have ended up with something I like a lot, even if it's by the skin of my teeth.

23 comments:

patty a. said...

I think you did a great job resolving the issues you had. I do like those 4-patch string blocks. The scale of them against the larger string blocks looks so good. I think the top turned out wonderful.

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

I think that the struggle was well worth it in the end, Kaja, and I wonder how much you like the quilt because you were able to overcome the challenges so successfully?

helenjean@midgetgemquilts said...

This really is an improv quilt to the extent that you were unpicking and changing as you go . I'm having fun looking at all the different patterns moving around this quilt

Janie said...

Very nice, good lighting.
It reminds me of your Saturday photos; architectural elements, arches and beams.

Marly said...

You solved all the problems! Hooray! It's so dynamic too, like all your quilts; I love it.

Robin said...

So fascinating to look at. My eye doesn't stop at any one thing too long before it anxiously moves on to another element. Nice work.

Cathy said...

I like it a lot too! I see lots of secondary patterns. Looks like your sun room had an influence!

JanineMarie said...

I know your focus lately was on the strings, but I have to say, I really like how the large scale print HSTs stand out and are supported by the rest of the quilt, as those were your starting point. I love how your challenges to yourself lead in exciting and unexpected directions. You can believe the "scale" challenge was a big success.

Glen QuiltSwissy said...

Love it! Love it! Love it! Hard fought ones sometimes turn out to be the most celebrated ones in the end.

Quilting Babcia said...

Your struggles with this top paid off wonderfully! I love the interplay of color and shapes. You have a treasure in the making here.

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

It's gorgeous !!

audrey said...

It's interesting to read about how the process worked for you this particular time. Not always an easy way forward, but always getting somewhere that looked just like you intended for it to happen this way! Love, love, love this quilt. The colors and design feel very authentic and real for you.:)

Linda said...

Glad you stuck with it!

Ann said...

I like the value range from almost white to black or navy. Can't imagine this quilt without both as they really make the rust and green shine. The three small sets of strips make an interesting scale change especially since two are x's while one is an o. Fitting the blocks with a few sashing strips to get the right size makes them look appliqued in places. Another nice touch. So much to admire. Plus I love where you hung it!
Congratulations.

Kathleen said...

You are amazing. And so is the quilt.

9658 Textiles said...

This is truly a piece of art Kaja. You know when you go to a gallery and stop in front of a piece and stare at it for ages just working out the bits and composition and absorbing the feel of it until you are satisfied. For me that is this quilt. Thank you for sharing your process and inspiring results.

Wendy Caton Reed said...

Fabulous! And it looks great in its "natural" surroundings!

liniecat said...

Another winner, although its put you through your paces lol
It reminds me of beautiful geodes

Mystic Quilter said...

Happy you have such a stunning finish! I see what you mean about the coins strip, just didn't fit in with the rest of the quilt.

Carli The Quilter said...

Kaja! Pinch yourself. Another beautiful quilt, things do work out with perseverance.

Mary Marcotte said...

You are the most willing quilter I have ever known. Willing to do just about anything to get it right. (Funny how getting it right means getting it your way.) It's a gorgeous quilt, so you did get it. I was skeptical (a little anyway) when you first started this pull, then in no time, I was wishing I had thought of using those colors. How you do it is baffling, but it amazes me every single time!

Elizabeth V Kelbaugh said...

Absolutely love it and your color scheme. Sew fun!

Sandy Panagos said...

Whew! You hung in there and ended up with a great top! I admire your dedication.