Tuesday 14 June 2016

When things don't go according to plan...

I started today with 6 lighthouses and, I thought, a pretty clear idea of what I wanted to do next.


I had pieced some log cabin-y bits around a few of my printed names, keeping an eye on what was on either side of them (sort of nearly matching, if you see what I mean).  So far so good.



But then I filled in the gaps and suddenly I hated it.  (And I would happily show you this, but wasn't working at home and forgot my camera today: if I get time I'll download the snaps from my phone and add them later).

It looked heavy and clumsy and not at all right.  In fact I preferred the photos with lots of floor space. So I have had a go at improving things.  I added in some little bits of the sandy gold that I used in the windows and instead of matching round the edges, just moved things about until it felt better.  This is where I am now.


This is better, but I'm still not sure so I'm going to ponder before I do any more.  


16 comments:

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

I love seeing all of the blocks together. I also see what you mean about really liking how the names look surrounded by your tile. Good luck finding the right balance!

Doris Perlhuhn said...

i always have problems with words in quilts or paintings. My brain is always reading these words and my focus is on these so I do not really appreciate the beauty of the other parts. But this is my problem. Love love your lighthouses.

Catherine said...

Good luck! I have faith in your instinct and it looks so wonderful already :-)

Julierose said...

Oh I totally empathize--my blocks are all different sizes--that is the end of my buying pre-cuts--so called precise--none of them is the same--sooo, I am sewing rows that are wonky and don't match up--will have to make some filler strips I think...I hate tearing out seams...
hugs and good luck Julierose

Cut&Alter said...

Wow these lighthouses look fantastic together - what is the collective noun for lighthouses?! Good luck on your layout.

Mary Marcotte said...

Wow! You've really advanced with the lighthouses! I think you've added three or four since my last visit. (Sorry, we're in a "wild" area without internet most of the time.) These beauties look very at-home (comfortable?) together and while their colors are beginning to change, they still work together very well.

I like the coloring of the floor, too, but I think it may have something to do with a sandy/rocky color that forms a natural setting for the lighthouses. I think you can add more of that color and still be "safe," just think of rocks and sand around lighthouses. Cliffs, bluffs, and so on with water surrounding. You could introduce tree colors, too. We saw a lighthouse today that had trees on three sides of it. Okay, I've done it again and said too much. Your work is fabulous, don't let me influence your art!

Janie said...

Looking good! Isn't it funny the love, hate thing we go through in designing and arranging blocks.
You'll soon get it all worked out just right!

Kate @ Smiles From Kate said...

Oh Kaja, it's looking so nice. I'm looking forward to seeing the next step.

Nancy said...

Your lighthouses are beautiful, Kaja. I love the color gradations in the fabrics you use for the backgrounds. Looking forward to the next steps.
--Nancy. (ndmessier @ aol.com, joyforgrace.blogspot.com)

liniecat said...

Kaja they are looking great!
And yes do look better in that second layout colouring I agree lol
They look striking together too

Lisa J. said...

I really like the picture with the bits of brick showing through as well.

Mystic Quilter said...

The sand colour really works so well with your lovely lighthouses, if you're still not sure just walk away for a few days and then re-visit.

Sharon said...

Oh, your lighthouses are wonderful! I find putting together the free-pieced bits some of the hardest parts of working this way. But I think you're on the right track. You'll know when you've "got" it.

Ruth said...

I absolutely love your lighthouses and really enjoy following your progress as you figure things out - I learn a lot from this!

Monica said...

Well, this is another interesting exploration of horizontal and vertical lines, I think! It looks like the one that feels better is the one with a clearer vertical line of contrast in the "sashing." I think that line keeps the lighthouses from overpowering their setting, and helps to put them into context. It's very interesting! And looking amazing so far!

Lara B. said...

Your lighthouses look so incredible grouped together Kaja. They are thrilling to see! Will you be using more name blocks than you have lighthouses?