Monday 29 May 2017

Considering negative space

Last week's AHIQ posts by Monica, Ann and Sharon and a comment here, also by Sharon, have prompted me to think about making choices as I work, and specifically to consider negative space.  It's pretty clear from my quilts that it's not a concept I spend a lot of time pondering; my approach seems generally to be not so much 'less is more', but rather 'more is more'.  However there's a time and a place and maybe this is it.  

I had moved my latest chunk down to the bottom and paired it with one of the big blocks, but it's not quite working for me - just a bit too busy I think.  So I sat there, pondering the image of the existing blocks floating in white space, or grey space.  Eventually I came to the conclusion that I will try using my striped shirtings in bigger pieces (for as long as they last), to try and add extra quiet space around the quilt.  I haven't sewn anything together, but you can see I've laid out a couple of bigger bits, just to see what I think.

My intention now is to separate those two bits at the bottom, either with a triangle strip or, more likely, with one of these shirting strips. 


15 comments:

Monica said...

Or, a light chambray blue could be a nice colour for a wide background. But really, I don't think this is the quilt for that. Maybe next time! I'm really enjoying all the stripes in this one. :D

Julierose said...

I also like the red/white striped fabrics in there...you are so good at putting things together...hugs, Julierose

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

I think that adding some negative space to this top will give the eye the ability to take in more detail in the end, too.

Quiltdivajulie said...

Like you, I don't use negative space much. My quilts tend to be full of everything everywhere. Watching to see how you handle this new approach!

Sharon said...

I like your idea of using some of the "quieter" plaids/stripes for some negative space. I think that will look good with what you have so far. It does look good!

helenjean@midgetgemquilts said...

I use lots of negative space in my scrapbooking but not so much in my quilting . I do have completed blocks that have loads of negative space , you are making me want to cut them up !

Soma @ inkTorrents.com said...

I like the use of negative space too. I like your idea of adding negative space in this quilt. I can't wait to see how this one evolves.

-Soma

cspoonquilt said...

I like the way these blocks are coming together! The shirting with the red and the light green looks great! cheers!

Ann said...

If you don't have large pieces you can always piece a block with fabrics in the same value. I've done it before and it adds a large quiet area that has a subtle difference. Like you and Julie, my quilts are usually full,very little negative space.

patty a. said...

I am not into all the buzz about negative space. Having negative space for the sake of having negative space that does not add to the overall design doesn't make sense for me. I like the idea of yours with the bigger striped areas. The change in scale could help with bring all the smaller elements together.

PaulaB quilts said...

I do agree about the importance of some negative space, but not going overboard with it. That's a whole different look popular with "modern" quilting. It really is a balance. Our brain can only absorb so much then it gets lost a bit. What about taking photos along the way to compare and help decide when to stop. The pale shirting would be a nice choice.

Unknown said...

nice

Cathy said...

I'm not a fan of a lot of negative space but sometimes just a little is called for. I'm anxious to see what you do.

Mystic Quilter said...

I like the placement of the block at the bottom, they go together beautifully and the shirting goes so well in there.

Mary Marcotte said...

I like the shirting, also, but wonder if using the same fabric in the blocks and as negative space will give the fabric more prominence than the fabrics not used in negative space. I'm not sure that makes sense. lol I just noticed that the red stripe is in the block and in the negative space. I'm not sure if you want it to stand out that much. Just another thing to think about, I guess. Have a great weekend!