Friday 7 June 2019

Going backwards to go forwards

I feel like I am finally getting somewhere, though I am mostly unpicking what I have already done and reworking it.  Both the bigger pieces here have had changes and I like them better for it.

These bits are now all fine by me.
I have quite a pile of spare parts, all sweet, now waiting for pairs that will keep me going in this direction.  I plan to make more of the smallest size blocks, and still have fabrics that need to be added, but for the first time I am pretty sure I will be carrying on with this.

In conversation with commenters on the previous post I have realised a couple of things.  The first is that although I often see quilts made with solid fabrics that I very much admire, in my own quilting I am less comfortable with lack of pattern.  It seems to add an extra layer, or set of options, that pleases my eye, to add some depth and movement.  I wonder why this is.  

The second is that it is all about combinations.  If you can find the right partner(s), any colour can be made to work.  My usual method is to pull out literally everything and just keep auditioning until I find something that I like, then to build on that (looking for similar colours/tones but with variety of scale, pattern etc).  It would probably give some people a headache to work this way but it usually gets me where I need to go and definitely comes up with better solutions than deciding I know up front what will work. 

11 comments:

Mary Marcotte said...

You work intuitively from the start. That's kind of rare, I think. Most quilters begin with something in mind--a pattern, a combination of fabrics, a challenge. You do this sometimes...the lighthouses and the texts...but often you just begin.

patty a. said...

I think using only solids can be limiting. It is harder to throw in the unexpected. I like the addition of the smaller blocks. The variation in scale keeps it from being predictable. Your process is what makes your quilts so interesting!

Janie said...

Fun quilt engineering! Making it pleasing to your eye, good way to go.

Julierose said...

Your blocks are looking lovely; I am a big fan of any kind of cross quilts/blocks..something about them just pleases me...;))).The now and then appearance of little birds is really eye catching...very nice progress...hugs, julierose

Quiltdivajulie said...

I like to add a bit of solid here and there as a resting spot but my first love is and always will be print fabrics (notably those with saturated color or decidedly low volume). I've done a couple of all solid pieces (small) but they were very much in the Gwen Marston style.

Mystic Quilter said...

Gosh this is growing pretty quickly!! Regarding use of solid colour in our quilts, as you know I love saturated colour and pattern, but, I do love quilts from Gwen Marston in beautiful solids and already have a project tucked away in a box using all solids - whether this progresses is another matter!

Lisa J. said...

The blocks are very soothing. I love to work by pulling things out and making decisions. I have been trying to limit myself in my latest project, but new fabrics keep sneaking in.

Kim said...

I am loving this new playing of yours. Though there are fabulous quilts out there made mainly from solids, I too am drawn to patterned fabrics. I think making it up as you go is a fabulous road to take. It is a road that takes you on wonderful and exciting adventures where you discover possibilities you would never have thought of.

audrey said...

It's interesting when we pause to reconsider and actually find a nugget of 'wrongness' that needs to go. I think that's the hardest part about improv. for me. What if I waste a lot of time or gasp! fabric? Your quilt is already starting to take shape. The less sweet fabrics are doing a marvelous job of holding down the new design.:)

LA Paylor said...

I sure like this. I think you match values, letting pattern and color give variety. The bits of darker fabric give a spark but the whole piece blends like a rich dessert
Leeanna

Ann said...

I see your first design better now that you've added the print crosses. Love the way you lengthen those with another fabric.
Your method is so exciting. I love watching how you fit your pieces together. Trying every fabric in my stash is my typical method although I usually have a block in mind when I start. Occasionally I pull the fabrics first but that is when I'm making a quilt for someone else who has a color in mind.