In the end I didn't add the strip of triangles I was considering last time at the bottom. Instead I used the yellow/cream strip. For some reason that I can't quite fathom, it is not pleasing my eye when I let too many of the Coins strips build up next to each other. In previous, much more Coin-y quilts, this sort of juxtaposition has pleased me considerably, but now, not so much. So I go with the flow and use a little bit of something plainer to break thinks up.
After that, I went all the way up the right hand side with just that little spotty brown strip.Then across the top, where Coins looked okay...
and then another skinny strip down the left. These very thin strips are my way of keeping to the spirit of the medallion without ending up with a square quilt.
I also considered going square until I achieved a good width and then adding an extra section across the bottom. Maybe that's a plan for another time.
And then those triangles came back in. I like them much better now.
Around the edges you can see some of the options I am considering for the next columns/rows. I'm not thinking very far ahead, because if I cut things I don't use it's a waste of fabric, though I'm not likely to run out on this one. But working one step ahead of myself doesn't feel too much of a stretch most of the time. The thing I am spending most of my time puzzling over is whether I want any more of the chunks with the birds and that sharp yellow-green colour. In theory, I think I do, but so far it hasn't looked right when I've tried it. This is definitely a case of trying to listen to the quilt and hoping it knows better than me.
12 comments:
Adding the strip to the bottom for a bit of breathing room does make a big difference; I went back and compared to what you were considering last time versus the last photo here and it's clear you are good at listening to the quilt. :)
I like the solid strips a lot--the interior is busy so they give a nice contrast...hugs, Julierose
I know you were describing the process with your post title, but I think Circling the Block would be a great name for this quilt. The houses and birds and sidewalk-like coins seem to give it a neighborhood vibe.
Adding that black/blue dot strip on the right was a good call. It repeats that fabric from other places and it draws the eye from top to bottom. Great job!
The skinny strips are just the ticket! I will have to remember that trick! The triangles at the bottom look perfect now and I am digging the blue and gray strip at the right side not yet sewn on. I can see your dilemma about how to add more birds. Right now the quilt seems so balance with the three sections of birds. I don't know how big the piece is right now or how big you plan on making this, but if you go bigger then there may be a place to add more birds.
You are making this so fast, Kaja! I think it looks great. I especially enjoy reading your thought processes as you're working on this quilt.
Im not a great fan of preordained patterns at the best of times and prefer to visually construct a .... mish mash LOL but youve proved visually yet again,
how much difference can be achieved by balancing colours and shapes.
The bottom now balances the top beautifully, you've such a great eye for that kind of placement and the vertical strips hug it all together nicely.
Somehow, you manage to add an undefined hug-ability to your combinations and thats often missing to me, with some of the perfectly aligned, (clever to be fair) precisely pieced designs that follow all those 'rules'.
I'm guessing you'll add some flashes of the sharp yellow-green but not the birds . . . time will tell! (and I totally agree about the breathing strip at the bottom before adding the triangles).
I must admit I wasn't sure about this one in the beginning, but I'm liking it more and more with each step you take. You are definitely good at what you do!!
Kathleen - kakingsbury at verizon dot net
Fun design, I like the house blocks and contrast gives it life!
Last post you left a space between the quilt and the incipient round. Now you've pieced in that space. These pauses are like a quick breath, allowing us to see more, focus more. The rhythm and speed of your piecing improves your artistry.
Oh yes. This feels so well balanced with lovely pops of the lightest cream fabrics to help lighten the mood. Your coins and triangles always thrill me with their fun improv. vibe. Such a wonderful looking quilt already!
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