Thursday 26 January 2023

Piecing and playing

 I'm still working away at this, though my chunks are slowly getting larger.  

For a while I was looking at my various bits and pieces and thinking mostly in terms of separating them in some way so that they didn't feel too busy. It was that impulse that led to my previous post, thinking more carefully about the values of my fabrics.  I added some extra beige triangles into one area and definitely felt that improved things.  However, I was still wondering how I would replace my large areas of floor with a more fabric-based alternative.
Then something interesting happened: I was discussing this with a friend who challenged my assumption that I needed that space.  What would happen, they wondered, if I just let my blocks run wild.  So I tried it.
You know what?  It needs more work, but I don't hate this.  Nothing is sewn together and I won't remember the order next time I get it out, but the general principle stands.  This has me thinking about challenging the assumptions I make as I quilt: there are some types of choice I have been making for so long that I don't question them at all any more and maybe I could, from time to time, step out of that comfort zone.  Let's see how this goes.

9 comments:

patty a. said...

I really like the "wild" layout! I applaud you for breaking the assumption of how putting together a quilt has to be a certain way. I think we all have those thought processes/fears that can limit our creativity and don't even realize it.

Julierose said...

I like them all together like this--I think I seem to fall back on our usual assumptions--I had trouble with geometry in High School--actually "seeing" all the shapes--shall I blame that? hahaha
Nice work on this I love the beige fabric additions...
hugs, Julierose

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

I like them closer together as well. I'm glad your friend asked you that insightful question!

Robin said...

I like this quilt because it has so many things to look at. It draws my eyes all around each piece. There is so much going on and it doesn't wear me out. It just makes me happy. Is it just me or do the fabrics sometimes talk to you like they do to me. You know, like; I love being sewn next to this contrasting piece so I can shine." Or, "thanks for using me, I've been waiting so long." (Yeah, I probably need to get out more.)

Ann said...

Moving units changes your whole quilt. I like both ways so wonder what
your next choices will be. Keep up the good work. This is fun to watch.

Mystic Quilter said...

I like it!! I'm looking forward to your next post to see the next move!

Linda @ kokaquilts said...

Looking good! Yes, sometimes moving things around results in exciting progress!

Doris said...

Love it wild and it is not chaos only wild. I think this checkered white red blue fabric gets a lot of attension I would use it sparingly but perhaps all in all it doesn´t matter. Exciting process.

Janie said...

The triangles every where make a lot of excitement and like Yvonne said, I think your friend had a good idea.
Fun with design!