This is a quilt in progress. It's for a donation to the hospital, but I need some opinions before I continue. The quilt was going to be 12 blocks. I was experimenting with a wonky half log cabin idea. I think I hate the fabric so much that I'm not liking the blocks at all. It's so dull and lifeless. I know it's to donate, but it will have my name on it and I don't like to give away something I don't like. What to do? Trash it? Will quilting transform it? Add something? I'm at a loss.
43 comments:
Maybe it's too pale. I think it needs more contrast. But I like the wonky log cabin idea. How were you going to arrange the blocks? A wonky split rail fence set might be cute. You have eight more blocks to go, perhaps if you added some darker blues and upped the contrast in the remaining blocks you could mix in these four and not have to redo them. Let us know what you decide!
What about adding a little yellow and a few darker blues? A little yellow will give it some sparkle and, as Calico Quilter said, the darker blues could up the contrast.
You don't have any dark...
I like the wonky 1/2 log cabin idea, but when you add the other 2 sides - you lose that idea too.
The colors are very light, but they aren't bad together at all. Possibly turn them so that the small corner is at the "center" of the four blocks, then frame it with a darker fabric that still has the lighter colors in it, as if it is one block? I am just writing as I think, so I hope that makes sense. I really like the idea here.
I often have crafting pessimism early on in quilts, but I like it so far and think you should keep going with it. I wouldn't add any colors or change the blocks. you could play with the arrangement at the end - pivot some of the blocks to make a more graphic statement. I usually end up liking a quilt more once it is done.
Dull and lifeless? Fresh, clean, and bright. If it had a smell it would be the fresh cotton or fresh linen scents. It's like a summer day on the clothesline. I love it the way it is. Keep going.
I'd use some yellow for contrast and brightness. Maybe you could applique on some yellow flowers with a few green leaves and curvy stems. The curvy stems would break up the straight lines of the blocks. the blocks are lovely so far. I'll look forward to seeing what you decide to do with them.
I actually really like it. The first idea that came to me was to sash it with some funky black and white print or stripe. I think that would liven it up without going overboard. Or even red - you know that red and aqua are the new 'in' colors!
I like it! maybe you could turn the blocks so they face each other differently and I like the idea of applique like the person above said. Maybe you could add a bright border to make it pop a little.
I know how you feel though. I have a quilt that is just sitting there not sewn together because I don't like the fabric!
I'm with Michelle- these blocks just scream fresh and clean to me!
BUT I know that you like brighter, funkier colors and quilts, so if you think you need to brighten it up, maybe do some blocks in pinks and yellows, or even just some darker blues. Then quilt it with a really bright color (hot pink? bright orange?) and really set it off.
I love it. It's so summer. My thought was white sashing, but I love Joanna's idea of red sashing even more.
I actually really like it. Does is have to be a big quilt? because I think it would make an absolutely beautiful baby quilt without changing anything.
I like it, beautiful work as usual, I would just maybe turn the blocks so they aren't all pointing in one direction, maybe some indigo blue sashing?
I love you log cabin and turquoise is my favorite color.
A few colors that make turquoise pop are orange and lime green.
You could also go with a red to make this fresh and modern.
Brown is also good with turquoise, I would chose a dark espresso.
You could either sash it with a contrast color or simply include one block of turquoise and contrast color somewhere in the quilt and then bind it with that same color. Thanks for sharing, hope this gives you idea and helps you like these blocks. Danielle
I like how it's turning out so far! I wouldn't change anything other than possibly rotating the blocks around.
Hmm. You're right - it looks crappy. E-mail for my address and I will take it off your hands because that is just the kind of gal I am. Always ready to help out a friend, don't cha know.
Seriously, I really, REALLY like it. You have picked fabric that I personally think is marvelous. It DOES look clean and fresh.
I love the freshness of the quilt. If you decide to add other colours, I would suggest orange and some darker blues. I love the blocks. The idea to turn some into another direction could work very well!
I like the blues and all the comments. How about some sashing with 9-patch squares at the corners and intersections? If there is such as thing as a wonky 9-patch you are the one to do it. I think red or purple would liven it up. Blue and brown is very trendy these days too. You could also try some random aplique of ladybugs, flowers, or whatever to provide eye candy.
I really like it. It would make a great baby boy blanket just how it is.
I wanted to respond in the comments because so many of you have those no reply email things. (You really ought to check that!) Thank you, thank you. I have so many good ideas to try. You all are the greatest! I'm going to play around this weekend and see what happens. Hopefully there will be a quilt at the end. I appreciate your willingness to weigh in and help out!
I would rotate a few of the blocks to put all the 4 little squares in the center. you may have to use 16 blocks for the quilt to make the pattern successful, though. I like how it is shaping up. and quilting does add a lot, so don't underestimate that part of it. I do like the thought of adding in a few splashes of orange...maybe an orange (or lime) binding? there are so many possibilities!!! (it's funny how easy it is to see the possibilities in someone else's quilts rather than your own sometimes.)
I like it. It appears lite and airy to me.
I do like this take on a wonky log cabin. It is a little pale in color, maybe add some bright turquoise sashing, or orange would really look great with these blues.
I don't see anything wrong with it. It is a 2 color quilt, like many of the antiques were. It is soft and soothing and great for a donation quilt. It's kind of like the old saying, everyone can't be the star, talking about the actors in a play. Quilts that are experiments don't have to be the "star" of your collection. Learn from your experiments and go forward.
Well in my opinion it is not dull and lifeless, it is crisp and clean, great for a hospital...what about a plain white border and then bind it in your scarps leftover in the blue...I think you are far too harsh on yourslelf Jacquie...
I love the quilt the way it is! I'm a bright color person but this quilt really is great. I was just looking at a Pierre Deux purse my daughter gave me for mother's day and it is light blue and white... but has a few red cabbage roses on it. Cath Kidston uses that combo also.
Joni
Put a small red circle somewhere in each block. That will wake it up.
I think it looks good, but I think that maybe some dark blues would "brighten" it up. Maybe just even as a sashing to give it some contrast. Also, I agree with rotating the blocks so they are not all the same. But as usual, your work looks great! And if you don't like the fabric then that is certainly playing into your not loving it!
I like it, but I would add some darker blue and some yellow. Gret idea!!
Kris
I'm with Michelle.....Fresh & clean and the smell of fresh linen. There is always a point in a project that there is some doubt.
Maybe someone already suggested this, but I'd rotate some of the squares a bit so that they aren't all facing the same direction. That may help with the randomness.
As for the color....I know this isn't your normal bright color style but there is probably someone out there who LOVES this color and will love it more than a brightly colored (which you and I love). I'm constantly amazed when someone comments about something that I'm not in love with. We're all different. Keep at it!
Red and aqua are very popular color combos perhaps a border in the red family. I have a hard time working on things I don't like. When that happens I donate the quilt top to a friend who finishes it and in turn donates it to a senior citizen center or women's shelter. Someone is happy to have it. However, I happen to really like the quilt and the colors.
I am with Michelle, too. It just screams clothes hanging on the line. I would not change a single thing. Something like this would be so soothing and refreshing to look at, specially if one were sick.
I love the wonky half log cabin pattern you have going here. Its very appealing, and the light fabrics allow the pattern to truly shine.
I cant really add any new suggestions that havemt been suggested already (darker blues, lime and/or yellow additions, change the placement of the blocks)... but I know it will be gorgeous when its done, and I cant wait to see it.
I think it lacks balance. I know it's supposed to be wonky, but there seems to be too much wonkiness and nowhere for the eye to rest. I think I like the idea of rotating the blocks somehow. Or maybe putting very wide white sashings to isolate to blocks a little more.
Whatever you do, I think balance is the key.
I haven't read all of the comments through so I'm sorry if I'm repeating anything.
I like the blocks. For wonky blocks they seem too uniform. Maybe rotating some? They look like rectangles and not square so maybe, as you make more, move the center block around.
And how about using the darkest solid blue as some sashing as well? Doesn't have to be too wide.
I like the color of it overall. Maybe just not your cup of tea?
I know what it's like not to be 100% happy with something that you will be putting out there. Just follow your instincts. You could always set this one aside for now, and start another one differently, and then compare the two. You may decide that you want to explore the first idea further, or you may decide that you like your second draft better.
Personally, I like what you have so far, but you need to like it too. :~)
Have fun creating!
I love this! I don't know where in the hospital it's going to go but I think it looks wonderful. I don't think that every quilt needs to make a strong statement - some are just soft and pretty like this one. I personally would keep going and NOT add other colors or darks.
Is it the colors or the wonkiness that is bothering you? If you are set on a monochromatic color scheme, I would do as some of the other posters have commented, add some darker blue hues. If you are not set on monochromatic, then contrasting colors are an option. Several people mentioned yellow, but I would vote for orange, blue true complementary color. It will make the blue bluer :)
Otherwise, I like the blue and white blocks you have. They just need a little more punch.
I'm with Mary...I like it just the way it is. Soft and airy. Just think of it as an experiment out of your comfort zone! It will be great and loved by someone special :)
dull and lifeless? what? i like this. it looks like a very fun baby boy quilt. hmm.. i like what previous commenter said about it smelling like fresh clean linen or laundry or something like that. or maybe like baby powder. yes, its a good one.
DO NOT throw it away! I think it's pure and bright, like a newborn baby. Of course I'm a total beginner at sewing, just my .02
I like it.
I love it - leave it alone. I would buy it if it was for sale. Great for a baby's nursery. Don't change a thing - you don't have to love everything.
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