The 'Feeling Blue' blocks are now a queen sized quilt top. You can see I ran out of space on my design wall. I'd love to know your thoughts on this one. My hand is itching to grab my snarky seam ripper and start again. That block in the center is bothering me.
I made a simple pieced back for the back of this pinwheel quilt. It's on the floor ready to baste.
'Red Hearts' is basted and ready to quilt. I'm having a little trouble deciding how to quilt it, but then I always struggle with the 'how to quilt' decision. Again, the snarky seam ripper is at hand in case I make the wrong decision.
The Neighborhood to Help a Neighborhood auction for Haiti is going great. Thanks to each of you who have put in a bid or helped publicize the auction! You're the best! At post time the bids were:Pink - $200
Blue - $200
Green - $150
That's $1100 for the American Red Cross and the auction doesn't end until Friday. You can check it out here.
The Craft Hope etsy shop is exceeding all expectations. So many of my crafty friends have donated or bought items. My 'Hot Spots' quilt found a new home too. Doesn't it warm your heart to see how folks rally in a time of need?
52 comments:
Yep, that square obthers me too, I reckon get out the seam ripper!
Oops, that's supposed to say "bothers", and I'm referring to the first quilt, the "Feeling Blue" blocks. Forgot to say that :)
...or you could applique a strip of black down the right side of the white block, thereby floating it on it's own, detached and free from other white blocks...not sure why it's bothering you, though...to close? too far?
How is it that you are able to machine quilt with all of those safety pins in your quilt, Jacquie?
congrats on the auction - amazing so far and I'm sure there will be more bidding throughout the week!
First I Love the heart quilt, beautiful! and I would probably add a small black strip to the block that bothers you,I`m feeling like its too clear beside the others... although I like the design of this quilt,great like all your creations!
Why does that block bother you? Is it too close? do you want it to overlap more? Have you tried to turn the quilt 90 degrees to look at it from that angle? I know you don't like applique and no matter what we suggest your heart will determine what you do and it will probably be to get the ripper out. Oh and by the way I LOVE this top and now you've got me thinking of something new again. I also like the backing you've sorted for the pinwheel flimsy. Thanks Jacquie for the inpirition.
Jacquie, I think all the quilts look wonderful! But in the end, you have to love them. If it is bothering you that much, you should consider your options. But from where I sit, they look fabulous.
Yes, it is bothersome. Perhaps it needs a dab of dark like all the other blocks.
Jacquie - I've looked at this top again and that block is the only block with no black in it - is that's what's bothering you?
I think your Feeling Blue quilt is wonderful! The block that is bothering you is the only one without black on it. This block also seems to be almost centered on the quilt. With the rest of the quilt being assymetrical, maybe that is what is bothering you?
Thank you so much for your generosity in auctioning your neighborhood quilts!
Everything is amazing! I love the top one, but like others have said, it's the only block with no black. Maybe a little circle? That'd be different!
You give me such inspiration!!!!
My opinion on the feeling blue quilt is: do what makes you comfortable. My main comment is about your seam ripper for when you make the wrong decision for quilting.....As a longarm professional, the number one reason for ripping out stitching is for bad tension only. Never rip out for design, only bad tension. It helps alleviate any pressure while quilting. So have fun!!!
I love the top and don't think you should rip it out! I gasped when I saw it. But if you hate it, it's time to break out your seam ripper...
Oh, that took my breath away, it's gorgeous and so stunning. Dont take that middle block away, it seems to ground it. LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!
Question for you. How do you manage to get so much done...is there a tip to quicken up the process, or is it just constant know-what-you're-doing sewing?
I think that the center block will easily find it's own place in that quilt.
Your projects are always so lovely.
I love your quilts. I see what you're saying about the center block, but it took me some looking to see what it was that was different. I agree with the others, if you aren't comfortable with it... The heart quilt is beautiful. You always amaze me with the amount of work you produce. You are such an inspiration!
I hope we are not late to stop you with that seam ripper in your hand.. :)
I just wanted to say, I love the middle block.. I think it makes the quilt that much more special.. I love it the way it is...
i love the feeling blue top... don't rip, it looks great. actually, i think they are all great.
All three quilts are beautiful! That back for the pinwheel quilt could be a wonderful quilt front all on it's own...
Jennifer :)
I love the 'Feeling Blue' quilt! I wouldn't change a thing. I bet it looks great on a bed.
Sorry I like it just the way it is ... great quilt.
I love that top quilt so much.
First off, the "Feeling Blue" quilt is a stunner. The only things that I can see about the middle block being a bit of a bother to you is, as others have said, the lack of black, and my first thought which is it may be too centered and too independent in relation to the other blocks... this causes my eye to get "stuck" their, (but only momentarily) when I look at the quilt, (temporarily) disrupting the overall flow. I think the same may be happening to you, and the pull of your eye to that one spot is making you uncomfortable. Having said that, I don't think I would change it. In fact I think it makes sense to keep it.... Had I not known differently from you, and were looking at this work with only the title to clue me in, I would have reasoned that this was a savvy design move to illustrate the isolation and mood one may feel when they are, "Feeling Blue". I think you have a great piece here, Jacquie.
Stunning quilts as usual but Feeling blue is over the top gorgeous. If you are feeling 'queesy' about that block then do what your heart dictates. I just love it and will love it if you change it too. I love all the comments but Andrea and Victoria posted wonderful thoughts and comments.
Obviously I'm not nearly as sophisticated as your other commenters! lol I don't think I could dissect it as they have. I just know I saw the quilt and loved it. However, as many have mentioned, you will do what your heart (or superb eye for design) tells you to do. ;)
I would also leave it the way it is. I like the comment about just ripping out things because of bad tension. Having said that, though, I ripped out a certain color of fabric in my granddaughter's quilt because it just shouted out loud, and replaced it with something quieter. And it wasn't an easy fix as they were all wonky blocks. But I'm sure glad I did it.
Jacquie,
It's just perspective. It's not the middle block that draws my attention but another one.
You are amazing!! Keep up the great work!!!!
I like it, I think that center block is good there. I would leave it if I were you. just my opinion...
I like it, it doesn't make me feel blue though, more like restful. It's a lovely quiet quilt. Although I like the blue in the middle there I can see where it may bother you some. Maybe a bit of blue in the upper right corner to offset it some. Or what color will the binding be, that may make a difference. Glad that your darling house quilts were able to make a difference for such a good cause.
It does stand out there, I see what you mean. What about a smaller block, on the left hand side?
Great news about the auction!
The square that bothers you looks fine to me. I love the graphic look and the randomness. I would agree with some of the other comments. If it bothers you add a strip of black to it. You know on thinking a little more it might look better if it was a bit smaller.
TBH, I liked the quilt as soon as I saw it, so was surprised when you said you were contemplating a seam ripper!
Even going back to it for another look, I still think it looks great as it is!
Ah Jacquie, This quilt is fabulous! Before you take the seam ripper to it, take it down and don't look at it for a couple of days (at least). If you are not under any time constraints, this quilt deserves some time for you to "perculate" on it. Come back and look at it with a fresh set of eyes before you make any decisions. Personally, I think this is some of the best work I've seen from you. (And I think Victoria is "dead on" in her commentary, too.) Good luck with it! Very, very fine work! Well done!
I've only been at this quilting thing for a few months, but I've already discovered that if I don't LOVE something about a quilt, it needs to change. I've tried to 'make-do' with certain fabrics and have regretted it. So I say, "Tweak it 'til you L.O.V.E. it!!!"
I love that block in the middle, it's like a door into the center of the quilt. But it's your top and if you aren't happy, well...you know how that goes! I think it's stunning and I like that every block doesn't have black in it.
the block doesn't bother me - I think it looks great. if I were to do something, it would be to rotate the block...that's it. but I do not have an artists eye as you do. I think its great!!!
julie
I think this has been said above but I think part of why the center block just isn't "right" is the fact that it is the only block that a)does not have black in it, and b) is almost detached from the block it's touching. All the other blocks overlap a side of another block by at least half the side's length. The "problem" block is just touching a corner with another block.
The lack of black and the just touching corner, added to the fact that said block is at the center of the quilt, just throws the whole thing off and draws attention to it.
I also noticed that the block groupings go: three blocks, four blocks and then five blocks. It might make it better if the groupings went four blocks, four blocks, four blocks?
All that said, I do like the individual blocks and the color combination. :-)
Jacquie, The Feeling Blue quilt is striking. However, I think your middle block is out of sync with the rest of the quilt. Besides being the only block without black, it looks as though it is floating on its own, a little out of balance. I am not sure it warrants the seam ripper though. Do what pleases you. I agree that letting it sit for a couple of days and then looking at it again may help you decide what you want to do. Your other quilts are lovely. Nice job!
i love feeling blue! from afar it resembles framed photos! it gives a sentimental feel. no seam ripper allowed! ;)
i like the feeling blue quilt.. and while i get what you are saying about the middle block.. i wouldn't change it... there is something about it that is very endearing!
I wouldn't touch the middle block..I think it looks perfect. However, I know that when I work on quilts if something bothers me, no matter how many other people say it looks fine/great, I let it drive me nuts until I fix it. lol! It's fun watching the progress of all of your projects!
Just reaffirms how many wonderful people there are in the world and how we can pull together when we need to. The world is a good place.
I love that feeling blue quilt!
The first thing I thought when I saw it was PostIts! My sweetie is writing his PhD, and whenever he has an idea or figures out how to solve a problem, he writes it in a post-it and puts it on the wall by his desk. Random placement, and really pretty. I like the quilt a lot, and wouldn't let anyone come near it with a seam ripper.
But then, I don't have your eye for things, and I am sure that whatever you decide to do will be perfect :)
Either put some black on the center square so it blends with the rest or give it something to make it stand out. Me, since I like standing out, would add a unique color to it to balance the lack of the black and to make a statement.
Step away from the seam ripper! Put your hands up lady! Fab quilt my dear. That block that You say bothers you. Doesn't bother me one bit. It gives it another layer, all the blocks having black will flatten it... the fact that it stands out more, is for that reason... it's bringing it to he front.. Well placed, well executed, Well done!
Love it, DO NOT TOUCH!!!! Looks like a piece of art.
Love the back of your other quilt but Katie Jumps Rope is one of my favorite lines.
You heart quilt is just beautiful, I am sure you will think of just the right pattern.
thank you so much for your donations, they will help so many.
I'm going to come up there and steal your seam ripper.
leave it be girl, leave it be.
I read Victoria’s comment and I agree with her. I couldn’t have said it better, LOL , no way I could. She has such a great eye for quilts! Like you! So please hide your seam ripper, unless you really don’t feel happy about the centre block!
It is beautiful, and I wouldn't change it. To me, the center block keeps your eye from wandering off the right edge of the quilt. My eye starts at the lower left hand side and works up and to the right, the center block anchors it back to the middle. The negative space is so interesting in the quilt!
My first thought when I scrolled down and saw the blue squares quilt was "Oh, wow!" I think it's amazing just the way it is. your art quilts just blow me away.
Re: Feeling Blue. I have been trying to figure out the words to describe why the design is pleasing to me. The negative space (your word, most recent post) created by the black is terrific. I like your use of solids to create form, flow, and color. It is like color without color and shape without shape. I like it.
LOVE LOVE LOVE your Feeling Blue Quilt! Your designs are so modern and fresh! I plan on using more solids this year.
LOVE your feeling blue quilt - it's stunning. I can see you've put your heart and soul into this work of ART! I don't think you should change a thing, you've made something so precious and it will be loved by all (I can tell from the comments above) nice job!
Valerie
http://www.pastimesonline.ca/vals-quilting/
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