Wednesday, April 22, 2009

What's wrong? **EDITED**

This is the quilt on my makeshift design wall that I did in class the other day. 45 blocks done, 42 in the quilt. I'm just not happy with it. It doesn't look right.
I thank you all so much for your input. I am trying it all! Here is what the teacher has to say: "However, from what I can see in your photo, I think you need a few more medium value greens and browns. It seems to have too much contrast with so many lights and darks with not enough medium tones. Are those blocks already sewn together? I hope not. I would invest in 2-3 more mediums or just use more of the ones you have and make some more blocks that incorporate them. Avoid making more blocks with a light, med & dark in each blk. Maybe some new blcks would be med/dark/medium. Throw some of those in the mix and I think you'll be much happier with the outcome. Also, how about adding an accent color to spice it up? maybe an orangy brown / rust? or gold? You may just need an additional contrasting color to give it more interest. Often it is hard to see the outcome until you start putting it all together on a board like this. This is why I cannot live w/o a 'design wall'. "

9 comments:

Unknown said...

I don't know, I kind of like it. Maybe if you play around with the block arrangement a bit.

Christine said...

I love your quilt. I think it's beautiful. The choices of fabric are perfect.

Blessings,
Christine

Serena Lewis said...

I'm no quilter but I can tell you that LOVE this quilt! I'm not sure what you're feeling is wrong about it.

What does draw my eye immediately are the three blocks on the three bottom rows that have that dark brown and each dark brown strip is flowing upwards...this gives the appearance that they want to connect to each other rather than fit in with the 'disconnected' feel of the rest of quilt. Maybe if you swap the square second row up from the bottom and third across from the right with another square that doesn't have the dark brown? It will break up that dark line that's trying to connect?

Geez, I hope that makes sense to you. Personally, I love the quilt as it is but this may be what is bugging you?

Jana Nielson said...

Quilts are such a personal thing.....I think it looks gorgeous! I love all of the curved lines, and natural colors.

If it was my quilt, I might try switching the first block in row 1 with the first block in row 2.
It does look really good the way it is though....

Unknown said...

This quilt sort of reminds me of a drunkards path.. but he is a bit off the path... I would first try and putting the blocks all the same direction... and see how that works.. then I would turn every other one a quarter turn and see how that is ;) other than that I love love love the fabric choices :)
M

BumbleVee said...

hey! I recognize Hoffman in there.... but,not being much of a sewer at all...and never having made a quilt...forget my advice.... ,hahahha.....

ooooh,....but, I can't wait til I get to the bit where I can try to hand sew or glue up some gown or other for my dolly..... at the moment...I am slaving away on the 6th darn head...trying for a specific look to the chin...and rounder so it will be easier to try to glue a fabric over the first fabric. I am trying to do a needle sculpted cloth head...then glue on another piece in order to hide the center seam/....... okay...back to it........ one more just hit the garbage bin...oh, alright...I don't really throw them out, I put them in what I call the "odds-and-sods-dolly-bits box". Later, I may be able to use them for something... plus I like to save my mistakes for reference.....

Coloradolady said...

Well, I like the quilt as is...it is different and lovely color choices.

Mel said...

Wow, Carla! That quilt is beautiful!! How fun and inspiring! I love it!! Thanks for sharing!

yarnahoy said...

LOVE the pattern!