I'm finding I'm not as happy with the way the larger blocks of dark coral stand out, so I'm going to pull some of them -- it really works better in the narrower strips. But I like the darker yellow ones, so I'm definitely adding more of those.
I initially made a matrix in Excel to prevent myself from creating duplicate color combinations (what can I say, I'm a geek); of course, as I get into the actual layout, it's getting thrown out the window.
They warned about proportion in the book, but did I listen? No. But they also indicated that the queen size of this quilt called for 280 5" x 7" finished blocks, laid out 20 x 14 for a finished quilt of 85" x 97" -- and I can't for the life of me make that math work out. I'm doing mine a little smaller at 18 x 13, so I have extra blocks to work with and trade out.
I'm still trying to get the balance right, taking my glasses off and looking for dark spots or too much blue (this same technique works for distributing lights on the Christmas tree evenly -- two rare times being nearsighted has its advantages), then going back to the stacks of remaining blocks to find replacements. Then repeat ad infinitum.
I think I could rearrange blocks on this for the next week and still not be satisfied.
10 comments:
I love the Modern Quilt workshop and have had my eye on that quilt for a long time. This will be beautiful!
I do the same thing with my glasses--take them off and step back--who needs a design wall when you are nearsighted?! I like the color choices though. It will be really nice when it's finished.
hmm, I think it's looking alright but honestly, the first thing I thought when I saw it was, "that needs to be quilted." What I mean is I think the quilting will really finish this out when you get there.
Stunning quilt and I love all the solid colors.
Love the quilt! Great colors! I think the quilting will add even more character to this quilt! Great work!
I've done that with design layouts - the more I look at it, the more I change, until eventually I realize it all looks the same to me.
How did your ragged squares quilt turn out?
Don't forget to take digital pictures before and after you re-arrange the blocks! I'm near-sighted too, and often use the same technique for design purposes, but sometimes a digital picture will show the problem spots better. And, no matter how many times I rearrange, when the quilt is done, I invariably find 2 blocks too close to each other or some other "flaw". At some point, you just gotta go for it!
This is beautiful. I think your fabric choices are great (I agree about the coral too). And the quilting will really bring this to life.
Here is what I use for balancing the colors and design. It is so easy and your quilt doesn't even need to leave the table. Go to a hardware store and get a peep-ho;e, the kind that you have in your front door. They are only about $3 or maybe $4 and work so well. There are many different strengths and curves to choose from. I opened the packages right there in the store and found the one I liked before buying. The hardware guy didn't care at all, he was opening along with me. They just stapeled the packaging back together. I hope someone out there will try it and let me know if you do. It has been my favorite and most used discovery.
(my email is www.ddhamill@yahoo.com if you would like to write)
I do the Christmas tree trick, too! I'm new to this whole quilting thing (although I've been a crafter of different sorts for ever) and am loving your blog. It was through your link that I found the tutorial for the raggedy squares quilt - my first! - so thanks for that. All finished last night as a baby gift - I want to keep it!
P.S. I daren't show my daughter your photos - she will WANT Archie! He is gorgeous!
The coral probably stands out more because warm colours advance. If using both warm and cool colours in a quilt I often suggest using 1/3 warm to 2/3 cool - for a very balanced look. Of course, depending on the final goal that may all out of the window!
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