This is ready to go to Alz Quilts as soon as I finish one more piece to go along with it. My grandmother always had this sweet old-fashioned flower in the bed outside her back door; the kittens hid in the foliage. It's favorite memory of mine. I thought the stylized shape would be easy for me to do, but actually it was hard to avoid a cartoonish, valentine-like look. I tried, but I don't think I succeeded totally. The very candy pink fabric is part of the problem. Also, now that it's finished, I'm bothered by the fact that there is no visible stem on the leaf in lower center. I could add a small appliqued or embroidered stem. What do you think? Are those leaves floating? But I do like the colors and composition, and was very pleased with the way one of the Janome's decorative stitches fit perfectly inside the little "drop".
16 comments:
Kay, I had to work really hard to see that. I think you've struck a the perfect balance with this actually quite floral piece. I didn't see "valentine" at all. I saw flower. That's just me though. I'm not just being nice either. I just wouldn't have said anything.
I think it looks fine. I agree with KarenDiane - not too valentiney at all.
I do see what you mean about the pink and the Valentine idea but don't see that as negative at all. I don't think it comes off as being sticky sweet or anything jsut as some beautiful flowers. I also see what you mean about the stems at the bottom. Can you test out a stem to see what it looks like? It might provide just the detail you want. If not is there the possibility of some curly vine action at all, like tendrils? If all else fails can you live with it as is since it looks fine already?
The flowers are pretty whatever you do and I like their shapes especially.
I love bleeding hearts; what a perfect symbol for an Alz quilt!
I thought Bleeding Heart as soon as I saw it. They are heart shaped so it's bound to look like a heart. I didn't really notice no stem on the leaves but it would be easy to embroider a stem on if it bothers you.
Lovely, Kay! I love it!
I love bleeding hearts. I think you captured it nicely. But I see what you are talking about. As Libby said, it might be nice to add some tendrils. totally up to you!
I think your bleeding hearts look great the way they are--not every detail needs to be present as long as the main subject is recognizable. I would move on to the next idea.
Kay, I love bleeding hearts - around our neck of the woods they are truly beautiful. I think yours are just right - after all, they're "stylized" and don't need to look exactly like the real thing. I'm sure it will bring a smile to the lovely person that becomes the recipient!
As Joyce said, the flower is shaped like a heart, so the shape is very appropriate. I don't think the leaves are floating - it is not noticeable unless pointed out. The flowers are what draw one's attention. Bleeding Hearts are among my favorites and bring back good memories, too.
Leave it alone! It's wonderful! My Grandmother had these flowers too. I love the flowers and I love your interpretation of them.
I love it just the way it is. It is delightful, and I knew it was bleeding hearts straight away. Okay, I'll agree with your cartoonish assessment, but in a very GOOD way. They are stylized.
I recognized fanciful bleeding hearts at first glance - - - looks great. Don't overthink it, Kay.
I did NOT think cartoon or Valentine. Instead I thought of my own late mother's "grove" of bleeding hearts in the shady back garden.
What you've done is perfect. I love it.
This is so sweet. Love it.
Wonderfully graphic piece! I noticed that my Bleeding Hearts have just started to bloom. A life long favorite of mine. I love the old flowers.
Post a Comment