Over a year ago I stuffed this piece into a bag and put it way on top of my storage space. It was pieced, almost quilted, and partially embellished when I decided I hated it. (Notice all those dangling quilting threads to be buried.) A week or so I got it out again, and decided maybe it wasn't hopeless. After consultation and thought, I made the round circle irregular like the others. (I made it round in the first place after thought and consultation also. So it goes.)
This was not an easy fix. I ripped out the quilting stitches, took off the applique circle, remade it so that it is irregular, which meant piecing more blocks, took out the squares underneath where the circle had been, and appliqued the new shape on, trying to match the edges of the new blocks with the seam lines. Now I have to match up the quilting lines and re-quilt, which means there will be even more ends to fasten and bury. I also put some more blocks with blue into the large gold shape on the upper right, but that was relatively easy. There were leftover blocks to use, and I'll just quilt over the old quilting without removing it since the space is so small.
I don't recommend this kind of fix. Ironically, this piece was one of the most carefully planned ones I've made. However, there is an almost infinite way to arrange those little blocks, and that was where the trouble began.
Next steps: finish the quilting, do a bit more embellishment, and bind. We'll see if this was worth it. I'm still not sure, but at least I don't cringe when I see it anymore.
14 comments:
I remember this from last year! glad you are working on it again.
Very abmitious, Kay! I really like your interpretation - can't wait to see the embellishments!
Cheers!
I like it everytime so what can I say? The additions/enhancements look great but I know they must have been a pain. Any thoughts on the binding?
Word Verification: tedlike
Hey - I remember this piece! I like it even better now. Your changes seem to make you like it more, too. Always a good thing! Sometimes a piece of work needs a time-out - kind of like a fractous toddler!
Looks better with the irregular circle . . .
This is so beautiful. I think the worst part of small pieces, quilts or actual pieces is that they are so immensely time consuming, but I really think this is a stunning piece. Can't wait to see if completed.
Very, very nice! Good fix.
Is that a new header? I like it!
Wow! What a lot of work but I think it was worth it. I'll be watching too see how you embellish it.
I think your changes are very effective. Sometimes the work just needs to rest until we can see it with clearer eyes.
I remember this one and always liked it. It seems to be out of your comfort zone. maybe that's why it is giving you fits.I think once you finish it you will be glad you did!
I remember this piece. It is definitely not hopeless, and sometimes all it takes is a fresh pair of eyes. To me it looks watery and ethereal.
This looks great, I like it. Your Hoffman glimpse looks fabulous, can't wait to see the whole piece. You've been busy!
It's looking GOOD! I, too, have liked this piece from the beginning. Your "fixes" have made definite reflections in the water shapes. I look forward to what comes next.
I really like the watery effect!
Post a Comment