On my design wall today are the first 25 blocks for my version of Barbara Brackman's "Votes for Women" sampler quilt. There will be 49 block patterns posted, so this project is at the half way point for me (NB...there have been 39 block patterns posted already, so I'm a wee bit behind!)
I have been using up my reproduction fabric scraps and wanted to see all my blocks on the wall to figure out what fabrics/colours need to be increased or decreased in the blocks yet to be made. I think I need more cheddar, and maybe more green? What do you think? Also, when I looked at the photo on the computer, my first thought was how much I dislike that umbrella handle. Do you think it stands out too much, or is it just my eyes? It seems too skinny or too dark....or something. Opinions, comments and feedback are welcome! To see more design walls, hop over to Patchwork Times.
What fabulous blocks! It's amazing how when you look at something through the lens or computer screen that your perspective changes.. To be honest it was the umbrella block that caught my attention as a favourite! I think the handle is fine.
I too noticed the umbrella first and I think because there is nothing on the top of the umbrella that it seems a bit unballanced. Try putting something dark in the very center like a french knot or a small button and see if that helps before you change anything. (Don't know sizewise for your square) Otherwise looking good. Definitely more cheddar and green. Happy quilting. Butterfly George
Now that you mentioned it, the umbrella handle does stand out. Maybe it's because not much is happening in the block, or you used black fabric. Definitely for green and cheddar. Otherwise all your block look great.
Loving these blocks--and I vote for more cheddar and green. As far as the umbrella goes, I think the block itself stands out because it is unique in its curves and more open space. Whether you want to leave it as is, put something on the top of it (which would balance the block a little, but don't know if it adds anything for historical accuracy), or choose not to include it is your call. What would make you happiest with the quilt?
You are doing a great job on this one! I think you need more cheddar and green, but not necessarily in the same blocks. I'd also look at the background fabrics to see if you need to balance them a bit more. Lovely work.
If you exchange places - the house and the umbrella, you won't think that handle is a problem. Yes to the colors you want to add, also, I would use more of the darker background so those few don't stick out. The dark brown in the square in a square block would be a good one to repeat as well. I try to use each fabric in at least 3 blocks when doing a really scrappy look. This is good progress on your part. Way to go!
Guess you shouldn't ask my opinion on the handle...'cause I chose not to make that block and substituted a different block! Love what you have here...looks like a good variety. I love blue so I would add more blue...bet we all gravitate towards the colors we love. Your quilt will be gorgeous!
Umbrella suggestions: move the block off to one side or another; make the handle a little wider and in a browner shade. Audition some browns in the same family as browns you have already used and see if any of them say "oh yes, I belong".
I agree that the handle needs to be a bit thicker. Adding more Green and cheddar is good if your stash has them . Great Blocks -1/2 way is good, keep going.
I think the umbrella block looks great as is. If it is bothering you - how about adding that little triangle at the top in brown. That would balance it. All your blocks are looking great to me.
I don't think the handle stands out. Maybe if you were to change it ..maybe a little fatter!?but you only have so much room in the square.
ReplyDeleteLol....I think the umbrella handle was fine....until you pointed it out, now that's all I can see!
ReplyDeleteWhat fabulous blocks! It's amazing how when you look at something through the lens or computer screen that your perspective changes.. To be honest it was the umbrella block that caught my attention as a favourite! I think the handle is fine.
ReplyDeleteThese are really interesting blocks. I love your fabric choices. I don't think the umbrella handle stands out at all. It looks nice.
ReplyDeleteI too noticed the umbrella first and I think because there is nothing on the top of the umbrella that it seems a bit unballanced. Try putting something dark in the very center like a french knot or a small button and see if that helps before you change anything. (Don't know sizewise for your square) Otherwise looking good. Definitely more cheddar and green. Happy quilting. Butterfly George
ReplyDeleteNow that you mentioned it, the umbrella handle does stand out. Maybe it's because not much is happening in the block, or you used black fabric. Definitely for green and cheddar. Otherwise all your block look great.
ReplyDeleteLoving these blocks--and I vote for more cheddar and green.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the umbrella goes, I think the block itself stands out because it is unique in its curves and more open space. Whether you want to leave it as is, put something on the top of it (which would balance the block a little, but don't know if it adds anything for historical accuracy), or choose not to include it is your call. What would make you happiest with the quilt?
You are doing a great job on this one! I think you need more cheddar and green, but not necessarily in the same blocks. I'd also look at the background fabrics to see if you need to balance them a bit more. Lovely work.
ReplyDeleteKathy, your blocks look great. This quilt is going to be a keeper and loved by all you see it.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy the colors you picked. It makes the quilt look happy and fresh.
ReplyDeleteIf you exchange places - the house and the umbrella, you won't think that handle is a problem. Yes to the colors you want to add, also, I would use more of the darker background so those few don't stick out. The dark brown in the square in a square block would be a good one to repeat as well. I try to use each fabric in at least 3 blocks when doing a really scrappy look. This is good progress on your part. Way to go!
ReplyDeleteGuess you shouldn't ask my opinion on the handle...'cause I chose not to make that block and substituted a different block! Love what you have here...looks like a good variety. I love blue so I would add more blue...bet we all gravitate towards the colors we love. Your quilt will be gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteGreat blocks!!
ReplyDeleteUmbrella suggestions: move the block off to one side or another; make the handle a little wider and in a browner shade. Audition some browns in the same family as browns you have already used and see if any of them say "oh yes, I belong".
ReplyDeleteYour blocks look great. I don't think the umbrella handle looks out of place.
ReplyDeleteThese are looking great! Love the fabrics.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the handle needs to be a bit thicker. Adding more Green and cheddar is good if your stash has them . Great Blocks -1/2 way is good, keep going.
ReplyDeleteLooks nice seeing all the blocks together. The umbrella block is the first one I noticed.
ReplyDeleteI think the umbrella block looks great as is. If it is bothering you - how about adding that little triangle at the top in brown. That would balance it. All your blocks are looking great to me.
ReplyDelete