30 August 2013

Going backwards to go forward...

Like most of the other quilters making the Love Entwined quilt, I couldn't wait for the first part to be published, I had bought some lovely French blue and red fabrics and was determined that these along with some chintz and off-white washed linen would be my colour scheme. I quickly pieced the centre compass and started on part 2.

I was really happy with the way things were progressing until I came back from holiday a couple of weeks ago. I had taken the pieces for the zig zag border to work on, but had left the top at home. I looked at it again with fresh eyes, and although I liked the centre circle, I was not really happy with the star flowers or the colours...
It was too co-ordinated, too blue! too contrived looking for my taste, I normally make really scrappy quilts with lots of colours and almost never use blue - this is really out of my comfort zone! I didn't want to work on it and seriously considered abandoning it, or starting again from scratch. After a lot of thought and some advice from friends, I decided to remove the red stars and add in some more colours.
Yes, I like this much better! It has a more muted antique feel to it now. I have replaced the star flowers with some broderie perse.
Everything is just thread basted at the moment, you won't see any of the background around the flowers when I have finished, I may add some outline embroidery details too.
There is a lot going on in the centre of this quilt, I will add some blues and more greens when we get to the corner baskets to balance the colours. I have still not decided if I will use my original zig zag border, I have an idea for something different! I also want to go back and add some embroidery to the centre circle. I am glad I changed my mind, I am really enjoying working on this again!

9 comments:

  1. I love both of your versions! But I understand your color issues. I have struggled off and on with the fabric choices for LE and it becomes more difficult with each part. I am hoping that Part 4 will solidify things for me! Can't wait to follow your journey.

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  2. I think it is looking so pretty and soft! Love the colors you've chosen so far. Beautiful!

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  3. I like your additions of broderie perse and their colors. Each of us must make this quilt our own so that we will be happy to work on it. You have done that.

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  4. It is better to change now than go on and not enjoy your journey. Your new choice looks so pretty I look forward to seeing more of your work on LE as you progress.

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  5. So interesting to watch your process. The design is so unique and pretty!

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  6. I am so glad that you feel you are back on the right track again. It is such a journey of discovery! Your colours are lovely and soft.

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  7. Beautiful so far, I love your large flowers too!

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  8. So nice to see your process love your colours all looking great.
    Bunny

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  9. Hi Elaine oh gosh you are unpicking too?LOL. I think this quilt really does have a mind of its own, several times I have gone with a fabric but had to unpick it and replace it. I do like the colours you are working with, I liked the red star flowers but can see now why you changed them. Have fun I am Cheers Glenda PS did I see a strawberry you had embroidered???? I can not find it now!!!!!

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