I'm afraid I left myself with very little time for this challenge, but had already decided to repeat an earlier piece that I had really liked, 'Reflections'. All did not go well! I wanted to use this 'tiling' technique to show off my favourite bit of snow dyed fabric, but when I came to sew the pieces together the fabric, a wonderful cotton/silk mix, moved and stretched and would not behave. I choose a black and white fabric for the strips, thinking they would disappear into the background, but instead they seem to dominate! I'v been wondering about adding some more quilting, but that would cover the delicate patterns in the fabric, and I could not bring myself to do it. So here it is, an encore that has not lived up to the main performance. I will live with it, and learn from my mistakes.
I quite like the black & white fabric strips. I feel they add some life to it. The piece definately is crying out for more!
ReplyDeleteThe fabric is beautiful and I agree with Phil the black and white strips don't worry me. Even though you were reluctant to quilt this beautiful fabric it may have added an extra depth to the whole piece.
ReplyDeleteBlack and white strips don't worry me either. It needs a focus - if you don't want to spoil the gorgeous snow dyed fabric - add some growth (lichen?) in the mortar - just a tiny bit.
ReplyDeleteHaving done battle with my own bricks and mortar in the graffiti quilt my heart goes out to you with the temperamental fabric.
Hilary
Linda who BTW?
Sometimes good ideas just don't materialize as we expect them to. Perhaps with a very vibrantly-coloured hand-dye, with strong demarcations and contrasts, this idea would have been more successful. The rosy fabric is subtle and would perhaps make a better background than a main subject. I remember the shibori you used so effectively the first time around.
ReplyDeleteOh darn, nothing worse than a deadline and a disappointing start. You certainly chose a very successful "stand in" for your encore.
ReplyDeleteThe fabric in the bricks is beautiful. I have to agree with you, the movement in the black/white fabric is distracting. But we learn! And move on!
ReplyDeleteAs with ice dye fabric I find that I have to see it close up to get a better idea of my reaction. I am sure you will get another idea to balance the interplay of textures.
ReplyDeleteI too agree that the black and white adds a sparkle. In my view, though, more quilting is always a good thing. It could enhance the gorgeous fabric; I don't think it would detract.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for the comments and suggestions. For the time being it is going into the drawer and will be ignored...but maybe one day I'll get it out again and try again.
ReplyDeletegorgeous gorgeous fabric. when you pull it out of the drawer, please seriously consider some of your heavy quilting techniques that you do so well - like on our 'heading home' farewell gifts that you made for each of us
ReplyDeleteI think your intent to showcase your beautiful snow dyed fabric was spot on...I think that you allowed that fabric to be appreciated by this design. I hope you don't bury it too far in a drawer...it still has a story to tell. The black and white grout helps to accentuate the color in each brick.
ReplyDeleteOh Linda - been there done that, and close to the deadline too. It's another step on the journey and we love to learn - don't we?
ReplyDelete