This is the piece I'm working on now. Mistakes: 1) fooling with the darn metallic embroidery thread for quilting the center of the flower - doesn't show 2) using variegated thread for quilting around flower 3) should have used a thicker thread as well, I think 4) not deciding on a quilting pattern before starting; a little time spent on deciding what to do would have been a better idea than making it up as I go along.
Have considered taking the majority of the quilting out and starting over with a solid color and thicker thread, but I'm to lazy and it is too easy to say, "I'm just practicing."
1) I think that the subtle effects of elements such as almost imperceptible metallic thread are often underrated. I love it when a slight change of light makes something that I had not noticed before sparkle.
ReplyDelete2/3) Quilting does not always have to be obvious to have an effect. I love the way that an unseen quilting thread can make whatever it is surrounding have a presence. The fact that it is variegated does not matter if it is not seen.
4) In general I agree that a certain amount of planning is a good idea - but sometimes going with the flow is what is needed.
If you still think they are mistakes, then at least you have identified them and can feel satisfied that you have learned something about how you like things to be. It looks lovely from here!
I like the metallic thread on the flower!
ReplyDeleteI just hopped over from another blog where you asked how many hours a Dear Jane takes to make. It is one of those things where if have to ask about the price, you can't afford it. I think the timeline is measured in years, although some people have made theirs much more quickly, maybe months, but I don't think they juggled as many projects as most DJers.
ReplyDeleteI agree about liking subtlety in metallic thread. I like the simplicity and calming effects of your recent work. Jen
ReplyDeleteI can see the metallic thread in the flower. I think it would look great in changing light.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Shelina about the Dear Jane. The only ones I have ever seen finished in a months timeline were people who were only making a DJ and were doing it to take their minds off something else, like a son in Iraq or a premature grandchild...
It looks beautiful the way it is. I think it needs to be more subtle than bold. I love the fabrics and the colors. If you still are unhappy with it when it's finished, you can send it to me--those colors would go perfectly in my new house...
ReplyDeleteI love this. It's beautiful. The flower is wonderful, and I really like the Chinese?? cloth. Super!
ReplyDeleteI think you're being a little too hard on yourself, but then I understand, I tend to be the same way. I think it's lovely anyway. You could always add another row of straight stitches around the edge to emphasize them a little more if you want more definition, but I think it looks beautiful just the way it is!
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