Saturday 23 February 2013

The Evolution of a Block

Do you plan your projects, or do you just see where things lead you as you piece various bits of fabric together? I tend to plan a little, and improvise a lot. I seldom write things down, or do a sketch first as I can visualise what I want in my head and just take it from there. And then if it looks stupid no one knows because I just change it and lie.

As you know, I made a house block with freezer paper piecing. Today I turned it into a square block. Only now there is a lot of sky. A. Lot!

I am incapable of taking a photo of something square on.
Absolutely incapable!
There is that big (traditional white) sky. What would you do with it? I am contemplating embroidering bright golden rays coming from the sun, and big puffy cumulus clouds stitched in blue perle. I briefly thought about a rainbow, but shot that idea down myself. That was just too twee for words. I could stitch a tree behind the bicycle and ducks. Or a for sale sign? I even thought about doing 'Home Sweet Home' up there in the blank sky. I prefer the idea of clouds, and sun rays. What would float your boat as an idea?

Since I was incapable of making my mind up about that wide open space, I set about putting clapboards on the house and thatching on the roof instead.


Just in case you are wondering, I FMQ'd the clapboards, meaning for them to look a little wonky and uneven. It was on purpose. Honest.

Susan

39 comments:

  1. clouds or blue or sun would be great. Never done this type of block so I'm probably not the one to give advice.

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  2. Perhaps FMQ sun rays would be just the thing for that sky. Your FMQ clapboards and thatching are a perfect addition. You were so right that you needed the bulldog and I really like where you put him. I admire your creativity.

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  3. It's such a lovely block. Clouds and sun rays will be good, and how about an aeroplane, complete with maple leaf logo, heading in the direction of Canada, or is that going a bit too far?

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  4. I love the idea of a plane and some clouds...and a tree would be nice.

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  5. my first thought was I would love to see a hot air balloon with a basket and someone hanging out of it :) a plane would be ok....

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  6. I love it! I like the idea of a tree, a few (wispy!) clouds and some rays of sunshine!

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  7. I like the idea of clouds and sun rays. It's a beautiful block

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  8. I was at a loss for ideas on this, but the plane idea sounds fun, until I saw the hot air balloon suggestion, now that would be really cool! : )

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  9. A couple of fluffy clouds would do it :o)

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  10. Oh do clouds, clouds are amazing but the I just love clouds. But your block looks amazing, what's it going to be?

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  11. This is gorgeous!

    Clouds? In this sunny place? I first thought of a bird.

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  12. Clouds and sun rays sound perfect! I also like the idea of a plane or hot air balloon.
    You already have a tree at one side of the house so I'd like to see a duck pond or clothes line at the other side :)

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  13. Fluffy clouds for sure, it is looking fantastic.

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  14. Oh it definitely needs a little embroidered loop-the-loop biplane!

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  15. I actually like the wide expanse of sky!! It reminds me of big Australian skies. Maybe some big billowing clouds would add the interest you are looking for?

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  16. I like the idea of rays from the sun and clouds.

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  17. I vote for the sun rays & clouds. It's looking fantastic. :-)

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  18. I like the rainbow idea, but sun rays where my first thought.

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  19. I'd like to see an old fashioned biplane with a wingwalker flying past and maybe a few pigs!

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  20. Crikey that Fmq isn't wonky!! Mine would be all over the shop (or house to be exact) love the block but my mind is blank about the sky, I'm tired and need cake fuel!

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  21. Love it and I think the clouds will look great

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  22. Clouds would be lovely, but my first thought was for you to embroider a big thought bubble showing the day dreams of the girl on the swing, but clouds would be beautiful, what about hand quilting them in white so you just get the texture of them?

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  23. Oh and I love it by the way! Especially the sun, and those butterflies are perfect x

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  24. I actually love the amount of sky - it adds some air to the block, if you know what I mean. I'd think maybe either the clouds or the sun rays for the embroidery. And I quite like Fiona's idea of making the clouds in white.

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  25. I think FMQ loop de la loops would look rather fab :-)
    Nice to see Mr BullDog back on track ;-)

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  26. My first thought was someone parachuting down, but I have just been watching James Bond - power of tv!!

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  27. Tree maybe? Looking good so far, I am sure whatever you choose will work out!

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  28. This is really taking shape! Love your quilting! Jxo

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  29. You're doing just great with your own ideas - though I like the idea of a hot air ballon - not too big, but creating an idea of perspective distance up there in your white space.

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  30. Some clouds would be great and I just love the idea of a hot air balloon too!

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  31. I love the clouds and the hot air balloon ideas. You might have to make some more blocks so that you can embroider all the different suggestions!

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  32. In the little village quilt that Carol (Mamacjt) made for me there is an aeroplane pulling one of those banners which says DQS10 or whatever the number was. I thought that was pretty creative and cool. The aeroplane is an aeroplane button...

    I love how this is coming together though!!

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  33. I like clouds but I also like the idea in the earlier comments about someone parachuting down, it sort of tells a story about someone who really wants to get back home!

    Applique rather than embroidery maybe?

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  34. I would do something like clouds so as not to clutter the space up too much - I actually really like all the clear space! And I am LOVING the little ducklings :)

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  35. Clouds and sun would be great ...big puffy white clouds. Maybe even in 3D with fluffy felt?

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  36. Clouds and sun rays would be awesome and a tree would add a lot. I think you are doing a wonderful job. You could just continue on and make a whole neighborhood :)

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  37. hee hee hee....a for sale sign. Perfect reminder of the times we're in :)

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