Thursday 12 September 2013

My Current Conundrum

While at the FQ Retreat (oh so long ago it seems) I did Katy Jone's EPP Triangles tabletop session. I can't say I got a lot done. Other than giving my laughing ability a good workout. It was a fabulous class, with a very funny bunch of women who said it like it is, and then some.

The gist of this converasation I am having with you here is that I got about half of one sixth of the block made in the duratoin of the class. Then in my most recent bloggy computerless void I decided to get on with finishing it.


I rather lost faith in my fabirc choices as I sewed. I wondered how I came up with such an odd assortment. But then I finished it.


And I really, really like it. Especially if I squint at it. I'm odd like that Now I want to turn this into a cushion, but am at a loss of what the background should be. I've placed it upon Kona charcoal, Kona ash and black Essex linen. I am not sure if any of them are right, though I am veering towards the black linen and thinking close straight line quilting in a variegated yellow.

But that somehow doesn't work in my brain either. Am I completely wrong? Should I look at a purple or orange background? Should this be a hand stitching project - in which case it will have to get in line as I have a backlog of hand quilting to do?

What would you do, if it were you?

Susan

38 comments:

  1. I'm leaning (!) towards that pink you used for the triangles - or the purple and maybe a border of the yellow scissors.
    BTW - nice to have you back.

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  2. I'd love to see the background that grey print you've used, is it tic tac toe or summit? The light one? I think that'd be awesome.

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  3. oooh, it's lovely. I have no idea on backgrounds though - sorry!

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  4. its crying out to be hand quilted!

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  5. If you listen very carefully it is crying "show me the magic Susan, handquilt me". Do you hear it? Thought not, but if you'd just stop talking for one teeny minute you might! Cheeky me! I think black linen or pink maybe for background, but you probably aren't speaking to me now after my rudeness, so I'd better pop off...

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  6. I'd carry on and make a whole quilt's worth!

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  7. How about showing us the the options as backgrounds to help or dis-count the choices, that always helps!

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  8. I'm playing with that same paperclip fabric today! I'd say use something untraditional or unexpected -- if it's going to be a pillow, something decorator weight. I've got a nice piece of yellow linen here -- wanna come to Winnipeg and see if it works? ;)

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  9. It's beautiful! If it were me I'd try it om a background of the cerise fabric :-)

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  10. I'm with Heart, need to see the options before I could decide. What can I say? I'm a visual slave!!
    I think a bright would be better than the black though & yes hand quilt it!! (Says she who does not hand quilt LOL)

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  11. I think a black grunge, sketch or color weave type of fabric would really make the colors pop! And I love the combination you chose. It's a bit unexpected but is beautiful and I may use it on a project in the near future ;)

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  12. Purple, black, grey, yellow, any of them would look ok because it is amazing - you are so much more patient than me. As for quilting well I would run it through my machine because I don't hand quilt - but you do, so maybe you should and use lots of colour...sorry not much help really

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  13. It looks already stunning but it will be perfect when finished. I am not going to give a hint as mine would maybe be totally different and I am sure there is already a picture in your head! So go for it

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  14. I'm thinking a really dark purple would be gorgeous, with some pink piping because I see it as a rather opulent cushion :)

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  15. I think you nailed it. I'd go the black linen and yellow stitching because it's going to make the cushion centre pop right up and smack you in the face with colour !

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  16. Kona Raisin is a great colour. Dark, dark warm purple - it might work. Lovely big cartwheel, whatever you put it on!

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  17. Ooh, I like Fiona's idea! I also like the idea I'd hand quilting to echo the external shape... But I might be biased!

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  18. Looks great on the black. Go with your gut!Jxo

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  19. I'd go with pink sketch like Tina said :)

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  20. If it were me, I'd never have got that far with it ;o) I like the idea of pink stitches on the black though

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  21. I would try yellow if this was mine - paler than what you've used already. Definitely hand quilted and bound in a dark grey. Whatever you decide on will be great I'm sure x

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  22. Love to see it handquilted with some perle, but I don't know if that's your kind of thing or not. What about the hand-dyed black essex? It's kind of closer to a grey.

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  23. My first thought was to go one shade lighter in the purply-pink, maybe with a sketch type fabric. My second thought was a light yellow as a couple of other people have suggested. I know how you feel though! I agonized about how to quilt, sometimes even before I finish piecing...

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  24. I like the idea of a grey tone in the background given the colours in the block. But where is the pillow going? Maybe if the room needs a pop of colour you might find something brighter works.

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  25. I say pink or orange would look great, then hand quilt with the other color.

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  26. I'm with Sarah! Let it float!

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  27. It could float as Sarah suggests on that light grey print, or it looks good on the carpet/sofa slightly darker grey or it could sing on the black or it could knock you between the eyes on those other bright colours.

    The truth is it would be difficult to go wrong!

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  28. Definitely pink background!!! It looks lovely btw. I reckon that this pattern would turn out well whatever fabric is selected. Di x

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  29. It is absolutely lovely Susan! The background colour depends on the effect you're after; light grey will make the triangles and spokes float, the whole circle will seam see-through. If you want the circle to be the focus as a whole, go for a contrast to the outside pieces, black will work, but also bright or light colours. The only thing with a bright background is that it will grab some of the attention for itself. Go place it on the different options and squint. It's what I usually do, you'll see the contrast better that way - I haven't got laughter lines for nothing ;-)

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  30. I think Pink too! but the black really does show the block well! And as I'm about to start some hand quilting misery, I think you should hand quilt it to too!!

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  31. Susan, this is gorgeous! Love, love, love your colour choices.
    Hmmm... I'm thinking a background in a lighter shade of that hot pink would be a fun choice. Plus your hand stitching always rocks.... Can't wait to see what you decide.

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  32. How does a pale grey like the colour of the paperclips work? Looks fab though - can't wait to see what you end up doing.

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  33. It's pretty but don't ask me to choose a background. I'm terrible at that.

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  34. It looks fabulous, can't wait to see how you do finish it

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