Friday, July 27, 2012

Process, inspiration and change

Low volume triangles

I finished the 56" by 64" low volume top I was making pattern testing Lynne from Lily's Quilts Windmills and Trees Quilt. I am in love with this old-timey, sepia-ish top made from all modern and mostly contemporary, popular fabrics in beach inspired colours. New fabrics can look vintage-ish.

Low volume triangles

However, you can see that there really is not a windmill image emerging. It is more of a calm, beachy feel with value changes that give it interest and depth. But not windmills. Pattern tester failure for sure.

And you will recall the difficulties I was having picking the fabric for the trees in the pattern. Many of you gave great suggestions, but none of the ideas were feeling right to me for this top. I even bought some more fabric, but still it did not feel right.

Ferris Wheel - English Paper Piecing

At the same time I was working on my EPP ferris wheels. And then Lynne wrote this blog post, mentioning that she was planning to applique her summer EPP projects. So, inspired by Lynne, I threw my ferris wheels on the top and consulted with Lynne. She sagely suggested removing the centres, so I did.

Low volume top and EPP

Here is my new plan so far. I am now planning to make a two or three more blobs of ferris wheels - each one different and with different bright colours, and applique them onto the top.

Low volume top and EPP - detail

The ferris wheels and English Paper Piecing in general, are a traditional approach to quilting. With the modern fabrics they look fresh and fun. Old and new, like the top.

Low volume top and EPP - detail

I think that the patchwork of the EPP goes so much better with this particular top than a solid fabric shape.

Low volume top and EPP - a nice fit I think

I am not sure how I will place the blobs nor how I will stitch them down yet. I may even change directions again, who knows.

So, it seems a totally different project has emerged from this pattern testing venture. I do plan to restart the pattern testing again with more appropriate background fabrics, but for now my grade as a tester is C-. Lucky for me Lynne has not fired me yet.

Oh by the way - don't worry Julie, I have a much clearer plan for your pattern - I have signed on to test another great pattern and hope to start later today on it - I am hoping my work with it will improve my pattern testing grade substantially.

Inspiration and process will take you interesting places, I think it is best to keep listening to your projects as you go, rather than carrying on when they feel all wrong.

I have declared today a Friday off, so I am out to garden in a bit.

Best,

Leanne

24 comments:

Charlotte said...

that's beautiful! I love the applique idea - really really lovely!

Fiona @ Poppy Makes said...

I loved the quilt when I saw that first picture but those ferris wheels on top just look fantastic!!!! You are going to have an amazing quilt!

Di said...

Love plan B! It will look great. Di x

felicity said...

I truly love where this is going. The low-volume background for applique is a really lovely design concept.

Archie The Wonder Dog said...

I love your plans for this quilt!

Sarah said...

Really really love what's happening with this!

cinzia said...

the ferris wheels add just the right touch of color and accent this quilt top need. they give the eye a cheerful place to rest!

elle said...

Brilliant. No failures in your testing, just another value option!

JuliePickles said...

I totally giggled! I am so not worried about you, promise. I love the new plan for Lynne's quilt. That pop of color from the ferris wheels is just lovely.

KellyS said...

I love your EPPs! And I love the idea of appliquing them on the quilt top. I can see those EPPs with rainbow prints on top of a black, white and grey solid quilt top. Maybe when I am done with my monster EPP project (not anytime soon!). Great job!

Jenny said...

so beautiful...just beautiful

Katy Cameron said...

Genius idea on the ferris wheels! I'm laughing at your test grade though ;o)

Aylin (Nilya2011) said...

This is a fantatic idea. The ferris wheels look so bright and beautiful on these low volume colors.
I am not a real blog reader because of little time, but I wanted to know the story behind this so urgently ;-).
How can you get a pattern tester? That sound great!!!

Mrs Flying Blind... said...

Wow, what a great 'olympic' idea! xxx

Judith, Belfast said...

Like where you're going with it L! Will be intrigued to see the final version. Enjoy the P&Q! Jxo

Mary Menzer said...

While i think the pops of color look wonderful on the quilt top you have created - the top by itself has a certain appeal. I think it is calming and visually pleasing as is, although not what you intended. Nothing wrong with it the way it is. The pops of color you may add give the top a completed different look and feel, not unpleasant at all, but different. The color draws the eye, and a cluster of 3 I think would be the perfect number. Leaving it alone or adding the color - can't wait to see which way you go.
Mary

Debbie said...

wow - this intriguing! Wherever you take it, I'm anxious to see!

Lynne (Lily's Quilts) said...

Love this post and I love this quilt sooooooo much. It reminds me a lot of one of the big inspirations for my quilt which was dans silhouette quilts. Love love love so much.

Sheila said...

Just nipped back to look at Lynne's, I can see her windmills for sure, but I like the calm of your background too, it is easy on the eye. The applique wheels without centres is genius and is going to make a super quilt.

Catherine said...

What a great idea with the ferris wheels: adds a great splash of colour too. I love the colours of the quilt, you have all of my favourite colours in there. I am going to redecorate my bedroom this summer and you have just provided me with all the colours that I want to concentrate on: as you said: inspiration everywhere! It really looks fabulous Leanne

tusen said...

I love the look of the top and your change of plans for it. And you've chosen great fabric for the clusters of ferris wheels.

Marg said...

Love your idea of the EPP pieces appliquéd to the background. It's looking fabulous.

Tina said...

Love the beautiful, calming colours of your quilt top and think the ferris wheels add just the right amount of bright contrast! Can't wait to see the finished quilt!

Poppyprint said...

"Inspiration and process will take you interesting places, I think it is best to keep listening to your projects as you go, rather than carrying on when they feel all wrong." That is an awesome quote. I really enjoyed this post, Leanne!