The block also has structural issues (why a person shouldn't stitch so late at night). I'm not sure what to do about it. If you look at the basket/bowl, you can see the upper edge bulges up instead of being straight across as it should be. I was initially just going to rip that part out and restitch it, but I can see it is because I must have been following the design of the fabric as I stitched. If I straighten it out, I'm afraid it will be odd looking with partial pencils. (I have no idea how that weird bulge came to be since my freezer paper piece is quite clearly straight and the fabric design is straight.
Well on looking at it again, it seems to be multiple issues. Part of it seems to be that I dropped down on the sides where it attaches. It likely should be reworked at some point--when I have more patience and don't make a hole somewhere!
What do you think? Should I replace that piece of fabric, or should I leave it alone? I was initially going to use red scales instead of pencils for the basket. I also am not wild about the fabric I chose for the side pieces of the basket either--they seem too light. Now would be a good time to switch fabrics if I'm going to. How badly weird does it look to you (please be brutally honest)? I've looked at it too much to "see" it at this point. What would you do?
Your faults aren't noticable at all. I like your choice of fabrics, especially for the basket.
ReplyDeleteI think you make some great fabric choices.. Lay it down, walk away and the next time you look at it you will see it looks great! Your great color choices caught my eye before I even opened your post.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both the above, relax about it, unless the faults you see are just not showing at all on the picture I think you are being hypercritical of your self. If lovely, let it grow on you a while.
ReplyDeleteDonna, your block is great. Love you fabric choices. Unless it is really going to bother you I would leave it. May just be the fact that you used an obvious stripe.
ReplyDeleteWhen laying on a bed no one will notice they will be busy looking at all of the great fabrics.
I totally agree with Denise your block is lovely and love your choices
ReplyDeleteI'm going to be brutally honest with you, leave it alone, it's fantastic and the colours look gorgeous. I actually think the vase is fine, it gives a subtle curve that looks like it should be like that, there are no faults with this one.
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful Donna, perhaps you just need a break from this one. I loved the colours when I saw it and I agree with the others, you don't need to change it. Often the quilting process can help iron out a few little wrinkles too, but it is looking fabulous to me. xo
ReplyDeleteI think you are being way too critical - I can't see the bulge you speak of! I love the colors too. Leave it be! Good job.
ReplyDeleteI can't see what you are fussing about - I think it is lovely and I can't see any problem with the colour/fabric choices! the only problem with you blocks - is that it makes me jealous that I have neither the patience or the will to make something like this but I love it!
ReplyDeleteYou are just 2nd guessing yourself...it looks wonderful. I wouldn't change a thing. Great job!
ReplyDeleteDonna, to be brutally honest, I think your block looks absolutely gorgeous. I stared at it for a while to see where the bulge is and couldn't see it. I like the slight curve, I think it's an optical illusion. The pencils look like basket weave, and we all know that basket weaves are never straight. I think it looks perfect as is!! Looking at it another way, a basket that is all straight in it's printing would be one that is made of printed metal, me, I'd prefer the basket weave. Your colours are really vibrant Donna, love it. Kim McL
ReplyDeleteThe block is beautiful! I really like the pencil fabric and how you did follow the lines of the fabric. We are our own worst critic........relax!!
ReplyDeleteI honestly think in looks lovely, the colors are beautifully balanced and the "bulge" is not noticeable and the pencil fabric is a nice effect for the basket. Maybe you should put the block aside as you stitch on others and decide later if you think it really needs to be redone. It really does look beautiful.
ReplyDeleteGirl, I thought I was anal you are right up there with me. This isn't Brain Surgery, we are artist, no art is perfect, it would loose it's flavor if it were. Move on to the next block, and enjoy the trip!!!! I am speaking to myself, also.........have fun be the artist you are, never point out your mistakes......only you see them
ReplyDeleteBRILLIANT use of the pencil fabric and the little peppermint berries.. i am so need to get back to mine!
ReplyDeleteYour block is absolutely beautiful, I would not change anything. I cannot wait to see all of your blocks together.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful fussy cuts! I think the slight curve to the basket edge looks fine. Your colors are so pretty together. Enlarge the pic and take a look..all you'll see is pretty! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone! I guess I was too critical of this--even anal, but mostly really frustrated that the block ended up not at all accurate around that basket, and that I could not figure out why. Thinking about it, I did have to resize a few of the berries and should have realized I had a problem then--I thought I had simply made the berries the wrong size (I shouldn't work late into the night!) For now, I'm going to avoid looking at it for awhile, and with any luck will forget about the issues. Very sorry for my sleep deprived, complaining rant before--I'll try to be more relaxed--or at least sleep on it a bit before posting my frustrations!;)
ReplyDeleteAnd Deb, regarding the dotted fabric, I don't think the problem is the fabric, although the dots certainly make any unevenness more noticeable. The only issue I've had with the dots is where the dots aren't printed exactly on the grain, which raises the question of whether I should have cut out the blocks on the grain or along the row of dots. Not a big deal unless it is a dramatic difference or makes your basket, etc. look off balance. I would recommend choosing a background with a more random dot to help solve that problem, especially if it will bother you. I admit it bugs me a bit, but I like the look of the polka dots too, so as with everything, I guess it's about balancing.
Well Donna, I think you should scrap the whole thing and start over! And send the first one to me, I love it!
ReplyDeleteEven after you pointed out your issues, I still can't see any problems. It is a wonderful block that you can be proud of.
ReplyDeleteI can't see a bulge, I think following the fabric design line was the right choice. We do tend to stare at our work until tiny quirks become hue issues in our heads!
ReplyDeleteI'm with Miki. Nope, it will look beautiful with the other blocks. I wouldn't change a thing!
ReplyDeleteCan't see any problem, leave it alone. When it is put with the other blocks you will never notice. This is what I like about applique and you can change it and make it your own. Actually on the same block mine was not completely staight and one handle was lower but left it alone. There is so much to look at on this quilt you will never see any mishaps....only you will know....so put it away and move onto the next block. :>}
ReplyDeleteI love the block the way it is but to really get a picture of your issues with it, you should put other blocks around it completely and then look at the overall picture of the blocks because that is when it is either going to be right or not. Personally, I say leave it as is cause it is perfect now.
ReplyDeleteI am working on this block and also have issues with mine, but I would not change yours at all. I think you made great use of one of Kaffe's stranger prints, the pencils! I prefer his florals, but understand the whimsy, also. I can't see the bulge on the vase, and just love your fabric choices, you have quite a stash! Leave the block as it is for now, judge it later when you have more blocks finished, think you will like it.
ReplyDeleteWhose to say this basket/vase is not an art piece that was done by hand and not a machine.... not all potery / baskets are perfect perfect. Leave it..... stop looking at it and ON WITH THE NEXT....
ReplyDelete