for the sake of posting...

...something this week, here is what I have been working on.

But I have to say, it is just not right. I wanted a very soft and 'pretty' feel. I added that ribbon (blue /yellow) in the top left, and then I felt I had to add stronger elements to counter that, and well, it has all gone a bit haywire. The flower daimante brooch thingy (on the left, and the buttons are not actually on the block yet, I was just playing with placement. I like the pieceing, the curves and texture the tatting bring...but embellishment...blah!  Anyway, not happy! Inspiration is lacking at the moment. I am completely enamoured with this quilt, but I could NEVER pull something like this off.

edited to add: This is one of an , as yet, undetermined number of blocks.

15 comments:

Magpie's Mumblings said...

I think that blocks, like dolls, have a mind of their own sometimes and they tell you what they want to be, despite your best efforts to the contrary. Perhaps that's the case this time?

Gina said...

they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I think your piece is beautiful. the only part that looked "off" was near the bottom with the purple but I think you are not done there. I didn't like the gold buttons in this particular spot. the brooch is gorgeous but it might be a bit overwhelming. Maybe something similar but a bit smaller?

As I said, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I looked at the quilt you linked to and have to say it is not my taste at all. But to me, anytime you put red, pink, and purple together, I feel all prickly in a not-good way. For all the love and skill she put into that piece, I wouldn't even want it as a gift. That's not meant to be rude or mean - just a statement of preference. Apparently a lot of other people really like it.

But then...what do I know? LOL! I've not done CQ yet.

Susan Elliott said...

Ahhhh, Jo. I admire the quilt you linked to as well. but there's lots to desire in your block today. I love love the pink circle and the yellow smyrna crosses...

I'm thinking if you introduce blue into the block, it might be the common element you need to pull it together. Like in the middle with the yellow, and more blue on the top with the fuschia and the blue sequins...to the left and more blue in the bottom - -the brooch that isn't yet attached is the perfect color though I might wait to place it until later...so I wonder how you feel about blue??? So many beautiful things here...I agree with Magpie that the block will eventually tell you what to do...but you're very very close to fabulosity!

Gerry Krueger said...

What a terrible show-off you are Jo...using all that fabulous, gorgeous, incredibly beautiful tatting. Makes me want to throw myself on the floor and wail with jealousy..... That quilt you linked is exactly my cup of tea and I could get lost in it for hours.....Thanks for the link.... Gerry K.(the encruster)http://olderrose.blogspot.com

Elizabeth Braun said...

No, I like your work better than the work you linked to.=)

I wonder if you've lost the 'soft' look as you've used some quite bold colours in your block. For instance, the dark-ish blus in the bottom right hand stitching and the dark coloured beads/gems in the bottom left. Do you have pastels you could replace stuff with? That might do it??
I know how you feel though. There are some times when everyone else's work seems to knock spots off your own. I feel like that in my C&G class almost all the time!

Anonymous said...

it looks pretty to me.
and i reckone you could do a quilt like that other one if you set your mind to it!(and got a nanny and housekeeper for a few years!)

Unknown said...

I thnk it's gorgeous! That tatting looks like very fancy icing on an already lovely cake! :) Hope you get it to go the way you "see" it in your mind's eye.

allie aller said...

The texture of all the lace and tatting is amazing in this, Jo! I don't know what you envisioned but I think this is unique, and wonderful.

Anonymous said...

It's a beautiful block, even if it isn't what you originally envisioned. Try again. When you make several blocks, maybe they will all line up in order for you where they belong. =)

Shawkl said...

Oh my! I just love this block! I have so many large dollies, and had not thought they were "usable" for CQ...but your block has really opened my mind to new possibilities! Thanks so much for sharing...and it is just beautiful, I see no improvements necessary!! But, tinker away anyway cause your work is always breathtaking!...Kathy

FredaB said...

Hi Jo

When I looked at the beatiful tatting you have used on this square it needs to be centre stage.
It could almost stand alone. It will come to you when you least expect it. Make more blocks with the tatting and then see how you feel about embellishing them.

I hope you were able to buy the second bunch from the gentleman.

Hugs

FredaB

Unknown said...

Hi Jo. As if you need advice from me, someone who has but a smidgeon of cq experience compared to you...but I did have a few thoughts about this piece.
When you said you wanted a very soft feel for it I wondered why you didn't stick with pastel colors for the embroidery work? I think I agree the bold fuschia gold orange and dark blue help give it that scattered feeling. The tatting and lace is so gorgeous it almost needs just delicate touches.
I am intrigued by the idea of using blue to tie it all together. But I also feel the idea of removing the bright stitches and starting more or less from scratch could be considered. Of course it is all steered by what you intend. And if you want a more haphazard approach like the quilt you referenced then I say put down the throttle and go all out!
About that other quilt, it is very unstructured to my eyes (a bit like my own work) and I should think that would present a challenge for someone who measures their work painstakingly and who has such a good eye for weight and balance, as you do. Just as putting more structure and artistry into their creations is so tough for someone like me.
Anyway, good luck. You do such beautiful work you really can't go wrong.
Dakotah

Heather said...

I think this is absolutely wonderful... art often leads its own way and chooses what it wants to be.

Beautiful (as is your other little stitching samples you show)!

Anonymous said...

Jo, please start posting again. I miss seeing your beautiful work - it is always so unique and exciting. I need my "fixes" - helps me keep my sanity. Zandra

Veleta (Sammy) said...

This is so awesome! I love all of the crochet or tatting type add ons and then all of the awesome embellishments... see I don't think that you can have two much of any embellishments or stitching... I LOVE IT! I personally would treasure having done a piece like this...