Monday, April 16, 2012

It's snowing!

Yes, we knew it was too good to be true - it would have to snow at least once before summer came here in Minnesota! However, because of such an early spring I have seen full blown tulips in yards when I am out and about and the lilacs are blooming!  Here is what is blooming on my design wall......


This is a WIP that I am appliqueing. I have been collecting and saving fabric for this for quite a few years.  I really like this pattern. What you see here is four sections that are not sewn together. The tulips are actually vivid reds, pinks and orangey-yellow.  My photographs don't reveal the true color.


Once I am done with the applique I still have a narrow border and another pieced border to add as shown in the pattern Tulip Wreath by Cheryl Wittmayer of Sew Be It.



As I was working on this (pre-applique) I photographed and played with the layout of my background fabrics until I was happy with them. But now, for some reason, I see the "dark" column standing out in the middle which I am not happy with.  When I did my initial layouts it was in the winter in a different room, different lighting.  Today, this picture was out on my sunny porch in daylight.  What a difference the sunlight makes! 


Also, the striped tulip petal is really bugging me and that didn't bother me before either. So, I may have to make some changes before I applique those portions down.  Right now they are only glued down with spot glue holding them in place.

One good thing, though!  I had started on my applique with this a few months ago and was thinking my stitches were absolutely horrendous.  I had  put it away thinking I am going to rip those out and start over.  Today, when I got it out and put my glasses on, I thought, "Oh, those aren't as bad as I thought!"  They certainly won't please the applique police - but hey, I'm not doing it for them - I doing this for me!! The stitches are staying.  :P

Does the dark column and striped petal bug you?  Would you take them out and do something different? Would be curious to know your thoughts and always appreciate your comments.

Be sure to go to Patchwork Times to see what others have on their design walls today.

Have a wonderful day and thanks for reading,

11 comments:

Threeundertwo said...

I didn't notice the background "stripe" until you pointed it out. It doesn't bug me at all because the center really is all light and the darkest parts are on the outside toward the border. I say leave it.

I might, however, change out the stripe, if it's easy and you have another mottled piece handy.

I love this pattern! Thanks for the link. It looks like a fun applique project.

Maureen said...

Very pretty! Neither bother me. I guess photographing can help, but I try to remember I won't be looking at a photo, I'll be looking at the quilt itself. I, too, did not notice it until you pointed it out.

Sewing Sue said...

You will & should do what your 'gut' tells you to do, but I personally find nothing wrong with anything you've done on this so far. In fact I think it's beautiful as is. Nice work! Can't wait to see it finished -- says the person who loves looking but not doing applique!

Diane Wild said...

I guess I agree with everyone that it looks great the way it is. I didn't notice anything wrong with the dark column and the tulip looks like it belongs. I think it's pretty.

Kate said...

I don't see the dark column either and the tulips all look gorgeous. Beautiful project.

Kathy P said...

I had a hard time finding the "dark strip", even after you mentioned it. I think you'll find that after it's quilted, the colors will all blend together. I think it's just gorgeous the way it is - even with the striped tulip! Just say that Mother Nature hiccuped when she made that one. :) It's a beautiful quilt!

Rhonda said...

I think everything looks great. I really tried to see what you weren't pleased with but I think the varied coloration gives the tulips that natural look. The background blocks are wonderful and do not take away from the tulips at all.
BTW, I've become a "FOLLOWER" Yea!

Unknown said...

I think your tulips look great the way they are. Take a step away and squint, see if it looks better to you. That always helps me.

swooze said...

I still dont see a dark column. The stripe on the tulip could go either way. If it bothers you change it but there are striped tulips in nature.

Lane said...

Love your quilt. The striped tulip does not bother me and I didn't see the dark column until you mentioned it. Because it is off center just a bit, I don't think anyone will notice. Again, great quilt. Lane

Perry said...

U like what you have done with this. Don't change a thing. It is just beautiful.