Friday, November 14, 2008

Cottage CQ...Piecing/Appliqueing Finished

Esther gave her take on the composition of this piece in her comment in the previous post. I appreciated her candor, thoughtfulness, and also the fact that I agreed with what she said. (I appreciate everyone else's comments too. Thanks so much...)

Composition has been the A Number One Issue of this project, really the toughest challenge I've taken on in my crazy quilting life. And there are some things I am not happy with as things stand now.

But....

The great thing about crazy quilting is that the fabrics as pieced or appliqued to form the quilt top only serve as the background to what happens with the embellishment. Lots, if not most, of compositional decisions can be made "after the fact" of the fabric placement.
So I have hopes that I can mold this more to my liking, strengthen it, and alleviate the trouble spots, the main one of which is the transition between the beach and the midground. And I have some ideas for that, fortunately!

So with everything finally sewn down I was able to pin it up on my design wall and get a good look at it.

The corners are not finished of course, but this is the main body of the quilt.
It is hard to imagine this covered with embroidery. It seems finished as is, in a way.
But it's not. There are going to be some trees added for sure...and grasses...and bubbles....and of course the cottage will be embroidered...and...?
Your guess is as good as mine.....

8 comments :

Summerset said...

It looks good. I understand how it is hard to remember that this is just a canvas for all that is to come! Just think of all the fun you'll have coming up with embellishments.

Debra Dixon said...

I like to think in terms of layers. This is the first layer with other layers adding their interest to the piece as you get to them.

It's looking great and will only get better!

Nellie's Needles said...

Your placement of the shoreline in relation to the grass has been a reality with the rising of the lake levels. Here's hoping the level of Lake Michigan stays down.

I'm looking forward to how this progresses with all the transitions created by your crazy stitches.

Donna said...

Oh, that is looking so nice. I've been watching your progress on this piece. I know you are really just beginning so I will wait anxiously and watch as it evolves.

Susan said...

I guess I view it as a half-finished painting. I have to wait until you are finished before I can say anything about composition. =) It looks like a great canvas to continue embellishing, though. I can just see some of the things you are going to add to it, based on previous work!

sharonb said...

Allie thanks for posting this you have given me an idea/solution to something I have been thinking about for years - now I know what I want to do with it and where to take it.
Now I just have to finish the diamond blocks ... slow and steady there
Thanks and since I am here I was going to drop you an email to say I I have moved my blog and the new one is up.

Deb Hardman said...

It's very exciting watching this grow. I also think it's brave of you to put it out there unfinished, as not everyone may understand the process, or your vision of where you are heading. You have some really great techniques, & I've learned a lot reading your blog these past few years. I appreciate what you do, & I look forward to the process of getting to the grande finale. Thanks Allie for your generous sharing.

& I am glad you liked the turkey!

Rian said...

Now the fun begins.