Friday, July 3, 2009

A lesson in contrast

I now understand what people mean when they talk about contrast and mid tones.
Over the past few months I've been collecting fat quarters of Amy Butler's Midwest Modern range and as a little pile of folded fat quarters they look wonderful together. Late last week I decided that I finally had enough to make a quilt and I used this one as inspiration. (Funnily enough, Amandajean made a comment about contrast in her blog....I should have made a note of that!)
After piecing it together I found myself really quite disappointed. The technique is great, my seams are perfect but it's just.....boring. It's because the fabrics are all the same density, they're almost fighting. They're still all lovely but in this quilt top pattern I don't believe they're working as well as they could have in some other format. I think they would have been better in something like the Old Red Barn's strip patches....even Amy Butler's own Mid Mod quilt or even as a block party with extra borders.
Don't get me wrong, it's not headed for the bin. I'll finish it and it will be lovely. I just won't be in love with it.

4 comments:

  1. Well I think it looks lovely and you're being a bit harsh. However, could you try sashing in a darker colour? Perhaps the white is too pale??

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  2. I like it. It's very soothing with all the colours the same tone. I think it has warmth of an older masterpiece. You know, one where the colours have become a bit muted over time. You could always couple it with bright sheets.

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  3. Hi Tara. Now I know who I'm finishing it for! Stay tuned! t.

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  4. I agree - it looks lovely in real life - how can you not like ASmy Butler fabrics - just go with it!!

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