Maine Girl Quilt-The Finish
I have a problem-I have Quilt it to Death Disorder-QITDD. I really don’t know how to keep it simple. I knew my Maine Girl quilt needed to have a simple quilted background that did not take away from the main image-one that just let the girl shine. Well, you know where this one is going…
I tried sketching it with parallel lines in the background-ironically that seemed to distract from her. I also tried a simple stipple-ugh-so trite. I tried bubbles-that definitely overworked it. I thought it might need a grid, but plain grids are actually very difficult to pull off free hand and they can be a bit boring.
I had a hunch that a repetitive, grid-like background was what she needed. I had recently seen Diane Gaudynski’s tutorial on the “log cabin” motif-I wanted to try that.
I originally was going to do the whole piece in the log cabin but I decided to try sketching Celtic bubbles in one corner. Hmm, I actually liked the two together. Then I added a bit of grid peeking from between the bubbles and I loved it!
But, what works on paper does not necessarily mean it will work on my quilt. I knew the thread choice was key. It had to be dark enough to show a bit but not so dark that it would take away from her image. Light grey silk thread was the perfect choice.
I surprised myself. I thought it might look overworked, but I think it provides an interesting pattern that enhances the image.
The log cabin motif looks great against the curves of her face and I love the way the bubbles are reminiscent of the turbulence of Casco Bay.
One thing that I’ve been working on is combining motifs in a pleasant way-I really like the bubbles against the lines of the log cabin.
The log cabin is actually a fairly demanding motif. It really looks best done perfectly. I just don’t go for perfect and most motifs do not demand it. But this one really does look beautiful in perfect repetition-check out Diane’s log cabins-divine!
Well it was a fun romp and I’m pleased that I was able to do the human form with some skill. I think in this case QITDD worked in my favor. This tiny little 12″ x 12″ piece took me about 30 hrs to complete. I really don’t know how to keep it simple, sigh.
I LOVE the background. It truly sits in back, but sets the figure off beautifully. So well done.
Thank you Mardi-sometimes it works like you want it to!
Another incredible quilt. Just amazing. So beautiful and lifelike.
Thanks Carol. I really really don’t draw well but I can trace!
When I saw your initial sketched design I thought, oh no, she’s going to kill it. And that is why you’re an award winner and I’m still still practicing! The background is just perfect and let’s the figure stand alone. I also think that the log-cabin, being so ‘static’ throws the turbulence of the waves into even greater relief, thus highlighting the motion brief even further. Just a wonderful piece of work and when I grow up I want to produce work of this quality!
Oh I giggled when I read your comments Dianne! Yes, I very well could have killed it and ended up making it all over again. You expressed well what worked-the “static” design worked. Thank you.
You know, I’ve been drawn to background fills that combine two or more patterns lately, too. I love your spirals and log cabins on this piece, and I love the way you snuck in a smattering of bubbles/pebbles between the spirals, too — it gives that area a lot of energy, like a wave crashing on the shore.
Thanks Rebecca Grace-it’s fun to play with combining motifs. It’s a challenge and sometimes it’s just delightful what you get.
Jenny, I love the combination of the two FMQ designs in the background of the Maine Girl. Being a Maine Girl myself and living in close proximity to Casco Bay for years (well, I guess I have to say I’m a Maine Woman), I love the simplicity of this nature loving girl. I can feel the wind off Casco Bay blowing across her face. Well done!
Marsha
Oh thank you Maine Woman Marsha! I’ve only been twice but my recent visit yielded the photo inspiration. It feels like serendipity that the bubbles ended up in there-they just asserted themselves!
Love, love, love it, Jenny!
Thank you Laura!
Jenny, well done, my friend! Perfect thread choice- any darker tone would have detracted from the main focal point. Great texture, the Celtic quilting on point is perfect, too! :-) Hugs, Carla
Thanks Carla! It was nice to have something work without having to rip out stitches. Hugs back at ya!
Awesome work!!! It all works so wonderfully together!!! Thanks for sharing :^)
That background is awesome…..a great motif combo!!!! And I really don’t think ‘perfect’ log cabins are the way to go……. Yours are the ones that go with your girl, flattering the whole picture!!!! Love it!!!!!!
This is absolutely stunning! I love the use of two patterns. I think with just the log cabin motif it could have been a bit boring. And with a piece this small, it’s worth the effort you put into it! Congrats! Another winner here.
Oh thank you Franki! Sometimes it actually works.