On the GOOD side
It's DONE.
The pattern is easy -- thanks Jan.
It went together quickly.
My binding is great and hand stitched.
The back is a nice design.
I used up my hand dyed fabrics, the ones I dyed myself and could never trust not to bleed, so I paired them with a black background.
I had LOTS of machine quilting practice and I made pretty good swirls with almost-even stitches.
BAD side:
TOO many stars
Too much color
Too many designs in the stars
NOT cozy
Black is difficult to see when machine quilting - I kept losing my place.
Ugly:
Black stitches on the many-colored stars. (I'm not sure what else I could have used but ... maybe invisible thread?)
I bet this fades the first time it's washed.
OK, we all have some quilts we like less than others, and this one is my current UN-favorite. But it's done. And I'll bet there are folks you would love it! AND, I am a true believer that we learn from our mistakes - boy, I should be getting pretty learn-ed!
However, the pattern is good, it was my strategy that was not the best for me.
This starts with a star, made up of 9 equal-sized squares. Then, the star points are all free-form, quick corners. That's all there is to it - a great idea. I pushed the limits and added sashing, about 2 inches wide, and made quick corners at each end of the sashing, so that made ANOTHER star. Then I couldn't leave well enough alone, and decided the center of ALL the stars needed to be fussied up more. And since I had 9 colors, I wanted to use them ALL, in most of the stars. End result is overkill.
However, wouldn't this be cute in softer colors? and not so many colors? and not so many unique centers?
I think it has a lot of good points and would be great for a young person who is into Astronomy or space-type sci-fi stories.
ReplyDeleteCount me as one who really likes everything about this bright and cheerful quilt.
ReplyDeleteI really like this quilt! The stars seem to float across a night time sky. Like the quilting, too!
ReplyDeleteLinda/quiltythyme
No, not too many stars (Has the sky too many stars?). Ugly, definitely NOT (even if the quilting isn't 'perfect')! Not your all-time favourite, well no, but does it have to be? I think it is great, the background is just perfect for the theme of stars and the colours. I fnow one else wants to love it just send it over to me - I'll love it!(vbg)
ReplyDeleteOops, that is meant to be "if no one else wants to love it ..."
ReplyDeleteI think we are our own harshest critics, 'cause I like this one and I am not into brights.
ReplyDeletePerhaps we can look at someone elses work and enjoy it or appreciate it just for what it is, but in our own efforts we are too hard on ourselves.
Jodie
Well, what about a little boy fan of science fiction. I think it would fit just well. You would be amazed how children tastes are different from ours! I still think it is a great quilt and I bet you learned a lot making it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
I really like it . I don't think there is such a thing as too much color! I agree that quilting on black is not easy but I think you made a good job of it. Somebody out there will love to have it.
ReplyDeleteI think it is great - I love the choice of background even though you chose it in case the colours ran. The bonus is that you learnt new things and it is finished. All good points. I love stars in any form as a design so it is a winner for me.
ReplyDeleteI seem to learn something from each quilt I make. Like the last one (that I haven't shown yet) taught me not to make a king-sized quilt on point. That looooong diagonal row was a killer! I agree with the general opinion. Give it to a little boy who will literally love it to shreds.
ReplyDeleteI aspire to make quilts as beautiful as yours. Your blog is one of my top 3 favorites. In terms of your current project it is cosy in a fun and happy way. Also could be inspirational to someone who feels as if all hope of a better life is gone (eg its a big world out there - don't quit). Thanks for all you give to the quilting community.
ReplyDeleteBlogless Rosaline
I love it! All the bright colors and the stars are just fantastic. I like it just the way it is.
ReplyDeleteI think it is a very pretty quilt with lots of color.
ReplyDeleteOkay, Elaine, since you're not 100% happy with it--and today (26th) is my birthday--I suggest you just go ahead and send it to me cause I think it's gorgeous!!!! :D
ReplyDeleteI think you are being way too hard on yourself. I love all the bright colors! It looks like a wonderful quilt for a child's room. The black background makes all the colors really sing. And there is nothing at all wrong with the black quilting thread. I think there are lots and lots of people who would love this quilt to death! If you really dislike it that much give it to charity - it can certainly brighten the life of someone who needs some brightness.
ReplyDeleteI like it too - I guess it depends on what the plan for the quilt is. Probably not one I'd put in my living room but it would make a great child's quilt or one to donate. Since I make so many donation quilts for kids I make a lot of quilts that aren't my particular style.
ReplyDeleteI'm with everyone else on this - you are being too hard on yourself. Lovely quilt, wonderful bright colours and variety of stars. I make a few quilts for children in hospital and this would be a firm favourite I'm sure. If you can't live with it donate it to a charity :)
ReplyDeleteThe quilt is great. But, you're right when you say that some of us will like it even though you don't. That's OK. You learned a lesson and that's important too.
ReplyDeleteCount me in with the folks who love it. It is so colorful and full of life. It definitely reminds me of the night sky. It looks like it was made for a kid's room. Go find a kid to give it to. He/she will LOVE it!
ReplyDeleteThere is a point in every quilt I make that I really do not like it...I think if you were to put this away and look at it in a few months you may feel different about it. Personnaly I think it is a fun quilt!
ReplyDeleteI like it! It is always great to see a fun quilt... sometimes I think we get a bit too serious about our quilting - I am sure it would make a bright, cheery statement if you got it in a show somewhere... You did a good job with it!
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Evelyn
I like it, too. And it has served a purpose: you experimented, you stashbusted, you learned, and someone will love it!
ReplyDeleteGreat job!
There is no such thing as too many bright colors. Tis quilt is beautiful. The different centers of the stars adds interest.
ReplyDelete