I received an interesting comment last week from Peski Patti (no blog). I would be so interested to see if you agree with her or not. Let's get a dialog going as to our preferences. I will quote her comment here:
"One thing I don't care for in a quilt is a block or two that make my eyes 'brake'. It is usually a darker block than the rest. My eyes like to roll over the quilt with no interuptions."
I have always been in the habit of making sure that I include those "brakes" to the eyes in my quilt tops. I love the effect of "dancing eyes", where your eyes roam from one seemingly discordant block to the next. In my Neptune quilt above, don't your eyes seek out the blocks that contain the navy blue? See, I like that effect. I think it makes the quilt top actually interactive with the viewer. The person studying the quilt is forced to become more engaged with the design, in my opinion. You just can't help looking for those odd ball blocks.
So what do you prefer? Do you like it when your eyes are soothed by the uniformity of color and value in a quilt top, or do you like the "dancing eyes" effect?
Thank you Patti, for giving me something to think about!
120 responses to “Dancing Eyes”
First off, I love ‘dancing eyes’. It is just gorgeous. And yes, I think making eye rest does force you to look deeper into the design. I like that. I also think there are some instances where you really just want that soothing flow thing going on in a quilt. So my vote is, it depends on the quilt and its use and where you are going with it. (Is that a wishy washy opinion?!?)
First off, I love ‘dancing eyes’. It is just gorgeous. And yes, I think making eye rest does force you to look deeper into the design. I like that. I also think there are some instances where you really just want that soothing flow thing going on in a quilt. So my vote is, it depends on the quilt and its use and where you are going with it. (Is that a wishy washy opinion?!?)
I love a little of the unexpected – some thing not quite symmetrical or something that looks a bit messy. Control and order seems more unnatural to my eye.
I also like this quilt top, a lot!
I love a little of the unexpected – some thing not quite symmetrical or something that looks a bit messy. Control and order seems more unnatural to my eye.
I also like this quilt top, a lot!
I think it depends on the quilt and how the brake is done. If it is a subtle brake, I love it. A jarring one is something else. YOUR quilt is wonderful.
I think it depends on the quilt and how the brake is done. If it is a subtle brake, I love it. A jarring one is something else. YOUR quilt is wonderful.
I love to include blocks that catch your eye. In fact, I love one or three really oddball blocks. I think it makes you stop and look at the quilt a little closer.
I love to include blocks that catch your eye. In fact, I love one or three really oddball blocks. I think it makes you stop and look at the quilt a little closer.
What happened to your Beach Cottage quilt? I’m anxious to see a photo of it!
What happened to your Beach Cottage quilt? I’m anxious to see a photo of it!
I’m with you. But I think Pesky is right if there are only one or two brake blocks. I like your quilt top very much and especially like the brakes.
I’m with you. But I think Pesky is right if there are only one or two brake blocks. I like your quilt top very much and especially like the brakes.
I think it totally depends on the quilt. Necessary in this one – would be flat without it. Would have ruined Elizabeth that you just sent off. Both are beautiful and done just right. The pattern and fabrics tell you punch or blend…
I think it totally depends on the quilt. Necessary in this one – would be flat without it. Would have ruined Elizabeth that you just sent off. Both are beautiful and done just right. The pattern and fabrics tell you punch or blend…
I have feelings both ways…I think it just depends on the quilt. If there is enough breaks that it is even I love it, but if it starts looking like only a handful of blocks they just seem to stick out to me.
So I guess I don’t fall either way lol.
I have feelings both ways…I think it just depends on the quilt. If there is enough breaks that it is even I love it, but if it starts looking like only a handful of blocks they just seem to stick out to me.
So I guess I don’t fall either way lol.
I definitely like the Dancing Eyes effect. I want my eyes to travel over a quilt and I think those darker blocks or the ones with less contrast make your eyes travel around the quilt. Makes a much more interesting quilt. Love that fabric too!
I definitely like the Dancing Eyes effect. I want my eyes to travel over a quilt and I think those darker blocks or the ones with less contrast make your eyes travel around the quilt. Makes a much more interesting quilt. Love that fabric too!
I think that’s what is so great about quilting. You can have it anyway you want!! I happen to like those quilts that have your eyes dancing from one block to the next but I agree there are some quilts that are wonderful without it. I tend to gravitate toward scrappy quilts so my eyes are using dancing up a storm!!
I think that’s what is so great about quilting. You can have it anyway you want!! I happen to like those quilts that have your eyes dancing from one block to the next but I agree there are some quilts that are wonderful without it. I tend to gravitate toward scrappy quilts so my eyes are using dancing up a storm!!
I prefer quilts that make your eyes move across them. Perfectly planned, smooth, placid quilts are boring. However, I’m not fond of quilts that have too much activity – quilts also need to give the eye a place to rest with some “white” space – a solid of any color, or larger expanses of a less busy print. This quilt (are you going to call it Dancing Eyes now? – that would be a great name!) is one of my favorites.
I prefer quilts that make your eyes move across them. Perfectly planned, smooth, placid quilts are boring. However, I’m not fond of quilts that have too much activity – quilts also need to give the eye a place to rest with some “white” space – a solid of any color, or larger expanses of a less busy print. This quilt (are you going to call it Dancing Eyes now? – that would be a great name!) is one of my favorites.
Oops – I should add, the dancing eye blocks require very careful placement so they DO make your eyes move across the quilt and not get stuck in one spot. It requires laying out the blocks and stepping back to see the whole effect. I find that it works best to take a picture of the quilt and look at it in a smaller format.
Oops – I should add, the dancing eye blocks require very careful placement so they DO make your eyes move across the quilt and not get stuck in one spot. It requires laying out the blocks and stepping back to see the whole effect. I find that it works best to take a picture of the quilt and look at it in a smaller format.
I like the dancing eyes effect on your Neptune quilt because you have also used the dark tones in other blocks. It there are only a couple of totally different blocks I find it too jarring – I guess I am very traditionalist. I would also like to see where you are at with Beach Cottage.
I like the dancing eyes effect on your Neptune quilt because you have also used the dark tones in other blocks. It there are only a couple of totally different blocks I find it too jarring – I guess I am very traditionalist. I would also like to see where you are at with Beach Cottage.
I think the breaks add interest to the quilt. Joanna at Fig Tree Quilts says for quilts do 90% of your fabric line and 10% of something totally different to give it good contrast and interest.
I think the breaks add interest to the quilt. Joanna at Fig Tree Quilts says for quilts do 90% of your fabric line and 10% of something totally different to give it good contrast and interest.
I don’t think the darker blocks makes your eyes brake. Rather, it gives them a place to rest. That’s what keeps it from being a blended quilt. I think it would be boring otherwise.
I don’t think the darker blocks makes your eyes brake. Rather, it gives them a place to rest. That’s what keeps it from being a blended quilt. I think it would be boring otherwise.
I like bits of dancing blocks but if there are only one or two then it’s too jarring and the blocks look out of place. Your neptune quilt has the right amount and they’re placed just right. I think if you don’t have the dancin block it can look too blah and even tone.
I like bits of dancing blocks but if there are only one or two then it’s too jarring and the blocks look out of place. Your neptune quilt has the right amount and they’re placed just right. I think if you don’t have the dancin block it can look too blah and even tone.
Hey Nicole…I like this pattern. No sudden stop, just an occasional tapping of the brakes to make sure I got a good look at it!!!
Hey Nicole…I like this pattern. No sudden stop, just an occasional tapping of the brakes to make sure I got a good look at it!!!
I think she’s right – but with the proviso that brakes can be a good thing too. (Diplomacy, diplomacy – everybody is right….!) Actually when I looked at your blocks the other day when you first showed us them the one that disturbed me was the pink with dark blue on the ‘outside’ – those dark blue outsides still don’t sit right with me – and now there are 4 of them. The dark blue dominates anyway, but when it’s in the inside section it works as a positive brake. The dark outer triangles are too much for me I’m afraid. Does that make sense? Sorry if i just wrote gobbledygook!
Otherwise it’s lovely!!!
I think she’s right – but with the proviso that brakes can be a good thing too. (Diplomacy, diplomacy – everybody is right….!) Actually when I looked at your blocks the other day when you first showed us them the one that disturbed me was the pink with dark blue on the ‘outside’ – those dark blue outsides still don’t sit right with me – and now there are 4 of them. The dark blue dominates anyway, but when it’s in the inside section it works as a positive brake. The dark outer triangles are too much for me I’m afraid. Does that make sense? Sorry if i just wrote gobbledygook!
Otherwise it’s lovely!!!
I would be more on the “dancing eyes” effect — especially since I love scrappy quilts.
When there is too much “blendy” in a quilt it doesn’t draw my attention as much as a quilt that has alot of contrast.
Of course, having said that I must add that too much of a “good” thing can become very bad, very quickly.
I love your quilt top.
I would be more on the “dancing eyes” effect — especially since I love scrappy quilts.
When there is too much “blendy” in a quilt it doesn’t draw my attention as much as a quilt that has alot of contrast.
Of course, having said that I must add that too much of a “good” thing can become very bad, very quickly.
I love your quilt top.
This is a stunning quilt. And yes, I like interesting blocks that make your eyes skip around searching for all the interesting bits. To me, personally, that’s what makes a for a good quilt design. We aren’t making just plain blankets here. If our goal is for something comfortable that our eyes can just skim over, why go to all the trouble of cutting up different fabrics. Just put some batting between two pieces of fabric and be done with it. I’m not saying anything against that. I love a good comforter and sometimes think that works better if you are designing a bedroom as a whole. But If your goal is to have a well designed quilt it should be interesting to look at and give your eyes something to do. But of course, that’s my opinion. And in quilting there is room for lots of different opinions. That’s what makes it such a great hobby.
This is a stunning quilt. And yes, I like interesting blocks that make your eyes skip around searching for all the interesting bits. To me, personally, that’s what makes a for a good quilt design. We aren’t making just plain blankets here. If our goal is for something comfortable that our eyes can just skim over, why go to all the trouble of cutting up different fabrics. Just put some batting between two pieces of fabric and be done with it. I’m not saying anything against that. I love a good comforter and sometimes think that works better if you are designing a bedroom as a whole. But If your goal is to have a well designed quilt it should be interesting to look at and give your eyes something to do. But of course, that’s my opinion. And in quilting there is room for lots of different opinions. That’s what makes it such a great hobby.
Remember all those lovely Sharon Yenter Blended quilts? Soft, soothing, restful. Then there are the quilts with “brakes”. Dynamic, interesting, fun. Just like with people, there is room for both personalities.
Remember all those lovely Sharon Yenter Blended quilts? Soft, soothing, restful. Then there are the quilts with “brakes”. Dynamic, interesting, fun. Just like with people, there is room for both personalities.
Dancing eyes!
Dancing eyes!
I like the “brakes”. Last year I tried to make a quilt that wasn’t high contrast but just couldn’t stand it. It just didn’t look right to me so I replaced a couple of the blocks with ones that had more contrast. Love the quilt now. I can appreciate blended, low contrast quilts but like batiks, they aren’t my favorites. Glad there are lots of choices in fabric out there. Enough for all of us.
I like the “brakes”. Last year I tried to make a quilt that wasn’t high contrast but just couldn’t stand it. It just didn’t look right to me so I replaced a couple of the blocks with ones that had more contrast. Love the quilt now. I can appreciate blended, low contrast quilts but like batiks, they aren’t my favorites. Glad there are lots of choices in fabric out there. Enough for all of us.
Your quilt is visually very pleasing. The navy blue makes it “pop”. What pattern is that you are using? Beautifully done!
Trish http://www.quilttalesandcattails.com
Your quilt is visually very pleasing. The navy blue makes it “pop”. What pattern is that you are using? Beautifully done!
Trish http://www.quilttalesandcattails.com
I think both effects have their own merits, and it depends on the design, and the intended purpose of the quilt. I tend to agree with you, that contrasting blocks make your eyes “dance.” But that is sort of my preference in a lot of areas. My whole house is done with eclectic found objects and a “nothing matches but everything goes” look, and I like that in a quilt, too. 🙂
I think both effects have their own merits, and it depends on the design, and the intended purpose of the quilt. I tend to agree with you, that contrasting blocks make your eyes “dance.” But that is sort of my preference in a lot of areas. My whole house is done with eclectic found objects and a “nothing matches but everything goes” look, and I like that in a quilt, too. 🙂
“Stop and look at me” blocks can be very effective but if done badly I think they ruin a good design. That is part of my problem with making things from jelly rolls or other precuts–there is often just ONE oddball dark and that’s hard to spread around if pieces are large, without having to buy extra yardage or packs. Your “brakes” are well balanced and not jarring at all. A pleasure to look at!
“Stop and look at me” blocks can be very effective but if done badly I think they ruin a good design. That is part of my problem with making things from jelly rolls or other precuts–there is often just ONE oddball dark and that’s hard to spread around if pieces are large, without having to buy extra yardage or packs. Your “brakes” are well balanced and not jarring at all. A pleasure to look at!
I enjoy both! What thrills me the most in looking at someone else’s quilt is the many creative choices the quiltmaker made, from pattern, to fabric, to fabric placement within each block, to block arrangement, borders, quilting design(s), and what to choose for binding. It may cross my mind that I’d do this or that differently, but hey, it’s not my quilt!
For the quilts I make, I listen to the pattern, fabrics, and blocks. Some of my quilts have the stop-the-eye colors scattered across the face of the quilt and some don’t.
Cheers for each and every quiltmaker and their wonderful creative choices!
I like your Neptune quilt!
Hugs!
I enjoy both! What thrills me the most in looking at someone else’s quilt is the many creative choices the quiltmaker made, from pattern, to fabric, to fabric placement within each block, to block arrangement, borders, quilting design(s), and what to choose for binding. It may cross my mind that I’d do this or that differently, but hey, it’s not my quilt!
For the quilts I make, I listen to the pattern, fabrics, and blocks. Some of my quilts have the stop-the-eye colors scattered across the face of the quilt and some don’t.
Cheers for each and every quiltmaker and their wonderful creative choices!
I like your Neptune quilt!
Hugs!
Definitely “dancing eyes”. I love to linger over the quilt.
Definitely “dancing eyes”. I love to linger over the quilt.
I don’t call them brakes, I call them sparkle…and I love it. Without those blocks the quilt would be pretty. With them the quilt is breathtaking…just outstanding. I love it!!!
I don’t call them brakes, I call them sparkle…and I love it. Without those blocks the quilt would be pretty. With them the quilt is breathtaking…just outstanding. I love it!!!
I have always been taught (I have a degree in Interior Design, Display & Visual Promotion- not that it matters) that those “brake” spots, as well as negative space, are important to draw the eye in and also to let the eye have a place to rest.
I have always been taught (I have a degree in Interior Design, Display & Visual Promotion- not that it matters) that those “brake” spots, as well as negative space, are important to draw the eye in and also to let the eye have a place to rest.
Contrast of value is what makes a quilt sparkle, as long as the placement is balanced, those darker blocks will add interest.
Contrast of value is what makes a quilt sparkle, as long as the placement is balanced, those darker blocks will add interest.
i once made a 30’s (pastel) quilt –first i used all the pretty colors and the quilt was _boring_–it had no interest at all–and so i added in the uglies (to me)–the browns, and the mustard yellows–and then the quilt came alive.
i once made a 30’s (pastel) quilt –first i used all the pretty colors and the quilt was _boring_–it had no interest at all–and so i added in the uglies (to me)–the browns, and the mustard yellows–and then the quilt came alive.
I agree that it depends on the effect you going after that should dictate blend or contrast. I prefer quilts with high contrast because it removes the predictability as well as causing the viewer to interact with the quilt. You’ve done a outstanding job in capturing my interest. Love it!!
I agree that it depends on the effect you going after that should dictate blend or contrast. I prefer quilts with high contrast because it removes the predictability as well as causing the viewer to interact with the quilt. You’ve done a outstanding job in capturing my interest. Love it!!
I really like the placement of the darker units as it delivers the “punch or kick” to the quilt. I have used this fabric and I think the navy is showing much stronger than the actual values. I agree that some people prefer softer colors and more blended quilts. As a newcomer to quilting I am learning that it is the contrast and little bit of punch that transform the quilts into a work of art rather than just
fabrics that coordinate nicely. Much harder said than done. If it bothers you I would suggest a small navy border. I love it the way it is. I also love your selections with Elizabeth and the softness of the colors.
I really like the placement of the darker units as it delivers the “punch or kick” to the quilt. I have used this fabric and I think the navy is showing much stronger than the actual values. I agree that some people prefer softer colors and more blended quilts. As a newcomer to quilting I am learning that it is the contrast and little bit of punch that transform the quilts into a work of art rather than just
fabrics that coordinate nicely. Much harder said than done. If it bothers you I would suggest a small navy border. I love it the way it is. I also love your selections with Elizabeth and the softness of the colors.
I can see what Patti is saying, but I like how a quilt sparkles where there is a shot of dark fabric now and then.
I can see what Patti is saying, but I like how a quilt sparkles where there is a shot of dark fabric now and then.
I love MORE — more the better — even though a totally coordinated quilt, all even, values blended is perfectly OK< I want to see parts jumping out at me, unusual, NOT blending, etc. Naturally, there is a limit but ... the other kind is just too moring. I.E., some of the 2-color quilts? well, they ARE beautiful, but I cannot imagine actually making one - BORING! Just my opinion. This Dancing Eyes is exactly MY cut of tea! Lovely.
I love MORE — more the better — even though a totally coordinated quilt, all even, values blended is perfectly OK< I want to see parts jumping out at me, unusual, NOT blending, etc. Naturally, there is a limit but ... the other kind is just too moring. I.E., some of the 2-color quilts? well, they ARE beautiful, but I cannot imagine actually making one - BORING! Just my opinion. This Dancing Eyes is exactly MY cut of tea! Lovely.
I LOVE dancing eyes and by the way, your Neptune quilt is perfect! Nancy in WI
I LOVE dancing eyes and by the way, your Neptune quilt is perfect! Nancy in WI
I say it depends on the quilt. Just one brake block, with nothing to balance it, can be distracting. But if the brake block has a partner or something to give it balance, it can work.
I say it depends on the quilt. Just one brake block, with nothing to balance it, can be distracting. But if the brake block has a partner or something to give it balance, it can work.
I like both effects. Blended and ‘popped’
🙂
I like both effects. Blended and ‘popped’
🙂
I think it depends on the quilt, I like to be drawn to a design, not jarred away. Your quilt top is perfection. I’m instantly drawn to it, but not jarred at all.
I think it depends on the quilt, I like to be drawn to a design, not jarred away. Your quilt top is perfection. I’m instantly drawn to it, but not jarred at all.
I’m with you on this one..dancing blocks make a quilt sing with interest! They do get your mind engaged..I like that analysis. Life is too short to be blendy and that just doesn’t pertain to quilts! LOL!
I’m with you on this one..dancing blocks make a quilt sing with interest! They do get your mind engaged..I like that analysis. Life is too short to be blendy and that just doesn’t pertain to quilts! LOL!
It really sort of depends. For something like a watercolor quilt, obviously the whole objective is to avoid that brake. But the first quilts I fell in love with were scrap quilts. For those, part of the joy is to have your eye move around the quilt because of something–whether that’s bits of bright red or yellow, or darker blocks, or blocks lighter than the whole. I think that when a quilt is very “matchy”, it becomes somewhat boring. It could be the most exquisite piecing and color coordination ever, but without a little “wow”, some sparkle, something a little unexpected, it just falls flat.
It really sort of depends. For something like a watercolor quilt, obviously the whole objective is to avoid that brake. But the first quilts I fell in love with were scrap quilts. For those, part of the joy is to have your eye move around the quilt because of something–whether that’s bits of bright red or yellow, or darker blocks, or blocks lighter than the whole. I think that when a quilt is very “matchy”, it becomes somewhat boring. It could be the most exquisite piecing and color coordination ever, but without a little “wow”, some sparkle, something a little unexpected, it just falls flat.
It’s “sparkle” in my book, and it adds a lot to a quilt, but you do have to use it judiciously….
It’s “sparkle” in my book, and it adds a lot to a quilt, but you do have to use it judiciously….
Personal preference plays a big role. For myself, I like the darker contrasting blocks if the background leans toward a medium tone vs. light. For example, in your quilt, I really like the navy blocks on the medium blue background whereas if it were my quilt, I would not prefer the navy on the white background. More than anything, though, I like to teach people to appreciate the workmanship of a quilt. No matter if I care for the medium or not, a great deal of love, effort, and care went into crafting a quilt and the artist should be recognized accordingly. Your quilt is as lovely as all the others you have so generously shared. Thank you for your ongoing inspiration!
Personal preference plays a big role. For myself, I like the darker contrasting blocks if the background leans toward a medium tone vs. light. For example, in your quilt, I really like the navy blocks on the medium blue background whereas if it were my quilt, I would not prefer the navy on the white background. More than anything, though, I like to teach people to appreciate the workmanship of a quilt. No matter if I care for the medium or not, a great deal of love, effort, and care went into crafting a quilt and the artist should be recognized accordingly. Your quilt is as lovely as all the others you have so generously shared. Thank you for your ongoing inspiration!
I don’t mind stopping to look at a particular block (braking) but I don’t like to be jarred into stopping. Then I feel like I can’t NOT look at that block and then that disturbs the enjoyment of gazing over the rest of the quilt. Someone used the word “rest”…that’s what I like to do with a quilt…rest but not abruptly stop.
I don’t mind stopping to look at a particular block (braking) but I don’t like to be jarred into stopping. Then I feel like I can’t NOT look at that block and then that disturbs the enjoyment of gazing over the rest of the quilt. Someone used the word “rest”…that’s what I like to do with a quilt…rest but not abruptly stop.
I prefer No Rules – doing what pleases the quilter. This quilting craft, as far as I’m concerned, should be fun – without rules. Dancing, or bland, or wild, or plain, or colorful, or quiet – whatever. Every quilt should be different. Just my opinion.
I prefer No Rules – doing what pleases the quilter. This quilting craft, as far as I’m concerned, should be fun – without rules. Dancing, or bland, or wild, or plain, or colorful, or quiet – whatever. Every quilt should be different. Just my opinion.
Like many have said, it depends on the quilt. But I do like a color that pops on the quilt. I like contrast.
Like many have said, it depends on the quilt. But I do like a color that pops on the quilt. I like contrast.
I love this quilt. It is fun and playful.
Have you finished beach cottage yet?
I love this quilt. It is fun and playful.
Have you finished beach cottage yet?
I once made a quilt (in the early days)that had fabrics all with similar value. They were very pretty fabrics, but all together I think it made for a very boring quilt. There definitely needs to be something to make the eye stop and look–otherwise the whole quilt goes unnoticed. Well, if that is the intention though, go for it!
I once made a quilt (in the early days)that had fabrics all with similar value. They were very pretty fabrics, but all together I think it made for a very boring quilt. There definitely needs to be something to make the eye stop and look–otherwise the whole quilt goes unnoticed. Well, if that is the intention though, go for it!
I think there’s a difference between “dancing” eyes and “stumbling” eyes. Jarring doesn’t appeal to me. Differences do.
If I keep coming back to the same block because the colors aren’t quite right together, or it’s placed badly (too many darks together in a light to medium quilt), it’s like coming back to the one smudge on a mirror–it bugs me, and I can’t appreciate the rest of the quilt.
On the other hand, if my eye skips around to well-placed “surprises”, I find it more interesting and I find myself looking for more instances of that fabric or looking more closely at a secondary pattern, maybe.
Like Patty, I’m not a fan of blended quilts, nor am I a fan of staying with a “fabric line”. I don’t want to offend those who do, but it makes me feel as if the company thinks I am incapable of mixing and matching colors and patterns on my own. Then again, if you need a quilt in a hurry, a fabric line is a safe bet.
I think there’s a difference between “dancing” eyes and “stumbling” eyes. Jarring doesn’t appeal to me. Differences do.
If I keep coming back to the same block because the colors aren’t quite right together, or it’s placed badly (too many darks together in a light to medium quilt), it’s like coming back to the one smudge on a mirror–it bugs me, and I can’t appreciate the rest of the quilt.
On the other hand, if my eye skips around to well-placed “surprises”, I find it more interesting and I find myself looking for more instances of that fabric or looking more closely at a secondary pattern, maybe.
Like Patty, I’m not a fan of blended quilts, nor am I a fan of staying with a “fabric line”. I don’t want to offend those who do, but it makes me feel as if the company thinks I am incapable of mixing and matching colors and patterns on my own. Then again, if you need a quilt in a hurry, a fabric line is a safe bet.
What a great post, I’ve visited several times today to keep up with the comments. I know for sure blended quilts do not appeal to me, other than that, I only know I like what I like, but not necessarily why! Something for me to think about.
What a great post, I’ve visited several times today to keep up with the comments. I know for sure blended quilts do not appeal to me, other than that, I only know I like what I like, but not necessarily why! Something for me to think about.
I personally enjoy a quilt that flows and doesn’t have a just a few blocks that draw your eyes only to them. Thats just me. I can still appreciate the others I just like something that is soothing it can be bright if it all flows across the quilt. Isn’t it great that we can all enjoy what is pleasing to us. Hugs,
I personally enjoy a quilt that flows and doesn’t have a just a few blocks that draw your eyes only to them. Thats just me. I can still appreciate the others I just like something that is soothing it can be bright if it all flows across the quilt. Isn’t it great that we can all enjoy what is pleasing to us. Hugs,
It’s hard to generalize about this. I made a quilt to sell once that used all of Robin Pandolph’s fabric and personally I thought it was flat. My eyes rolled right off the quilt because there wasn’t anything interesting!! (btw, it sold quickly!)
In your quilt I love the dark blue and it certainly adds interest.
It’s hard to generalize about this. I made a quilt to sell once that used all of Robin Pandolph’s fabric and personally I thought it was flat. My eyes rolled right off the quilt because there wasn’t anything interesting!! (btw, it sold quickly!)
In your quilt I love the dark blue and it certainly adds interest.
Comment by Marianne-
For me there is a big difference between a bed quilt and a wall quilt. I am very happy with an overall pattern without or with very little diversity on a bed quilt whereas I want something to first draw me into the wall quilt and then provide me with a journey that takes me to different areas some with a bench to sit down on and rest, some that will provide me with entertainment and I don’t mind one place that makes me stop and think – the more thinking I have to do the more benches I need to rest if you see what I am getting at. I struggle very much with finding the right balance between benches and can-can dancers!
The surroundings the wall quilt will have when on the wall is important too as to how much entertainment you will want. It may very well be that the quilt will be the “bench” in the room and so should probably be a gentle stroll with just a few wild flowers to look at along the way.
This is probably clear as mud but you did ask for opinions ;-D
Comment by Marianne-
For me there is a big difference between a bed quilt and a wall quilt. I am very happy with an overall pattern without or with very little diversity on a bed quilt whereas I want something to first draw me into the wall quilt and then provide me with a journey that takes me to different areas some with a bench to sit down on and rest, some that will provide me with entertainment and I don’t mind one place that makes me stop and think – the more thinking I have to do the more benches I need to rest if you see what I am getting at. I struggle very much with finding the right balance between benches and can-can dancers!
The surroundings the wall quilt will have when on the wall is important too as to how much entertainment you will want. It may very well be that the quilt will be the “bench” in the room and so should probably be a gentle stroll with just a few wild flowers to look at along the way.
This is probably clear as mud but you did ask for opinions ;-D
I always say, opinions are like as____es, everyone has one. Opinions are subjective……personally I love a good zinger! Beautiful quilt!!!
I always say, opinions are like as____es, everyone has one. Opinions are subjective……personally I love a good zinger! Beautiful quilt!!!
I adore every quilt you make! However, I like things perfectly in line and even, so would I be a “no breaks if it’s my own but for everyone else it’s OK”, girl?
See ya’ this weekend =)
I adore every quilt you make! However, I like things perfectly in line and even, so would I be a “no breaks if it’s my own but for everyone else it’s OK”, girl?
See ya’ this weekend =)
Great topic to discuss. I prefer the dancing but I guess they both have their place. Too much uniformity can be pretty and BORING.
Great topic to discuss. I prefer the dancing but I guess they both have their place. Too much uniformity can be pretty and BORING.
I love this quilt. Some peoples eyes “brake” and others just go with the flow. I absolutely love how this one turned out.
I love this quilt. Some peoples eyes “brake” and others just go with the flow. I absolutely love how this one turned out.
I prefer “dancing eyes” because sometimes you end up glossing over a quilt. Those brakes make you sit up and take notice of what’s happening. Fortunately I’m nearsighted, so when I find those, I take my glasses off and stand back – the effect those blocks have is amazing sometimes.
I prefer “dancing eyes” because sometimes you end up glossing over a quilt. Those brakes make you sit up and take notice of what’s happening. Fortunately I’m nearsighted, so when I find those, I take my glasses off and stand back – the effect those blocks have is amazing sometimes.
I think it depends on the quilt, but I like blocks that make you stop and look, as well as spaces that give the eyes a rest. This quilt is stunning!
I think it depends on the quilt, but I like blocks that make you stop and look, as well as spaces that give the eyes a rest. This quilt is stunning!