Saturday, November 15, 2008

Crazy Block revisited...









Not the greatest photos in the world but they at least give you some idea of what I have done to this block which I have had in the 'too hard' basket for some time...

This was my first real crazy quilt block which I started for one of sharonb's Encrusted Crazy Quilting classes...Whilst her teaching, support and information was wonderful - my own expections of what I should achieve fell a little short and I became disheatened and abandoned it. The block only has seen the light of day thanks to G who wanted some advice on her own block and I dragged mine out of its dark place to show her an example of what I meant.

Since then I have played a little more and have come to a bit of a stand still with it again...

However I have learnt one thing if nothing else... That a little forward planning is not a bad thing... What I mean by that is that I started this block because I like the fabrics and whilst that is a positive - I really had no idea of what theme I wanted to develop it too... As it has unfolded as 'a floral' - that has been purely by accident rather than design...

Now again that is not a bad thing but I have found it rather a battle as the designing element was in tandem with the stitching element - like 'what will I do next- wait for inspiration' to hit type process. In otherwords had I had a basic concept first I would have set off in a particular direction with a 'map' of sorts - even if some elements changed during the process I would have still had guidelines in which to work with...

One of my failings is that I want it to work straight off - my measure of patience is limited these days as is my time factor - the snail section as you can see if you look close enough has had quite a few re-works - I knew what I wanted it was just getting it right took the time and my patience frayed as did the fabric - however I am pleased with my final attempt and 'he' will be joined shortly by another 'shelled' pal.

There are quite a few trouble spots with this block that I still have to resolve -still I guess that is 'the journey' - or process - of these endeavours...


2 comments:

Gina E. said...

Hi Sharon, I am so glad to see you have resumed working on this block - it is taking shape beautifully. Love the snail! Thanks for your comment on my postcard; I was disappointed with the final product, but just wanted to get it off to my exchange partner ASAP. I have a new one on the go now, for a Xmas exchange and I think it is going to be much better. Once I've got these postcard and ATC things done, I want to get back on my Teacup CQ block - hope we can get together to work on our blocks again soon.

Susan said...

The block is very pretty and you are doing some beautiful things on it. All my seams, and all my blocks, are inspired as I go. I know that some people sit and design every seam and where every stitch will go. Their work is beautiful, but that kind of planning never works for me. I can't stick to the plan! I have to see what is, before I can see what will be.

Don't beat yourself up over it. I imagine a lot of inspiration comes to you, but you aren't sure it "fits" or that you can do it. It will fit, and you can do it. =)