by Sandra | October 6th, 2011
Some of the chaos has settled down and I have been able to focus some time on Jason’s quilt. If you haven’t noticed, I have been using some of the birds for the Naturalist Notebooks blocks.
One of them is the Purple Finch and I finally came to that part of Jason’s quilt to applique. I found that I could not use the same color undertones as I had in the Naturalist’s Notebook block. It was too pink and “cool” against this particular palette of colors. Oh dear.
However, as I said in the prior post, there is always more than one choice of fabric. I think this is particularly useful for those of you choosing your own fabrics for your Purple Finch block.
I used completely different fabrics for the Purple Finch in Jason’s quilt compared to the Naturalist Notebook (NN) block yet the result is is good in both cases and they both look like the Purple Finch, which is the point.
The difference is the NN Purple Finch color has cool undertones and Jason’s Finch has warm undertones (try to ignore my chalk scribbles on Jason’s Purple Finch–top photo). Actually, I was quite surprised at the fabrics that worked. I found them by laying them against the quilt in progress and I could tell instantly what was a problem and what was going to be a potential candidate.
The ones I always think are a long shot are the ones that end up working the best. Once I stop fighting with the logical side of my brain that is.
I am really, really, really happy to be working on Jason’s Quilt again and he is very happy about it too. After school, he comes up to my sewing room to check on the progress. So far it has his approval. <phew>
Sandra your work, as always, is gorgeous. I actually prefer the top one. The black fabric gives the feeling of being in a wood more some how.
Sandra,
He is stunning. Another masterpiece.
Miss Gini
Your choice of fabric does indeed work well in Jason’s quilt. The finch’s head (to the left of his beak, around his eye) looks as if it’s in shadow, as does the area below the finch’s wing. It seems as though the finch’s head is turned a bit, creating the shadow. Just lovely. So amazing, your creations. Unparalleled.
Thank you ladies! I am really happy with the way each of them turned out.
He’s still impressive looking, even in the “chalk” state. It’s so nice to hear that Jason’s excited about the progress, too. I can’t wait til you get to the mouse in the corner – hope he’s still in the pattern.
More good lessons. You always tell us why you do it this way – not just this is what I did.
Thank you for the lovely gift.
t
I am thrilled you are able to work on Jason’s quilt again, the purple finch looks beautiful with the fabric you have selected. Thank you for sharing another glimpse of this gorgeous masterpiece in progress.
Oh Sandra, I really love your new colour for the Purple finch in Jason’s quilt. The leaves are spectacular. Can’t wait to see the completion of the top. Thank you for sharing the quote from Steve Jobs on your Twitter post. It is so sad to think that we have lost such a brilliant mind. Apple will never be the same. It is also sad that he won’t be around to hear the reactions following the availability of ios5 and iCloud next Wednesday.
Yes, Brenda and Sandra, the loss of Steve Jobs is great and incalculable. We are all immeasurably fortunate that he lived in a time when his genius could shine. (and Sandra, I am reflecting on your comment about Steve Jobs’ quote….)
Frances and Brenda, I too am quite saddened by a true original innovator and genuine person as Steve Jobs. We rarely see such individuals of supreme gifts anymore.
I am a firm believer that success does not come easily if it is to be long lasting. Whatever the endeavor, small or large, the ones who persevere and push through the hard parts are the ones that come out the other side successful. There are, and never have been shortcuts to real success. We just don’t see the hard work, dedication and sometimes pain that leads to that success.
We lost a great one.
Denise, I am beyond thrilled too. Jason’s enthusiasm melts my heart.
Tammy, I want my friends here to be able to arrive at the same results.
Karen, the mouse is still there (for now) I am still trying to find the right fabric. I haven’t given up yet. LOL
Sandra,
Any chance that this lovely quilt will ever end up as a pattern book ? Would Jason approve ?
OMG – might need more shopping?!?
I’m ready. I actually got a whole bunch of different gray batiks to make spoons out of, as well as Santa beard stock. But if none of that works…. well, you know we just have to do what we have to do.
Jason’s enthusiasm is heart-melting for everybody, and I’m always so happy to hear about it.
Sandra, I could see right away what you meant by the undertones. I’ve never had it explained to me in quite this way before. I’ve always chosen all my fabrics before ever taking a stitch with disastrous results at times. Thank you.
Eileen, I am so glad I was able to give you a lightbulb moment!
Sara when all is done, I will ask Jason if he is OK with a pattern.