Continuing with Black (?) Eyed Susans Quilt
After selecting the fabrics for this quilt, I was ready to create the background. Since it was meant to represent busy grasses and foliage, I knew that a variety of patterned green fabrics would do the trick.
I often include a few plaid fabrics in the mix, being careful to tilt them a little. I also paid attention to value, making the spot behind my future focal flower the darkest. This will create the most value contrast and draw attention to that area.
Below, you see the first flower almost complete. I drew each petal by eye. After all, it’s a flower, so I can “mess up” and it will still look fine. I did draw the basic oval perimeter of the flower on the background fabrics. This helped me keep the proper scale in mind.
I had to line each petal with another piece of (inexpensive) solid yellow. It was easy, though. I drew the petal shape on the primary fabric, layered it with the bottom yellow fabric, and cut them together. A little glue stick held them together.
I was considering a little variation on the usual black/brown center for the flowers. What do you think about purple? (Here, it’s just folded and placed for auditioning purposes.) I think I like it.
More to come soon.
Ellen Lindner
There are so many wonderful browns that I think I vote for a textured brown instead of the purple. But if you use that piece, I’m sure it will look just perfect there! You have a knack for using some interesting pieces and making them believable. Eager to see the next step.
Martha Ginn
I am enjoying watching this piece come together. Love the purple center, it’s like a little surprise waiting for the viewer to notice it!
Wow, how great to have two differing opinions on the purple centers. Just the sort of discussion I enjoy!
Martha, it is a little risky to use purple, but I always like to consider the unexpected. Since I use a collage technique, I can easily change it before I get to the stitching part.
Patty, I’m liking the purple, too. (Especially since I’ve used it more since this post.) I think it helps that the purple fabrics are dark and subdued. So, the color is subtle.
THANKS for commenting, ladies!