I hope this doesn’t turn into a problem and “Good Morning.” Not the best greeting but lets go with it; it’s a huge win! The Critic’s been hanging out and every word I tried to post is deemed unworthy lately. I’m surprised I’m leaving those first 40 words there. I’m not asking, not looking back. Just gonna go with it, forge ahead.
Exuding Color
Happy to introduce you to my exuding color quilt blocks inspired by Wanda at Exuberant Color. If you go back to the 1st of the Year you’ll see a quilt there that’s a lot of fun and got me thinking big blocks and framing fabric. These are 16.5″ up on my design wall; the biggest blocks I’ve ever made. The block in the middle is my test block – it’s fine but I prefer the middle fabric in the other two. That’s what it was for in the first place but I had to try black.
I dig working with the big blocks if only to allow me to work with this fabric, to see how it plays. I have 24 quarter cuts so there’s a nice little bit of variety. I dislike working with the big blocks in the sense that I like to piece and this was like making borders in a way. But I pushed on through and that’s something I like to see in myself!!! Endurance.
This is quite a distance from where I nest and I think I dig that; it’s a success. A success because I’ve been allowing this to work on me for a long, long time. I’ve surrounded myself with the right people influencing me and I waited until it was just after Christmas and “Sale” week at the Quilt Shop. This means I’m not overly attached the fabric and I’m not afraid to cut into it.
It’s something to be exuberant about.
And this morning I’m noting the importance of the influences and how crucial it is to pay attention to whose influencing you. I can usually tell when I’m well-influenced. I see things like these blocks manifest before my eyes. Of course, you know what a big “key” to being well-influenced is, don’t you?
Well, outside of ensuring you’re not around selfish, abusive or manipulative people, a big “key” is the open mind, timing and the ability to sort & apply information appropriately. I think. For me.
~~~
So that was about 400 words and I’m not sure I’m entirely happy with this post but it’s done and it has something to say. It shares something new I’m doing, my experience with the fabric and my ability to cut into it, my feeling about big blocks and my own thoughts on being influenced. I do think there’s more to say on that and I could go on and on but I’m really having to deal with The Critic here and just getting this dang post out is a huge Success!!! There are days that putting your thoughts down is extremely difficult. I’m just sayin’… and I’m thanking you for your time and visit, support and endurance to get thru reading this post.
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Lovely lovely blocks. Banish that Critic! You are too good for critics.
It is fun to play; no matter WHO is around! Reminds me; I need some play time too.
Work from home India
You know I just love the colorful blocks! How fun for me to see! Thanks for sharing those!
Such a change from what I have seen you work on before. It can be fun to work outside the “box”, enjoy your big blocks.
Your future's so bright, you're gonna need shades! Love them blocks, girly! I like this post – I think being influenced by others (and hopefully influencing others) helps in the creative process. Just being open to new things is what's important, methinks. Good for you! Enjoy!
Lovely blocks! Too bad they are going to want a piano key border….
)
Wow … you have stepped outside the box with these … love them and I really like that striped fabric on the outside of each block!
I can tell you are having fun!
Just ignore that darned “Critic” – (s)he is just jealous cos (s)he can't say things like you do – and can't make quilt blocks like you do either!
I for one love your words, what ever you choose to say. I always look forward to reading your thoughts, please don't stop.
Your blocks are wonderful, so bright & happy.
I think these blocks are absolutely gorgeous. I LOVE the colours! Don't stop making them. I hope you really enjoyed yourself experimenting with the colours. xx
Karen, Your new big colorful blocks are absolutely beautiful. I enlarged them and looked at them for the longest time, just soaking in the vibrant color. Wonderful!!! I can't wait to see more. I know what you mean about liking the piecing process more than the borders though, and your so right…pushing on through is the key. I know that the hardest quilt for me to make of the few I have finished to date was the easiest pattern I have ever worked with. Three of four days work tops, 15 inch blocks with 3 large strips in each. I got so very bored that I set it aside for nearly 8 months (shameful, absolutely shameful). Then I pulled my head out and finished it up and it turned out very nicely. BUT, I will try to follow your example in the future, and endure. There is so much beauty in so much fabric and not all of them are condusive to the type of piecing we seem to prefer. We need to be versitile and just enjoy the experience. I have had some trouble lately putting my thoughts down largely dure to medication changes and muddled thought processes, that is the reason I have been kind of scarce, though I have peeked in each day. You are always in my thoughts, mixed up as they are at times, LOL. Hugs coming your way. OH, and if I missed it in this post I apologize, but wondered if you made a decision on the 'Slice O' Cheddar' or if your still contiplating???
Those are beautiful! You're right that they don't look like what you usually do, but the influence was obviously positive. Don't think I've ever made a 16 inch block. That really is big.
I am so happy for you … that you got the words out and, most especially, that you are playing with these fabrics! Sometimes our souls just NEED color … I totally undestand.
Listening intently.
Damned, girl, you can be hard on yourself! Don't know who those negative Nellies are, but they need to be banished to the wood shed.
I love those big blocks. The way the patterns and the colors work, they almost look alive. The border fabric makes it looks as though all of those colors are dancing around the edge. I think Wanda has been an inspiration to many of us, challenging us to go to that crazy colorful land where we have heretofore feared to tread. You've met that challenge with those blocks!!!
I just found a sack of rotten potatoes hiding in my pantry. Tell me who's been dissing you & I'll put those smell suckers in a box & send them out anonymously.
Endurance and exuberance….that's a good combination. What gorgeous bright blocks you made! They look as though they should be served up on a plate for dessert.
You know that I love — LOVE — these blocks! Yum. They look edible. Drinkable? Both. Either. Just super good stuff.
An open mind. That is the key, isn't it…to lots of things. Great food for thought, Miss Karen Dianne. Thank you for that!
Truly.
Hmm…I see a pattern here. Edible blocks…food for thought. Sheesh. Trying to lose the poundage that I gained over the Christmas storm…and all that I have in my head is food. Good grief.
Excercising hugs….
I love those blocks!! Playing with colour like that is so much fun!
It's fun to step out of your “usual” and go with something that is calling your name. And, I love the fact that you feel comfy cutting the fabric up and just having fun with it. I think we forget sometimes why we got into this whole quilting thing in the first place. So, yeah, I like them LOTS!
ENDURANCE. Great word. It has a more positive and uplifting connotation than the “D” word [discipline], don't you think? Lovely blocks, too!
~Erin
Oh I love the blocks! I'm always a little afraid of large prints, but you did great! And I love, love the stripes around the outside! Thanks for the inspiration!! Hmmm, I foresee a shopping trip in my future~ ohoh!
No critic here – just loving the colors!!!!!! Have fun playing. We are off to see the over-wintering tundra swan flocks.
Wow, there is a colorful girl inside of you! I love the blocks. Remember to play with all of the little left over pieces and make some little wonky blocks too.
sometimes just playing with a new type of fabric just brightens your day and gives you all kinds of new ideas.
Mmmmmm, those blocks are just scrumptious. So NOT you! Love 'em!
It is fun to play; no matter WHO is around! Reminds me; I need some play time too. Karmen
I like those blocks. Wanda will, too.