After the RR is over and a block goes home I'm assuming that I'm not the only one that makes changes both simple and drastic. We just never get to see it after that happens... I think also lots of blocks ends up in a drawer because it's hard to see what's needed.. This summer I want to do a tutorial on "Can this block be saved?" Well I'm showing the whole story of this block..This is how it left home with lots of lace and a silkie....also instructions for lots of hearts and flowers and no orange. And I included a little verse that said it all... "My little trollop is a slightly soiled dove...searching everywhere for her own true love.." This was the same "encrusted RR" as the previous posts...
This is the block on it's arrival home with lots and lots of wonderful stitching on it... If I really love a block I will start the final tuning and I really loved this block... Please note Maire's delicate stitching on the stripes.. and Leslie's whimsical use of beads next to silkie... Ati finished framing the silkie with roses...Here's what I see I need to do:1. There's a piece of naked lace in the upper left and we all know lace cannot be left naked.
2. I hadn't thought to request fans but there are two fabulous fans from Cobi and how clever for Cobi to add fans... perfect... and it needs MORE fans...
3. The tiny perfume charm which Ati added needs to be in her hand.
4. The button trail just isn't working but that one large red one is fantastic and I will use it.. Most of the others will go into my button box for use on something else..
5. Since the theme of the block is searching for love I want more hearts, hearts, hearts...
6. I feel the red silk roses need to be repeated somewhere else on the block....a purely personal choice.
Now here is the block after I finished it...1. I embellished the naked lace upper left and turned it into a saucy garter.
2. I added four more filigree fans and beaded them.
3. I replaced the trail of button with a trail of hearts of all sorts and the key to her heart.
4. I moved the perfume bottle to her hand and I took that fabulous huge red button and painted a rose on it.. I placed it and a few others from the trail right up next to her head...
5. Finally I replaced the beaded roses lower left with luscious red silk red roses to echo Ati roses...
I don't often completely remove something but if I do, I use it on another block or somewhere else on the same block... I do add lots that most often is inspired by what the stitchers have done (like the fans)... I encourage everyone to make changes to suit you as it's your block... and share what you've done... This is an important part of the process and never makes it to the albums...
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7 comments:
wonderful finish to a lovely block!
I agree,we are sometimes disappointed with what we get back from some RR's.
and in the spirit of not wanting to hurt anyone's feelings by ripping out what they carefully sewed down.
it is after all our block in the end and we should have the intestinal fortitude to stand up and say, you know that didn't work for me here but I'll keep it and see if it won't work somewhere else.
though most of the rr's I have participated in (when I was in the CQ for newbies group) came back to me brimming with wonderful stitching and ides for additions i.e. my pineapples and palmtrees DYOB, there was one I was so disheartened with that I just put it away. maybe it's time to get it back out and rehabilitate it!
thank you for giving us a shining example (once again) for giving a piece new life.
I really like the added fans. They pop nicely on the background. That is a beautiful block. Love the little perfume bottle! I've never done a RR, but it looks like fun.
What a stunning block.Love the bold red. Your comments are really helpful, as I am new to Crazy Quilting.I am now looking at my, (and others') works with an eye for balance, where the eye goes etc.
This is a great post.
Thanks.
Gerry, I always find your comments about balance, colour and the flow of blocks so interesting. I think it is gift that you have. I'm hoping that some might rub off if I really pay attention!
Diane
I'd never thought of it in that light before. It's only common sense really, isn't it? I'll still hesitate to change someone's work, but you're right, there's no reason why it shouldn't be done. And your contributions to a block are always a joy. Blessings
Thank you so much for sharing this! I'm still in my first novice RR on the CQI group, but I have wondered what to do with a block that comes back that isn't "quite" to ones idea of it.
You are right about not wanting to hurt any ones feelings etc, but it is your block and you should like what you see.
I love seeing how you dress CQ blocks and have been learning from your posts.
Thank you for pointing out what can and cannot work and WHY. Your blog is so educational and I cannot wait to meet you in CT.
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