7/10/2016

Beth Norris's perfect little heart.

Crazy Quilt International recently held a little challenge.  Each entry had to use this heart pattern which is quite small... I believe I remember it was 4".  This entry was by Beth Norris and I was so taken with it that I wanted to share it with you.  If I were teaching a beginning crazy quilt class I could use this one small piece of needlework to illustrate all I think is important for success..  For me the main goal for  every piece I stitch is   is "harmony" and this is indeed a harmonious piece and I want to point out why in case you missed it..
 
First of all there is the color... You cannot go wrong with a limited palette as it is instant harmony.  It is the most important thing I admire about Sharon Boggon's work... She takes a limited palette and makes it sing!  Here Beth chose only shades of beige and turquoise.
 
Next is how she used the shape of the patches.  The heart pattern itself makes an odd shape patch obvious and Beth not only embraced this shape she accentuated it by using a curved design...  The needlework is working "with" the curve of the heart.
Likewise is true with the bottom of the heart.  Not only once, but repeatedly, she echoed the shape.  Repetition or echoing an element is another sure way to a successful block and I urge students to actively include this in their work...

Throughout this small piece she repeated or echoed elements.  Here in these very linear stitching techniques.
And again with the chain stitches





And in the circular shapes in the flowers and butterfly.








For me the most captivating patch was this long and narrow one.  Not a easy one to fill effectively.. But Beth did it so beautifully with this elegant fox.  The patch was not only long and narrow, it was wider at the bottom...  Notice how the shape of the fox fits perfectly.... brilliant.











Last but not least, please notice how every element moves your eye around the block.  There is not one thing that leads your eye out of the block.. even the ears and tail of the fox are directional.



I am looking forward to seeing more of Beth's work.  There is such a lot to learn and remember from this small piece.  Just lovely!!!










 

9 comments:

Marilyn said...

I think this was my favourite one too. Most of my blocks in the last few years use a limited palette. And this heart just makes me feel like smiling :)

Frédérique - Quilting Patchwork Appliqué said...

Beautiful!!

Renee said...

Gerry, I love how easily you can break down the elements of a piece of art and share with others so they may achieve a sense of harmony within their own work. Beth's stitching is lovely.

Wilma said...

I totally agree with you Gerry, it is perfect!

gocrazywithme said...

So glad to see you posting today; hadn't seen any posts from you for awhile. I was thinking about you yesterday and wondering how you are. Maybe you read my mind!

sewok said...

I have been the fortunate recipient of Beth's work on several RR's. This heart shows the excellence that Beth puts in all of her work. As a beginner I always look forward to when her work crosses my table so that I can study and hopefully learn just a bit from her. Once again, Beth, Way to stitch! Phyllis

margaret said...

a lovely heart and I love how you have shared your thoughts on it it works beautifully

Marci said...

I knew I liked the heart, thanks for showing me the reasons.

Magpie's Mumblings said...

I love the heart and as was said by another commenter, thank you for showing the reasons why. Seeing this and getting more understanding of what works helps me to improve my own work. Thanks Gerry!

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