This was truly a challenge...the colors made me edgy, the seam work was tedious and I was continuously ripping out stitches.... I could only work on it for short periods at a time.... But I finished and vowed to be much more open in my color choices. I will never love doing seams though and doing this block I figured out why... they are too precise, measured, repetitive and unforgiving...very much like sane quilting... So I will continue to do just a few fancy seams on pieces, but not feel guilty about it.
To be out of my comfort zone a block had to include:
1. Intense color....jewel tones.
2.Seam treatments....fancy ones and lots of them.
3. Curves....which I avoid whenever I construct a block.
Even more importantly I had to have:
1. No lace ... no lace at all.
2. No embroidery of any kind ...SRE or traditional
3. A non-traditional crazy quilting format...
I allowed myself beads... I did fudge just a tad with a little SRE on her head dress and with this design about one third of the block had no seam stitching at all.... I'm glad that I did it as it was a challenge and I really was in a creative rut...a comfortable one but a rut just the same.... Thanks Lauri for setting this up....
Looks like you have a companion to your Gypsy Rose block! This may be out of your comfort zone but is beautifully executed none the less!
ReplyDeleteI can't help it but I had to smile with your description of what you did and felt with this block.
ReplyDeleteBut I like the end result :-)
Gerry,
ReplyDeleteYou are funny! I am glad you tried it too and yes, it does show a very different 'side' of you! :) But how cool that you tried it and did it (and beautifully). I love the description of what it meant to be out of your comfort zone. I still don't have a 'zone' so one day I will look back and know what that is for me. But we are 'organic' beings...ever changing...so who knows...you may have another comfort zone by next year! :)
Very well done, Gerry! You kicked your comfort zone in the butt and still made a beautiful block!
ReplyDeleteGerry, again absolutely stunning! Your seam treatments are go-a-jus!!! I think your one of those people that can fit in anywhere! Debbie (Maine)
ReplyDeleteWow, most of us would love to do our comfort zones as beautifully and creatively as you work OUT of your zone. Good for you for recognizing all your likes & dislikes and showing those nasty curved seams that you can stitch 'em to pieces!! LOL. Hugs, Cathy
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely breathtaking Gerry! It may have been out of your comfort zone but you made it work. Beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteIt looks just lovely Gerry!
ReplyDeleteshe reminds me of carmen miranda and her fancy sarongs!
and that it is out of your comfort zone is impressive.
Simply beautiful as is all your work! I spent my High School years in Seville, Spain and seeing her instantly brought back some wonderful memories. She reminds me of the flamingo dancers I used to watch dance - I love the flow of her skirt and the beautiful colors you used - Way to go!
ReplyDeleteWOW. WOW!! This is out of your comfort zone?? It's spectacular and gorgeous! I admit I'm biased (jewel tones and seam treatments are two of my favourite things, lol). The design is simply gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteGood CQ challenge and I like your results a lot... Isn't it great to discover things you can use by doing something OOCZ like this?
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love her! She and the block are perfect. You should work outside your comfort zone more often!
ReplyDelete