Bluebird Top Done
I’ve been busy – albeit with things other than quilting lately – but I did manage between other things to finally complete the last bluebird sample top. As I expected there was quite a lot of “un-sewing” and replacing of unsatisfactory pieces. It was hard to get enough contrast between the medium-ish backgrounds and the medium-ish bird. Today I will layer, baste and begin the quilting which may help.
I will probably darken at least some of the white spots which to me have a somewhat Bluejay look to them, though I was hoping they would look more like sparkles of light.
Here’s a shot of the cover sample which has better contrast, next to the new one, but I am not un-happy with the second one
which has a softer, naturistic feeling. Well, spell check doesn’t like THAT word, but you get the idea!
We’ve enjoyed some wonderful fall weather which demanded that I spend time outside so I have done that, cleaning up flower beds, weeding, digging cannas and planting new things for next year. Things like three each of four varieties of perennial Salvias in the sunny border, a couple of Mukdenia rossii ‘Karasuba’ which is a new one for me, I was only able to find reference to it in one of my books, another crepe myrtle and half a dozen ‘Cherokee’ Blackberry bushes. There’s more to do, but that’s it for now!
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Hurrah for you! The new bluebird is bee-ute-e-ful! I think I like it better than the first one – the background is more ‘gentle’ and bird draws my eye. I especially like the flowers in the foreground which give more depth. I do admire your stimina, I have gotten to the point that I can’t make it through the day without a nap… or two! Love, Del
November 5th, 2009 at 9:52 am
The bluebird is one of my favorite songbirds, and yours is very handsome! I feel that his legs and the branch he is on get lost in the background fabric at the bottom, although the fabrics do contribute nicely to scene. And it bothers me a little that the branch divides the piece almost exactly in half diagonally. Just my two cents worth from looking at photos only. I love your work and your love of nature shines through in every piece.
November 7th, 2009 at 10:01 am
Thanks Jeanne – I rather like how the branch leads your eye right into the bird, and then the bird gives another opposing diagonal from the opposite direction, and there is a subtle third diagonal where the light and darker fabrics come together.