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| First Two Borders For Wall Hanging |
I spent the day in the studio assembling the first part of my bluebird wall hanging yesterday. If you've been following along, you may notice that many of my fabric choices changed. I decided to stick with more subtle colors. The batik I showed you will still be used as the outside border and back, but I'm only showing the borders and fabric choices (along the right side) for the half square triangles which will be the next border. I may add a few other appropriate fabrics as I assemble them.
There's a little tension in the fabric where I stitched the fencing, which is a bit disappointing. I tried very hard to keep my fabric taut in the hoop, and not pull too much when I was stitching, but alas, I still have to fine tune my technique. It should disappear when I do the quilting in this area, so I'm not too concerned at this point.
I placed the feathers that will be in the half square triangle bands on the corners of the main block to show you where I've yet to stitch them directly onto the fabric. The feathers on the main block will be larger than the ones you see here, but not significantly bigger. I kept this block the same size as my other two wall hangings (the robins and the cardinals) so their sizes will be consistent. The next one with the goldfinches will be the same, too. I'll stitch in those feathers after the next border is sewn to what's already done.
I got this much finished so far, and today I'll begin making all the half square triangles for the next section. The golden brown border you see here will be the same width as the darker border (1/2") after the next border is added.
I work tonight, so I'm not sure whether or not I'll get the next border attached today. I'll surely try. Otherwise, I'll get to it asap. I'm sure you can tell now that I'd love to race to the finish line. I just want to make sure I get it right, and that it turns out the way I want it too.
Oh, just a note. It was a conscious decision to avoid a lot of blues. I really don't want to take anything away from the needlework. What do you think so far? You like the colors I've chosen? Let me know.
Yes, the colors are nice.
ReplyDeleteIt's looking good so far.
I'm sure the puckering will come out as you advance on the piece, that's an intense stitching area.
I can't wait for the Goldfinch design!
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn:
DeleteI hope so! The puckers are really bugging me right now. I'll begin planning before Christmas on the goldfinches, but won't start stitching until Handsome leaves for Florida in January. It will give me something to stay busy (and safe from injury!) while he's away.
xoxo
Donna
Oh, I do like those colors!! The bluebirds' blue will surely "pop". I really can appreciate what you said about racing to the finish line...it can be so hard at this point in a project to keep a steady, patient, careful pace because it's so stinking exciting to see it coming together! 😄🥳 BTW... I really liked your idea of labeling your "safe place"... that made me LOL, and yet want to immediately institute that practice.
ReplyDeleteHi Lois:
DeleteAt this point, I want to keep previewing my color choices to keep everything balanced. I may change things yet as it progresses. You're right, though. I'll continue to take it at a steady pace. If I label a drawer "Safe Place", I'd better do it in big font, or I just may miss it anyway. lol
xoxo
Donna
I like the blues. They add a Springlike quality to it, though, and the grays are more Autumn.
ReplyDeleteHi Sandi:
DeleteThanks for your feedback. I'm really trying to tone down the blues so they don't overwhelm my bluebirds, but I don't want it to feel to "fallish", as that will be the season left for the goldfinches. This still has to look summery. I'm going to keep that in mind as I continue to make my choices.
xoxo
Donna
The colors are perfect. I’m looking forward to seeing your finished piece. Andrea Hickman
ReplyDeleteHi Andrea:
DeleteThanks so much! I am, too! ;-)
xoxo
Donna
I must admit that I'm having trouble with that gold strip - on my screen it seems to almost overpower the birds and my eye goes to it first. Originally I liked the idea of the gold but I wonder if you use it if it could be really narrow so it doesn't take away from the actual design. Just my two cents worth and as you know pennies aren't a thing anymore so it's a pretty worthless opinion!
ReplyDeleteHi MA:
DeleteThanks for your input. The original plan is that it will only be 1/2" wide, but I may narrow it even more - or see about a different choice. I pulled the color from the flying bluebird, so it does relate to the birds, but I surely don't want it to overpower them. I also don't want the piece to look too autumnal, as it is called "Summer Serenade". What would you think if it were just like a piping strip (really narrow)? Pennies are out of circulation here now, but that's because they were 3¢ to make. So technically, they're worth more! Don't sell yourself short. I'm paying attention to your thoughts on this, kid.
xoxo
Donna
It is just perfect. There is nothing that could take away from the stitching.
ReplyDeleteShirley
Hi Shirley:
DeleteThanks so much, dear. You're so kind.
xoxo
Donna