I decided to try out the Urban Nine Patch pattern (from Sew Kind of Wonderful – also the maker of the awesome QCR). Might I add – I no longer view curves with trepidation or count my pin collection to ensure I have enough before starting the project. No pins, no scaredy-cat-sewing. Just happy curves for happy blocks. Totally heart the QCR.
But onto the block.
I’m using a fabric bundle that I won from Adrianne from On the Windy Side during the Sew Mama Sew giveaways. It’s a bundle of colours that I likely wouldn’t put together myself (tangerine, turquoise, white and grey) but it’s very striking! So I supplemented it with a few fabrics from my stash, and added some Kona Jade for the background solid.
At this point (i.e. the first and only block) I was really liking where this project was going. So I got in and cut more fabrics for two more blocks – thinking they looked good together. Until I actually put the blocks together. Then. Ugh. Blergh. Poo.
What was I thinking?! Those fabric pairings are way too busy. The design of the awesome Urban 9 patch block (that I loved so much) is lost by these fabrics all shouting “Look at me! No, look at me! Me me meeee!” all at once. So Ugh. Blergh. Poo.
I guess it’s back to the drawing board.And once more, with fervour, Ugh, Blergh, Poo.
No no no on the ugh, blergh, poo! These look great together. Seriously, you only have two prints in each block and lots of calmer white space. I think if you persist with more blocks you will find that the individual fabrics stop competing. Trust me.
ReplyDeleteI don't think the fabrics are competing, I think they are blending -- and that's why the lines of the block get lost. In the top block the striped fabric with the pale background doesn't have enough contrast with the white and the aqua on the edge doesn't have enough contrast with the aqua/turquoise background. In the bottom block the pale grey doesn't contrast enough with the white. In the center block there is more contrast and I think that's why it works better. But I agree with Jane, that these blocks can work if put with a bunch of others. I'd just go for more contrast in future blocks. Regardless of the fabric choices, your piecing looks fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI hate when that happens! They are all such pretty fabrics, it's frustrating when they all compete for attention like that. I think Lisa Marie is right--they are all blending and you lose the contrast. Because that first block is stunning! The other blocks are pretty, just don't have the same oomph.
ReplyDeleteI have to check out this ruler. Is it really as easy peasy as it sounds? It almost sounds too good to be true.
They look really great Kristy... I think you should just continue.truely. I love the teal solid. It separate them all together nicely.They look pretty modern too. I have been eying the qcr too but I have too many projects already in my head. I bought a wedding ring template last time and have never yet used it and that was 1.5 years ago!
ReplyDeleteSo you're the curve master now then! I haven't done a lot of sewing with curves but then I haven't really been inspired to either. If I do feel the need I'll definitely check out that ruler though. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThat curve ruler sounds super nifty! I like the fabrics in your blocks. I think that in the first block the fabrics read more like solids and that's why it's more striking.
ReplyDeleteI don't know, I think it's worth making a few more. With more, I don't think they'll fight each other. They look great!
ReplyDeleteWith fervour - your curves are awesome!
ReplyDeleteI have wanted the ruler for a long time to make this pattern. Keep going!!! I think like everyone has said the blocks will look good altogether!!! The piecing is perfect!!
ReplyDeleteYou're right - there is no stopping you! I still vote for you to keep going. It WILL all pull together. Trust me. ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm with the others on trying a few more blocks before you decide, the ones you have already made are nowhere near as blergh as you think :)
ReplyDeleteLike the sound of that ruler too!
Lovely blocks. Mine is broken and I think I have to buy another one. Love this ruler.
ReplyDeleteI think with more blocks in the mix it will look fine :-) And well done for attempting curves - I need to do that sometime!
ReplyDeleteI agree with the many others here, they look good and with a few more, you've gotten better at sewing them and could just have an awesome lap quilt to gift or keep!
ReplyDeleteI think this would already look great as a table runner. I vote for keeping them!
ReplyDeleteI too have the ruler and love using it! Nice job you are doing, I think you should keep going and make a gorgeous quilt!
ReplyDeleteOoooo- the curve ruler rocks!!!!!
ReplyDeleteVery nice, I've been meaning to try the QCR too but haven't yet. Your project looks great!
ReplyDeleteI've tried this block and boy is it hard! Your blocks look great and I'm with the others that it will look better if you do more of them!
ReplyDeleteIMHO, I think it is fantastic, not to busy, the colours are beautiful together, but it is up to you. I would not be poo, blergh, ugh it all all. Should you decide to go further with it please post more pics.
ReplyDeleteKeep Going, Kristy! They look awesome! I actually love the bolder #1 and #2.... so I think that after you make more of them, your artistic eye will place them just right! I am impressed with your piecing... you make everything look easy!
ReplyDeleteSusie
Oh yes....these are amazing! Oh no....I'd use these blocks for sure. It all goes and more will be even more wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI have been wanting this ruler for a long time! I hope to get one soon.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the world of curved piecing. Isn't it wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThe contrast in your centre block really shows off the design. I hope you have fun playing with fabric while you refine things to get the look you're going for.
I agree with the comments saying to keep going! Please don't let it go, I really like what I see!!
ReplyDeleteOh I actually like both styles of block! I have only done this pattern with the QCR so far and I think it's easier because the curves are gentler- I still can't do a Drunkard's Path without puckers ;)
ReplyDeleteSanta was good to you! I have been eyeing the QCR for over a year. Maybe for my birthday..? :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with other comments that the other two blocks just need a bit more contrast. The first one is so striking that they just can't compete.
I love the QCR too, and Jenny;s patterns are amazing. I wouldn't give up on the fabrics either!
ReplyDelete