Saturday, June 18, 2011

Japanese + and X Progress


I thought I would share with you how I am progressing along with my Japanese + and X quilt.  I scanned all of my blocks into my computer and then have been able to use the collage feature in Picassa to be able to put them together.  I think it is a great way to have a "design" wall without having to move fabric around.  Also, gives me a great way to play with arrangement and be able to save an arrangement I like to refer back to.  I might start scanning all my quilt blocks after this! Well, maybe.

So, I would love if you could help me by leaving a comment.  Can you see what I was trying to do with the second layout?  Do you like this method better or do you prefer the randomness of the first one?  I didn't play around with the second one too long, but hopefully enough that you can see my intent.  I'm considering either a 10x10 or a 12x12 layout with this quilt.  Each block is 7 inches.  I would love to hear your opinions!!!

22 comments:

~Michelle~ said...

I like both versions, so I'm of no help. Even the more color-controlled 2nd version still screams scrappy because...well, it is!

Andrea said...

I really like these blocks and have the instructions printed out to do - sometime - lol. I prefer your first layout and your blocks are fabulous xx

Misty said...

Wow, this is awesome! That's a great idea to scan them and play around with them that way to determine your layout.

I prefer the second because I feel like it gives my eyes somewhere to go--the center. I guess it depends on whether you want the person looking at it to kind of see the whole thing at once or focus on one area and then the eyes move around.

Whatever you do, I think it is going to be fabulous!

Unknown said...

Love your idea of scanning the blocks. I have no room for a design wall, so would be such a great solution. I love the way you've been able to fussy cut many of the strips, ie so we can see the guitar.

DianeY said...

I'm wavering on which I like best-I can see the color blocks in the second one, but I really only noticed after I read your posting. They both look great!!
I printed out the instructions, too-mainly after I saw what you were doing! I've made 4 of them to cinch the deal! I've been busily cutting which gave me time to organize & reduce my scraps and are taking them with me on a trip to LA next week. I'll be babysitting the grandkids & have a sewing machine there so it'll keep me busy! Thanks for the inspiration!

Ann Champion said...

I saw your blocks posted on Flickr. They're fabulous! I'm waiting for fabric to arrive here so I can join in. Your blocks are such good inspiration.

I prefer the first random layout. In the second it looks like you were going from cool in the top left and have the colors going warmer as the eye travels across and down the quilt to the right bottom? If the quilt will be hanging on a wall that effect will be more noticeable, whereas the effect might be lost when laying on a bed?
I love that you figured out a way to rearrange the blocks that's so much easier than doing it manually. :)

Alia said...

Hi!

I am your follower!
I really liked the Quilts! They are just AMAZING!
I love your Blog.
Keep up the good work!

Do visit my blog too and follow it if you like it!

God Bless!

Alia
http://aliascreativelife.blogspot.com/

Marg M said...

Hi as per Ann, I like the first random lay out. However if it was going to be on a wall I might change my tune. They are all looking lovely and with 2 little boys I am really impressed with how much you get done :-)

Sarah said...

We are supposed to decide? Really? I love them both...

Patchwork notes said...

I truly adore the second layout. It's a layout I hadn't imagined for this quilt and it really adds a lovely dimension by moving your eyes around. I think it's less strain on the eyes too.

Joanna said...

I prefer the first one! The randomness is lovely. The blocks are just so scrappy, that it seems like the whole thing should read really truly scrappy and not planned. The second one is lovely too - the only thing that's bugging me are the orange/brown/red bits near the bottom/centre/left if that makes sense?! My eye keeps going there and nowhere else! I do like the concentration of other colors elsewhere in the second version, such as the reds on the right, and the blues/purple on the top left - they are quite lovely and are restful to the eye without saying hey here I am! Look at me and nowhere else!

Stacey said...

It's hard to choose, because they both look great, but I think I would choose the second, the way the blocks tone together appeals to me. Great work!

manybooks said...

Oh amazing! I love them both for sure. And I think I have to agree with the comment that the random might be better as a bed quilt, whereas the color scheme top would be great as a wall hanging. Fabulous blocks however you use them!

Barb said...

I love the first, scrappy, layout. But your blocks are amazing anyway you decide!

Mama Spark said...

I like both of them. I think it would be fabulous either way. You are soooooo tempting me to do this one and I just have NO time to do it!!!

GeeGee said...

The first one, I love random scrappy, not crazy about color grouping. I'm doing this quilt, altho mine will not be nearly as large as yours. It is beautiful, just enjoy it! Have a great day!

Erin @ Why Not Sew? Quilts said...

Okay, so scanning your blocks is such a great idea. I like both layouts but prefer the first one. Your blocks are fab by the way!

Jennifer said...

I like what you did with the second layout a lot, but I have to say my preference is the first. I really like the fabrics you used too! I am a new follower (as of right after I post this comment) so I look forward to seeing what you choose, and to reading about what you've done :)

The Calico Cat said...

I can "see" what you did, but I prefer random. BIGGER! No one has ever complained about a quilt that was too big.
(My son in his toddler bed loves his too big J-A-C-O-B quilt. More "A is for Airplanes" to find.)

Lisa said...

it looks like you were being more deliberate with color layout on the second ... which would be my preference

sarahjeanne said...

I just happened upon your Flickr while looking at different quilts made with a fat bundle, and I am absolutely in awe of this quilt. Amazing inspiration! Thanks for sharing your work.

Sharon - Lilabelle Lane said...

I am thinking that this block is going to be my scrap busting quilt for 2014. Would you mind if I borrowed on of your images to use in a blog post and link back to you? hugs Sharon

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