So here's the Selvage Angel in progress. She's pretty bleh. It's probably a good thing I'm almost done quilting for 2011 (big Christmas quilting and blogging break coming up soon) because I think I'm losing my touch. And this is in no way an attempt to solicit positive comments, I just want to give an honest presentation of my process here.
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I could say that I don't like the angel because I purposefully used colours I didn't like this time (more muted tones) but I think it is more than that. I won't go on and on, but I think the design is just too simple without any smaller detail in it to jazz it up.
Here's her hair. More is needed and all raw edges will be tucked under and sewn down. She also still needs her halo.
I used selvages for her face too.
I thought that sewing the selvages at an angle in the wing and piecing it in two parts would make it interesting enough, but ... maybe some quilting detail will help?
I'll add a couple of simple borders and finish it off. That fabric at the top is just a possibility. I have others to choose from too.
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Thanks for stopping by. Posted by Riel Nason on The Q and the U
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And my giveaway is still going on. Just scroll to the previous post to enter if you'd like.
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And, lastly, I'm joining in some linky fun at the The Needle and Thread Network
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And, lastly, I'm joining in some linky fun at the The Needle and Thread Network
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32 comments:
I admire your designing skills! Your mummy was spectacular. I'm not sure it would be possible for anyone to top that selvage design.
I think your angel is cute. Her body and wings are a little simple compared with all the detail you put into her hair and face. If she were mine, I'd maybe add some folded hands in the shape of a diamond in the middle of her body and maybe beads at the hemline to give her a little sparkle,
I'm think that if she were my angel, she might turn into a crazy quilt project. Think of all the fun embellishments you could add!
I see what you're saying about it. But I like her for her simplicity. For those who prefer a more primitive approach, she looks great! Seriously!
You still have a chance to "pump it up" to a different level with quilting!
Maybe you can do a stitched halo in a metallic thread or something. Now I can get all artsy fartsy here -- there are some fabric paints that have a slight shimmer to them that can highlight the wings and make them feel more "gossamer"... Thread paint between the body and the wings to create more volume...
Just a few suggestions. It's a great base to play with.
There's nothing wrong with her, she's adorable, she's just not done yet!
How about a border of red and green selvedges? Maybe blocks of red strips, alternating with blocks of green strips all around the outside...
I'm one of those people who love earth colors, angels, and primitive versions of liberated quilting..so count me in the yeah sayers..Ha! Cute blog Riel!!!
I think you are being much too hard on yourself. A nice halo and a surrounding of golden stars and rays would finish her off beautifully.
i was gonna suggest arms too- i see big bell sleeves and she could be holding something...that would give the opportunity to add some 'color'
have fun during your 'break' see ya later!
Ohh - she looks pretty and so cute! x Teje
I think she's fascinating! Maybe some glittery thread would spice her up a bit??!! Kudos to you on even coming up with such a design!
Yes, I see your point but I do love the design and she certainly can be added too and surrounded with heavenly colors of gold.
Maybe she isn't done speaking to you ;0).
Happy Sewing
This (I think lovely!!) angel is out of your "comfort zone"--and don't we all know about that....I like the suggestions for a halo and maybe a bright candle in her hands would spark her up with a flame possibly??? Don't give up on her--she is just so sweet--her face and hair are very cute....Julierose
Angels color-wise are blah...we're used to see them mostly in white, all white. I think you're doing a fabulous job of this work so far. I too feel she needs arms/hands holding whatever item you want her theme to be. A Christmas wreath would be glorious from selvages and add just the color to perk her up. I don't think you've lost your touch. I think you maybe are trying to finish her this year? That may be too much of a push for you to be completely satisfied with your creation. For me, anyway, the creative process is not a fast one. Well, there you have it, my worthless 2cents.
~smiles~ Annie
Very nice angel.
Greetings - Marianne
We are our own worst critics. I like her a lot!
She just needs some bling! Maybe some metallic thread for the quilting, or some crystals.
Well, we are our own worst critic. I'm adding my 2 cents. I think it's the brown background. I know you were trying to go beige but a blue background might have changed it.
I got your book today too and I'm looking forward to reading it.
Well I think it's adorable. It's not your usual bright and bold colors, but I quite like it.
: )
~Monika
I think she looks lovely! Maybe not what you had in mind...but we are our own worst critics.
Oh my Dear, that is soooo NOT you!! I say stop the progression for now and look at her again in the New Year. Perhaps the dark brown needs to come off and the polka dot. I'm seeing maybe med. blue selvedges pieced for the background??? And it would complement the gold body. The angel herself is very pretty :)And you know Riel, take this comment all with a grain of salt ;)
A very creative use of the selvedge edges. Very prim style.
I like her. I think she has a lot of potential. Maybe a bit of red would help...in the borders? Red is a good solution to just about any sewing problem ;)
I think she's sweet too, with a folk-art vibe to her. The polka-dot fabric on top gives a nice hit of colour and no doubt she will look different once you're done quilting.
I agree with you. She doesn't have the WOW factor that everything else you've made has. I personally love the color. I think the actual wings are bigger than in your drawing. The drawing seems more proportionate. The halo will help. Good luck...I know you will get it.
Just give her time , once you add the other little details she will look fine ,maybe the halo could be more sparkly or you could give her a horn to hold , at any rate I quite like her simplicity.
ok, I know you were waiting for me to comment.. lol.. I think she is beautiful... I love her face and hair, and wings. I think it is the brown background that is throwing things off. don't give up..
I think she is adorable! If you did raw edge stitching on her hair and washed it, it would make some lovely frizzy hair! And I'm sure you like her more once she's quilted!
Lots of great ideas here, Riel. I think she's coming along nicely. It a cool country/modern mix.
Yes , I agree think she might need some arms,and a halo like you said.
but I still like her!
I'm so not a selvage fan .. but I love your angel! It has a fantastic primitive feel .. again not usually an area I go but I still LOVE it!
I don't think there is anything wrong with her - she is still a work in-progress. Once you are done with her she will be fabulous.
I agree with HollyM and Shelley. It's the background probably that isn't giving you the colour pop that you are used to. The blue would probably change the way you are viewing your project.
I love her! I love her a really lot!
i like her very much. She will be a quiet and restful place to linger. I love all your colourful quilts as I am that way inclined too but sometimes you need a place to rest. One of your commenters is right. She is not finished yet. I always at some point hate every quilt I have made then I fall in love with it all over again. Your quilts inspire me very much.
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