My first thought was "spa." I saw some peekaboo applique (not a technical term, just what I'm calling it today) and thought it might be pretty to have "windows" of blue and sage fabric peeking through chocolate brown. Kinda decorative though, and maybe a bit of a cop-out for me. I owe the group some deeper thought.
So then I thought about "sage advice," which led me to fortune cookies. That had me excited for about three days, but then I lost steam.
So I went back to the spa idea (but now fortified with sage), which led me to zen, which made me think of a zen garden, which reminded me of bonsai. Of course bonsai are little trees, and there's a traditional quilt block called the Tree of Life or Tree of Paradise (images from my Jinny Beyer book of 101 Quilt Blocks, or something like that).
I got very excited about building a little bonsai tree out of half square triangles and set to work. About a bajillion arrangements later, I had to step away.
So here is where I stand. I don't feel like I've captured the minimal elegance of a bonsai tree. Mine lacks the grace of the real thing. So now I'm not sure if I should keep futzing with this guy, or go back to my peekaboo window idea and admit defeat.
I think you are on to something with that bonsai tree. Worth pursuing, I'd say.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great idea, and brown fabric is wonderful. I agree with Terry, you shoud keep going
ReplyDeleteYou need a few more HST, but don't give up.......
ReplyDeleteI love this idea too, Kristin, and love how you've continued your practice of using a traditional quilt block as the starting point. I think the subtlety of the color is really beautiful in this. It has a restraint that is very "bonsai" like. And I also like the abstraction. I'm sure you've considered this, but you can overlay quilting that furthers the bonsai tree shapes.
ReplyDeleteI think you've just about got the bonsai tree. Don't give up.
ReplyDeleteUg! I totally know that feeling. No matter how many people comment here that the bonsai tree looks awesome and has potential (which is does), you just have to follow your own muse. But, don't admit defeat... these are just test pieces along the way.
ReplyDeleteStill two weeks left. Plenty of time.
i really enjoy reading your process posts, Kristin. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI love the background brown and the flow-y blue strip at the bottom. Together they remind me of those Japanese drawings of the mighty ocean waves. As for the half square triangles, I think they may need some rearranging if you're so inclined. To me, they have potential as clouds in a stormy sky over a roiling sea.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this. It's sooo simple and so subtle. The background fabric is purrrfect and I love the way you've arranged the squares. You're there!
ReplyDelete