Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Sashing Chinese Coins II

Trying to salvage Retro Mama sashing. Is there a way to sneakily add some green to the sashing or posts? What if I appliqued simple flowers over the posts? It uses blues, reds, and greens but it's not doing anything for me.

Flower posts

Monica suggested adding brown or gold sashing which might look good with the plaid. But the few bits I had did nothing when these Coins are added. I will reserve that idea for a future quilt. Ha.

I bit the bullet and tried other sashing colors. Reds, pinks, and two shades of green. While I like the red, there's not enough of any of them. In fact, none of these fabrics is sufficient to sash the whole quilt. Of course, Nettie's quilt uses a variety of sashing fabrics. But they are secondary elements that add a frame/resting place for the eyes. These just "slap me up the side of the head."

Sewing these strings into value blocks created a sea change in this top. Some of the subtle aspects of Nettie's quilt will not work with them now. Time to figure out a new narrative.

Various sashing plans

I like this green with red posts although it's a bit too quiet. Funny. Red sashing is too dominant; green sashing is too recessive.

Green sashing with red posts

More thinking ahead.

Enjoy the day, Ann

22 comments:

Laura McGrath said...

I really like the one with the green sashing!

Nifty Quilts said...

These string sets are so pretty. I know the struggle! Surely the right choice will present itself eventually. I like the green and the pink cherries.

PaulaB quilts said...

I also like the green because it has a print which is obvious, whereas the strip prints blur together. It does not scream, but it is a cont uing presence, which is unifying. The red blocks finish it nicely. Also, it does not have to be Nettie's quilt. It is your quilt so do what you think is best.

audrey said...

I love that soft plaid in the sashing because it alternately blends with your coins and causes others to pop. Like Nettie's quilt, it seems to need more than one sashing fabric used. Your red and green are primary colors, but the plaid is more subtle, maybe in those ranges? So interesting to watch you work your magic!

Cathy said...

I like the colors in the plaid for sashing - kind of like the cherry fabric colors. I'm not sure why that plaid doesn't seem to work...maybe because it's on the bias? Good luck.

Julierose said...

I like the green with red posts, too...quite a puzzle you are working out--have fun hugs, Julierose

Linda @ kokaquilts said...

This is getting so interesting, love all your trial photos! I too still like the plaid, maybe combined with more variety? Have fun and keep us posted!

Ann said...

I'm leaning that way, too. But it needs something else.

Ann said...

Thanks, LeeAnn. Yes. On one hand I'm glad I'm not copying a quilt. On the other hand this is moving in an unexpected direction. Letting go of preconceived ideas is hard but will allow for change. I bought that pink cherry fabric a while ago to make an apron. Your quilts always finish beautifully. I just have to work through this.

Ann said...

That large print is fun and different, isn't it. All those strings look very tone-on-tone although many are not. You are correct. This is not Nettie's quilt. I just wanted to use upright coins and showery double rows as she did. Now I need to see where this wants to go.

Ann said...

Yes. I thought the paid would be so subtle and would work with the lighter cons. But it really doesn't. I guess it Bellaire nags in another quilt; it's still my favorite.

Ann said...

The diagonal plaid is part of the attraction for me but it certainly caused several odd problems. I'm consoling myself that there are two quilts here, not one.

Ann said...

I'm leaning that way, too. But it still needs something more.

Ann said...

I think it would blend with many of the corals you've been using lately. Love its retro vibe. Yes. It seems to need more stuff with it.

Linda @ kokaquilts said...

I've actully just ordered a metre this morning :)

Ann said...

I didn't know it was still being printed. Can't wait to see what you do with it.

Monica said...

Well you know, my quilt was stuck for years. I know you'll figure it out sooner than I did!

Kaja said...

It is interesting watching you puzzle this out. I still like the way the coins look against the plaid and I'm wondering if that a colour thing or maybe just because it reads as much lighter. Either way I have confidence you will find a good solution.

Ann said...

I've had my share of multi-year UFOs. New plan: no more of those. Ha.

Ann said...

I really like that plaid with Coins. Just not with these coins.My photos vary the color tremendously but they simply don't work together. Not badly off, just nothing happy. No, Ah-ha moment. But the plaid will work with another quilt and we know there's always another in the pipeline.

Mystic Quilter said...

I'm enjoying watching your process here, I think the red posts work very well, In the coins you have a turquoise up against a red strip, how would that look?

BizarreQuilter said...

ooh! how exciting! I love the green with the red!