Remember my gingham quilt? I really wanted to make gingham. I NEEDED to make gingham. Once the idea got in my head it took root firmly and I had to see it through. Know what I mean?
Once I made the quilt, though, I could see that it needed something. I didn't expect to use this as a background fabric, but that's where I'm headed. I'd like to applique a large daisy on it. I wanted to see what it would look like before cutting into fabric, so I used paper instead. It's handy, because the paper pieces will serve as my templates when I make the applique pieces.
My dilemma is...the daisy is just sitting there floating on the surface. Does it need some design element to anchor it to the background? I don't really want to do a large stem. I thought about adding on a few smaller daisies (for a total of 3) and maybe having one go "off the page". But they would still be floating on the surface. I'm stuck.
128 comments:
I like it the way it is. It is simple and beautiful.
Maybe just a small green leaf or two, rather than a whole stem? I see what you mean about it floating on its own, and agree that smaller daisies would also float.
I like it 'floating' there, but you could do a couple leaves in a complimentary green without doing a stem. Or maybe your quilting will anchor it visually.
white daisy or maybe a "pink" daisy ... or a purple coneflower or a limey green center ... sometimes my daisy's have limey green centers?
it is very pretty ...
What about a vine-y stem that "weaves" its way across the quilt top?
What about small vines or leaves that sort of form a corner like a v only sort of sideways. Does that even make sense? They would come out from behind the flower.
I like it the way it is simple.
Oh how about "he loves me, he loves me not"? Pull several petals from the upper and have them spread off in a trial. Very cute as is, dear.
I like it just the way it is!
I was going to suggest a few smaller daisies too. But about the floating, I don't know, I think it won't.
One or two green leaves would do the trick...
I like it the way it is...or maybe a bigger daisy? Either way, I like it!
Add texture. It is so flat. I don't think it needs a stem or leaves but I think a textured material would make it look a million times better. It would give it the 'rich' factor it needs.
I certainly understand about getting an idea in your head and you just have to tackle it! About your daisy - maybe outline or shadow with some dark green color, to give some depth or something? I have some pretty gingham on hand, but haven't hit on anything to do with it yet. :) That's half the fun, coming up with ideas!
I agree with the comment about the textured fabric. Are you planning on doing a border? Maybe some smaller daisies on the border? I think appliqued leaves might take away from the simplicity of the design. What if you just freemotion quilted the leaves instead?
Hi Amanda! I've been keeping up with you ever since Ft Collins :)
Love the daisy! Thought I'd let you know that when I look at that quilt I see a daisy on a table cloth (similar to those red & white check ones). If you want to go abstract or funky, how about making a squatty red vase (thin neck, fat bottom). It'd be cool if you could make it appear that you're looking down onto the "table" or maybe just a bit off to the side.
I wonder what it would look like outlined in a black buttonhole stitch? That might anchor it.
It reminds me a bit of the great fabric that Patty Young designed, the one with daisies as a border and polka dots in the background (well, except you are having gingham :) ). I don't think it needs anything else, I quite like the daisy as it is and I wouldn't add leaves. Maybe a few tiny daisies but not too many. But that's just my opinion and all the other opinions actually sound quite nice, too :)
My grandmother used to say that when you ask ten seamstresses something you get eleven opinions...
I think is is one of those quilts that only really shines once it gets quilted. Depending on how you do the quilting you could make it really stand out.
One thing you could do is to move it more into the corner, and take out a petal or two from the flower and have the missing petals 'float' up the quilt. I think that would really make the most of the muted colors you're using, add interest, and add a little color (haha!) to the rest of the quilt.
Love the idea though!
Hmm, I understand your quandry? I'm not an applique person but I think I'd look at some of Heather Peterson's designs for inspiration...she has several large floral appliques on quilts. Can't wait to see what you decide!
I'm wondering if something more colourful would do it? It sounds silly, but Elmer the elephant comes to mind... a nice applique of him walking across the foot of the quilt...
What about some "chicken scratch" embroidery of a daisy flower? I love that type of cross stitch on gingham, and it would look awesome (and provide some quilting interest) on such a large scale gingham such as this.
I would take two daisies, the one you have and a smaller one.
Beautiful background, good idea!
My first thought was to add a stem, then you said you didn't want one. A stem could look good if you had another flower, smaller this time, coming off of it. One stem, two flowers.
Your suggestion of more flowers would be the other way I would go. Maybe vary the the colours of the flowers? Pretend they are gerbera daisies?
THe gingham is gorgeous and as I was reading your post I found myself thinking, "Hmmm, I wish there were a couple more daisies." And then, there it was; you were already thinking along those lines! I love your idea to have one sort of going off the edge. As for the "floatiness" it wouldn't bother me as long as there were the other daisies there. Good thing you can test it out with more paper before you start stitching!
A couple of small leaves might help! Interesting to see what you decide to do.
I'm very curious, did you dye this, or is this a patch work quilt or did you weave it? Do you have a tutorial we can link to or did you make this process up? Very curious. Check out this blog. She has lots of flowers growing in her quilts. I http://piecenquilt.blogspot.com/2009/06/funky-wonderland-quilt-tutoiral.html
Such a cool project. You have so many comments already. However, I think it would look super cool if it had a shadow.
JB
Candidly, I'm not wild about the daisy... it's "country," and your work doesn't tend towards "country"... I agree that it's missing something, but I'm not sure that the daisy (rooted or floating) is the solution...
Your fan,
Nicole
Hi, how would some quilting in the centre of the daisy in a dark thread look? Maybe some spirals? I love the idea of 3 daisies. the dark colored thread quilted in the centre would pull it together nicely, but still keep the daisies light. Kim x x
I love this!! I would move the daisy down another two squares and then leave it just as it is. otherwise I like the "he loves me, he loves me not" idea.
I wonder whether some blanket stitch embroidery would help???? Or I do like the idea of a few petals floating off as Mary (above) said! Good luck!
Could you use your quilting to anchor the daisy? Possibly quilt a stem or a vine and leaves crossing the quilt?
I like the comment He loves me he loves me not! you could have a few petals flying away from the flower!
How about a button in the middle of the flower? It would give it another layer without really giving it an anchored look.
I don't have an opinion either way. Just do what feels right and it will trun out beautifully!
Beautiful project. I would move the daisy down a titch, then have a couple of petals float up. You may want to add texture by having the petal attached only part way, with the tips loose.
Oh, I love it! I think it looks great just the way it is!
wow...I don't have any suggestions, but I must say that you definitely have quite a bit proposed here! plenty to consider and some really great ideas! :)
I love the idea of falling petals, as others have suggested. It would give the design some movement and added interest.
I'm throwing a whole spanner in the works - I like it as gingham, just plain. It's fantastic. You genius, you ;)
I love it the way it is. It reminds me of simple emboridery and it doesn't overpower the quilt because the quilt itself is really amazing...
Jennifer :)
Ohhh I like the 'he loves me he loves me not' idea ... whimsical without overdoing it :)
This is just my own tangent, but what about doing a row of appliqued houses of varying heights & sizes along the bottom?
I think you would do well to add a few floating leaves. Then I would add one small piece of red somewhere, maybe a small circle. Red would just be random and I just like random. Someone would look at the quilt and wonder "why did she put a red dot on the quilt?" "But I love it, who would have ever thought of that? It's just so random, I love it." If you don't want to do the red, then go with a yellow circle to mimic the daisy center and have just one petal that remains on it and call the quilt, she loves me, she loves me not.
A couple or three of the petals falling down from the left hand side of the daisy would be enough to take away from the "flower on it's own"
It's gorgeous, though xx
Love the daisy. I would either do 2 more smaller with one perhaps floating as you said. I also like the idea of the loves me loves me not idea. I would not add a stem or leaves and it will pop with the quilting. I LOVE IT! I am a huge fan of daisies. : )
I don't want to offend you, but, I don't care for the daisy at all. It seems too incongruent against the linear nature of the quilt. Instead of 'solid' gingham, you might have considered a vertical and horizontal line or two of a different color...perhaps yellow...to break up the gingham. If you must do a daisy, put it on the back, on a grey background, and us the falling petals idea.
I like it the way it is......but the he loves me, he loves me not idea from a comment above is great too. I'm sure no matter what you choose it will look wonderful :)
leave it exactly like it is,daisy and all, and put your efforts into the quilting.
quilt two or three smaller daisies in the background, and cross hatch the daisy center in gold. then frame the quilt in a solid black fabric border, with black ocean wave quilting.
I like the idea of a few more daisies, maybe smaller. What about a lady bug in the upper left corner? I love it, it makes me want to go on a picnic!
My first thought when you mentioned it "floating" there was perhaps just a green leaf or two because I agree a stem would just be too much and probably would take the focus away from the original work. I also like the idea of a lady bug or bumble bee on a petal too!
I love the gingham look by itself - I think it's so cool. What about quilting it about 1/4 inch from the ditch to really accent the gingham and them adding a pop of color with a bright binding. Loving the gingham goodness.
The daisy, or any plonked addition, isn't working for me. The patchwork gingham idea is brilliant! Let it shine clever girl. I think you should use this on a double sided quilt. Used on the couch as a throw, both sides are always visible when "tossed" rather than folded. Once it is quilted it will look fantastic! Be strong and stick with your original concept of the plain giant gingham, it will work - the scale makes it work! Lisa
I really really love Mary's comment ^ way way up there about pulling off a few petals and letting them fall to the bottom. He loves me.....he loves me not.... So cute!
I honestly just like/love it the way it is. Simple!
What about adding an applique bumble bee? It may help to tie everything together and add a bit of whimsy....I am in awe of your work. Whatever you end up doing, I just know I'll be inspired. Heck, I'm inspired just as it is :)
It's nice as gingham but once it is quilted up I think it could be hard to tell the difference between that and printed fabric. I like the daisy but I think the reason it looks so stark is that your paper is really bright. I think just using a print (even a tonal) or a different color might help. Or you could do a Tulip :)
When you first posted that quilt, I knew for sure that you are a genius! I have no daisy advice, but I do have a smartalec answer. When I see gingham, I think of picnics. (Admittedly, my theory works better if your gingham is red, but, whatever.) Therefore, I think you should consider giant ants. ;-D
I love your gingham quilt! I really like the idea of the "he loves me, he loves me not". What if you did trapunto on the daisy and then anchored it with quilty vines. But I wouldn't cover more of the gingham - if it was me LOL
what if you anchored it by using a dashed line that begins on the edge of the quilt - like it has come in from outside of the border - in the upper-left-hand-corner, winding around and down and finally settling on the edge of the flower as a bumblebee or butterfly. you could distinguish the "flight of the bumblebee" by using a contrast color to the thread you use to quilt it with.
Maybe you should add a ladybug or two and either a green leaf or stem. The red will contrast well with its complementary color, green! :)
Mary sais "Oh how about "he loves me, he loves me not"? Pull several petals from the upper and have them spread off in a trial. Very cute as is, dear"
I agree with Mary
I was thinking a couple of leaves...but not sure.
Let it float right where it is.
Ok, you already have a million ideas...and my design brain has already retired for the night. Wait, I just peeked up and saw the "loves me, loves me not" idea & kind of love it. What about free form word in the border that say that? Or quilted words? I also like your daisy going off the edge element. Maybe bits of more than one thing?
V would say just keep playing 'til it works its way out. It'll come...
Hooray for being brave and just putting it out there. You rock!
I think once you quilt it, it will blend more.
I love the "ask 10 quilters get 11 answers comment." My two cents is that I'm not feeling the daisy. I would pick a bold binding that coordinates (yellow/orange, purple) and stick with it as is. Good luck deciding!
You are going to get many opinions on this, but when I think gingham I think strawberries. So maybe a trio of strawberry (in various sizes) with a few strawberry flowers to balance it out?
This looks like a "she loves me; she loves me not" daisy. Just pull a few of teh petals off and have them falling off, laying on the ground, whatever.
I like the gingham quilt, and what a cool addition with the daisy. I like it floating there. I think a leaf or two or three would be a nice splash of color. Doesn't even have to be a green leaf.
I love this gingham quilt! My thought is to make the daisy bigger and "engage the edge" with it . . . either out of the corner or off one side. I loved the idea above about a red vase too . . . something a little catchy.
Ugh. To comment or not to comment. What do you do if you don't love the daisy? You say....
I don't love the daisy.
If you go with the daisy, I think this one is too big for this quilt. What about, instead of three separate flowers, doing one (smaller) daisy, with a few petals floating down?? "He loves me, he loves me not...."
Just an idea.
You're brave, asking for thoughts and suggestions. I am completely unqualified to be giving Crazy Mom advice, but I'll be anxious to see what you decide!
And, for what it is worth, I love, love, LOVE the gingham!!!
One more idea hit me just as I hit the send button....what about adding an element of texture to the center of the daisy? Rouching (sp?) or a ruffle sewn in a circular pattern? Maybe out of a patterned yellow rather than a solid to intensify the texture even more?
Okay, I'll quit pestering now. :-)
I think that flower is fine just as it is. But, as you can tell from the quilt shown in my avatar, I am very comfortable with minimalism in quilts. :)
Very cute, and something really different for you! I like Mary's "he loves me, he loves me not" idea with a few of the petals strewn across like someone had pulled them off.
It's adorable just as it is. Maybe a leaf?
I have used the one large flower and two smaller applique flowers on a quilt and it worked very well. Yes, they float but that's OK. At least it worked for me. Also remember that your paper flower is so white, your real applique flower will be a little softer and that will be better.
This is where that workshop is so amazing. I love hearing about your thoughts and how you approach a solution. I appreciate you sharing and being vulnerable in your designing. I can't wait to see what you do!
I like the idea of a few petals falling, laying on the bottom like "he loves me, he loves me not," but I don't know that I would put the words on there. Or maybe just put a vase on the bottom?
How about a big word across the bottom that says "dream" or something like that.
I LOVE the daisy and LOVE the idea of a "she loves me, she loves me not" falling petals. I also LOVE the idea of something red, like the ladybug ON the flower.
Can't wait to see what you do! I just totally think that the gingham quilt itself is pure genius and the flower makes it pop even more!
Jane
looking great so far. I would have to go with adding two more daisies in two other sizes. Decorators always say things look better in threes and fives.
maybe it needs a bit more color. perhaps if you did the daisey in something other than yellow and white, like something brighter, that would anchor it because it would pop more.
i like the idea of a lady bug, and would put one near the daisy. make it a simpler daisy without so many petals, and let a few petals fall. you don't want to hide the background! Or you could always bind it in a lady bug fabric!
I've got to go with "Annonymous Lisa," I really like the idea of a double sided quilt, with the solid gingham as one side (sans daisy). It's a really great idea.
"Annonymous Nicole"
Applique some of the gingham squares so they go over the daisy petals so the daisy looks like it is woven in the gingham. Not too much, but just a little bit. Just a thought...
Talk about having a WOW factor. I would leave it as is.
I'm looking for some colour here - maybe red? or fuchsia? Perhaps if you cut out bright petals and layered a narrower white petal on top? Or could you introduce another design element - maybe a bright square or rectangle appliqued on the gingham and the flower placed on that, half on, half off? Good luck - can't wait to see the outcome!
i love the quilt without the daisy. it is simply stunning all on its own.
how about a couple of swirls- 1 either side of the daisy so it gives the idea of leaves/stem but not as heavy looking
Seems so male to me. It would be great if you did quilting & binding to make it like a giant pocket on a mans shirt! LOL
A
I guess I like the float factor. I still want to make one myself, and you've just upped the ante - love the daisies on it!
Was that at all helpful - I don't think it necessarily needs something to anchor it.
It looks nice by itself, but maybe you could try a couple smaller daisies in different sizes and then connect them with a swirley vine? Still love the gingham idea.
I am for two smaller daisies! That would be for a total of three daisies altogether.
~Judy
I really like the gingham, and combined with the daisy, it's unexpectedly nice!! The floating seems ok, it doesn't feel like wanting to be completely natural. Also combining it with cross stitches would be really nice. Maybe just positioning it in the center, or two daisies - one for each half- centered. That would emphasis the exciting aspect of the layout.
Thanks for sharing your process! Lotje
How about a north-south green line going from end to end and bisecting under the daisy, and another going east west. That would make it look something like a goftwrapped present and would add an additional colour to the mix.
I like the floating daisy. It looks like a giant piece of yardage from the 60's or something.
Hi. Nice gingham! I would add one more row to the long right side for symmetry. Then using a contrasting thread, possibly variegated, quilt one or more large daisies instead of applique. Good luck deciding.
Hi I love Mary's idea - "he loves me he loves me not" (not the words - just the idea)- a few petal floating or coming off - have fun
My vote is leaves so it looks like it is a view from the top. Sometimes stems look cheesy and 'drawn' in. The leaf shape of a daisy is actually quite pretty.
Leave it just like that. It's beautiful!
I like it floating. I think I would move it a little closer to bottom right the corner though.
I like the idea of texture in the flower center and some of the petals floating off across the quilt. That would give some context to the quilt. May also lead to interesting quilting ideas....
I have it! Ants.
That's right, it needs ants. The gingham makes me think picnic, and it needs a line of ants wandering across the quilt, and under the flower. Quilt the ants maybe?!! Oh I can't wait to see how it turns out!!!
What about making the daisy 3-d? eg stuffing it with batting so it sits on top of the fabric? It's cute anyway! Keep up the good ideas!
You have a lot of comments already, but I am going to throw in my two cents also. I love it the way it is! You could add leaves. It would be pretty and add texture if you pieced together the pieces that you cut your petals and center from. I can't wait to see what takes place. YOU ARE AMAZING and INSPIRING!!!
I LOVE it floating! But if it needs something, maybe not a stem but two odd-sized leaves?
I love the simplicity, but like some of the other comments, think that placing some of the petals in a "he loves me, he loves me not" manner would be "it". While more daisies would certainly still be pretty, it would take away from the simplicity of this piece. Someone commented how the gingham reminds them of a tablecloth. What I'm suggesting reminds me of a lazy summer day picnic, laying on a cozy blanket (quilt) and picking the daisy petals off. Simple, carefree, warm fuzzy feeling.
And I just have to say, does it really help you decide to have this many opinions? I'd have paralysis by analysis myself! You are a brave woman!
I forgot to say that I think doing the quilting in a manner that gives those petals pulled away a "swirling away" feeling would be cool with a quilted stem & leaves in that smaller corner - subtle, but anchored.
leaves, vines with buds...
Today I read some of the comments, and I love the idea about a few loose petals. Also the strawberry idea.... then you could use some of that red polkadot for binding! Can't wait to see what you decide!
like it just the way you have it displayed....just the big daisy.
I don't know if you need anything else. Remember a border will help.
This is beautiful! Really a very vibrant and eye catching colour combo. I would only add a simple 'shadow' of black behind the daisy - just ever so slightly larger-to anchor it to the gingham.
Lalobe said:
I heart the "He loves me. He loves me not" idea of Mary with some loose petals. Just make sure there is the right (unequal) number of petals, so in the end it would be "He loves me!" ;-)
btw that would be a great name for a quilt!
like the daisy and even adding more but why leave the gingham ...is it possible to break up the huge area with maybe a swath of white or better the dark of the gingham..then the other elements whether words or daises or leaves could mingle
I vote for leaving it as the cool gingham you made it and not adding anything to it.
Go with the single daisy & then do the binding in the same yellow as the center of the flower. It'll bring it all together.
BEAUTIFUL!
I'm all for leaving it without the daisy....I love the plain gingham.
Think inside the box. As in a nice bright yellow square to applique the daisy onto. Place the appliance square in the Sam spot that you have the daisy in now. Then have stops od black coming from either side of the block horizontally. Kind of like the box is attached with grosgrain ribbon. To enhance the ribbon look you can hand embroider thick stitches on the edges of the ribbon. I hope that makes sense.
I like the three daisy idea. I don't think it should have stems or leaves, I love plain daisys! This is a clean crisp quilt, I really like it!
I like it floating with maybe a few petal "pulled " off as mentioned in other comments. The quilting will also add a lot.
I completely agree with dgnsbach...
"I like it floating with maybe a few petal "pulled " off as mentioned in other comments. The quilting will also add a lot."
But I'm sure we'll all love it no matter how you decide!
oh goodness! I think it looks fabulous with the daisy the way it is! I love the single daisy, the detail on the gingham is soooo incredible {and I'm positive it's spectacular in person and up close!}, I wouldn't want anything more to pull the focus :) I can't wait to see what you decide to do!
Hey AJ
Been a while since I've made the time to catch up on your blog, but since I feel I have a "vested" interest in your gingham--all that ironing and pinning, you know--I thought I'd add my two cents. I love just the one daisy with the "loves me, love me not" petals idea. I'd add texture to the center with some gray quilting and bind the quilt with a yellow print. I love lady bugs and bees, but I think that would make it too busy. T is really excited about the upcoming visit. Wish I could tag along to listen to all that creativity that will be flowing around! Mama Bonnie
My first thought with the daisy and the gingham is to have an appliqued bumble bee flying up to the daisy with a quilted swirl to indicate the bee's flight path
I love seeing the different patterns and quilts done and am wondering if anyone else here has made fabric yo-yos ? I love making them and am ready to start putting some together for a small couch throw....would like to see if I am the only one out there going in "circles" now ?
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