18 June, 2015

Stitch Which?

So,  while working my way through Rosemary Youngs' Quilt Block Bible I came to #37, Whirlpool. The way the book works is that there is a photograph of the completed, stitched block and the ability to print out a block diagram sheet from the CD (it comes with the book). Hmmm... I couldn't make out any reason for the arrangement as photographed, to me it appeared cluttered and was lacking in organization; it didn't make sense. I printed out three of the diagram sheets and grabbed some colored pencils, surely I could come up with a balanced arrangement that would be more pleasing to the eye. If I was going to stitch sixteen tiny half-square triangle units they were going to have contrast and not combine into square blocks of color... why bother?
These block representations appealed more to me. I settled on the one shown on the far right, deciding that the open center depicted the center of a whirlpool with enough movement surrounding the center to be visually pleasing. Creating the mock ups was a fun exercise without wasting fabric.
I like it! 
For perspective: there are 32 triangles in this block, the half-square triangle units finish to 1.5", combining to create a six inch block. I am loving that Itty Bitty Eights ruler more and more every day!
Life is Good!


11 comments:

NanaNor's said...

Hello, I so agree with you about the example they've shown-I looked at it and it didn't make any sense, but then I looked at the pattern and it was clear. You did a great thing by coloring your own pattern; I love all three but really like the one you choose. It is so warm and pleasing to the eye. Currently, I am in Ireland and finally found my first quilt shop-I am thankful! It was cute and it was fun to meet the owner; most of the fabrics came from the U.S. so I only bought a 1/2 meter of fabric.
Thanks for sharing.
Hugs, Noreen

LizA. said...

Itty bitty is right -- and 32 of them to boot -- Wowser! I thought I was the only one who did craziness like this....guess I better check out this ruler.

Paula, the quilter said...

I just watched a video of a whirlpool in Latvia, and the colored block from the book really did make me think of a whirlpool that is chaotic and sucks in everything close to it. It is fascinating to watch. But the block, as it is depicted in the book, would really bother me, as would an actual whirlpool. I like the way you solved your dilemma.

Kathy ... aka Nana said...

Perfect! Represents a whirlpool but is still pleasing to the eye! I love it!

cityquilter grace said...

looks perfect!

Janet O. said...

Sometimes you just have to take matters into your own hands, don't you? A great recreation of the block.
My Itty Bitty Eights ruler is my new best friend! : )

jude's page said...

well done for working on such teeny pieces! and I like your solution

StitchinByTheLake said...

I love your variation! blessings, marlene

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

Your variation is much much better, and looks more like a whirlpool and not a tornado!

julieQ said...

Contrast makes the pattern so much more clear; your block is wonderful!

Laura Chaney said...

What a great idea to print out multiple copies and try coloring them in different ways. I think your turned out quite beautiful.