When More is Not Better

 

This is most likely the final layout. I know that odd numbers work best, but I'm not sure a see a place for a fifth bird. (I am NOT open for suggestions about this.)

In one of the comments recently, Lynne N asked why I did not simply use a horizontal strip looking like a ribbon to disguise the horizontal seam. The answer is simple. EACH BOX in this quilt has a vertical "ribbon." When the eye scans the quilt, all those boxes are the same size and shape. It sets up a kind of rhythm, a repetition of elements that are exactly the same (except for color). It's a rhythm I like, and have mentioned in the past. It's actually the reason why I decided to make these boxes.

If I were to insert a horizontal stripe, not only would the eye see it RIGHT AWAY since it would be a big variation in what is already here, but it would break that rhythm that I like so much. It's adding one more element and in this case, it would be a distraction.

This is also the reason why the boxes are the same size and shape and arranged in strict rows and columns, and not alternated, in rows of 6, then 5, then 6, etc., like Judy in Michigan suggested yesterday.

That rhythm is also why (I'm pretty sure) the quilt will not have a border of any kind, or any other kind of new element, like an asterisk or two or three. 

This quilt is an example of when More is Not Better (and I am having second thoughts about the fourth bird I showed you yesterday). You all know me for going over the top. When I can get away with it, I do. In this quilt, I don't want MORE STUFF. I don't think this quilt needs it.

You may not have noticed it, but there is a pattern to the arrangement of boxes. The arrangement is by color and it is fairly regular. The reds and greens are separated by a light or brightly patterned print. The red and green blocks follow a diagonal from upper left to lower right. 

That arrangement of colors is another rhythm. You are not aware of it, but your brain sees it. 

Oh! Did you catch the change I made?

I decided the little gold bird has to go. And that "solid tan" box is really cream with a gold swirly print on it. It is very noticeable in real life, but hard to photograph. I never use solids.

This is probably it.

Probably. (I'm still not sold on those round peppermint candies fabric that looks so pink...). You have to remember. I make the quilts I want to make. I liked the rhythm of the boxes, so that is the quilt I am making. You may think it would look better with any number of variations. They very well might. But that is not the quilt that I want to make. You go do your thing, it won't hurt my feelings. I'm quite sure you could turn this thing on its head sixteen ways to Sunday and make it look really cool. Not my jam.

Besides, I've already played with different sizes of boxes, trees, asterisks and birds and letters.  Been there, done that. Got the quilt to prove it.

My son said to me once, about another quilt I was making years and years ago, "Mom, you REALLY thought about this didn't you?" Yes dear. "And this," he pointed. Yup. He looked up at me. "You think about Every Little Thing?" Yeah. If it's in one of my quilts it's because I put it there (or left it there) or left it out on purpose.