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. 

Mo' Blah

Christmas used to be my favorite time of the year. I loved the planning, the decorations, the baking,  the decorating, the shopping (well, sort of), the wrapping, the whole surprise of the thing.

Note I said "used to be." 

Why the change? For one thing, as an empty-nester, it means your heart is far away. (Mine lives in California.) Kids love Christmas, but with no kids, it's a bit hard to get excited, or even get stuff done. I used to have a large artificial Christmas tree, but as I got older, I couldn't get it out of the basement by myself. Then it got to be a lot of work just to put it together, and let me tell you, trying to decorate an 8 foot tall tree by yourself is a real feat. Waiting until you can get some help isn't always fun. Asking for help is less fun. When it's viewed as a chore, it stops being fun altogether.

So the big Christmas tree went away, and I trimmed down my vast collection of ornaments and decorations. Nobody ever comes to my house to celebrate Christmas. It's always at my Mom's house (and she doesn't have a tree, which bugs me.) Why not Christmas at my house? I cook for Thanksgiving, so everybody comes here for that.

With the arthritis in my back significantly affecting my movement, I've put on a bit of weight, so I certainly don't need the temptation of freshly baked cookies.

With more and more gifts becoming small squares of plastic, shopping (online or otherwise) is not as exciting. And with more of my favorite people scattered across the country, Christmas presents get wrapped up and mailed, and I don't get to enjoy watching the recipient open the gift and see the reaction. (If you think I'm nuts, make yourself a cup of coffee and READ THIS STORY.)

(and if you want to know why a chinese food takeout box is wrapped in ribbon and is a traditional Christmas tree ornament at my house, you HAVE to read that story.)


All of this is a roundabout way of saying I'm having a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit. I ordered a small 36" pre-lit tree on line, and it will be in by the end of the week (I hope). I've bought a couple of poinsettias and dug out some Holiday decorations and hung the Christmas stockings.

There are many more things I HAVE to do, and I don't feel like I've got enough time to enjoy it. This year it seems more like a chore than anything.  So last night when I got home from work, I picked up "The Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon," one of the Number One Ladies Detective Agency books, sat down and read.

I love this series.  There's no violence, and everything always ends well. I love the characters, the people, the sense of place. The books are soothing and life-affirming. I love them so much, that when I get a new book, I try to read one chapter a day, so I can prolong the pleasure. 

Last night, after I finished my chapter, I didn't put the book down. I kept reading. I read until I finished the book.  I felt much better about everything. I had set aside the HAVE TO's and substituted the NOURISH MYSELF.

Which was interesting, because rummaging through a drawer on Sunday while looking for a battery, I came across an old newspaper article on getting through the Holiday season. Here, in a nutshell, is what it said:

Step One: Make a Plan.

Step Two: Cut it in half.

I feel better. Maybe I'm still not "feeling it," but at least now I'm not going to let it bother me.