Friday, March 26, 2010

The 50th Quilt






OK, I need some help here. I am finishing up the anniversary quilt and am having a hard time deciding when enough is enough.

This quilt is out of my comfort zone as I am basically a realist. It's been fun and I know that Folk Art is suppose to be extreme but when do you stop.

I have posted three photos. My problem at the moment is deciding what if anything to put on the arch. I had initially planned on covering the arch with flowers, insects, birds, etc. Now I'm thinking it's too much.

I show the arch with only the designs that were quilted on, and then embellished with paint. I'm leaning toward this one.

It is shown with flowers at just the top.

The other photo shows flowers down both sides. Please help me select the best design for this quilt.

23 comments:

  1. I love the bottom one - with the most additions and charm, and it is the most fun! Lovely quilt and congratulations. Go for it!

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  2. I think if you stand back and look at it, you will see that the one with the flowers down the side is better balanced and the eye travels around more easily. It is lovely... and congratulations!

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  3. I love the one with the flowers going down the sides. The quilt is lovely and charming. What a wonderful milestone!

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  4. I love the one with all the flowers on the arch. They help the eye travel around the quilt to all the wonderful photos in the border and back to the two of you under the arch. Congratulations on a life that is well lived.

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  5. I agree, the botton one is my favorite, I like the movement and flow of the elements. Beautiful work, and congratulations on your anniversary.

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  6. Marilyn, my eyes went directly to the lower one with the flowers down each side - I agree with the other three commentees - and congratulations and best wishes for many more. :-)

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  7. What a wonderful piece honoring a very special love!

    I like #3 best, although all of them are fine. #3 has the flowers going down the archway on both sides. The only thing that might improve it would be to alter the sizing of and the spacing between the flowers - and perhaps having a flower at the bottom of one side of the arch. Oh, maybe I'd not use so much red in the flowers but use the blues from the border instead to tie the central images with the border.

    #2 is good, but the flowers on top tend to obscure the "fifty" written above.

    Just remember that YOU are the only one who will know what to do with your piece. You'll find your way. Trust yourself and you'll find the perfect solution!

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  8. I love it! It's such a happy piece and a lovely tribute to 50 years together. I agree with the others that the third one looks best.

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  9. I love the one on the bottom, It seems to balance everything else that is going on in the piece.

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  10. I vote for #3 as well. Very beautiful!

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  11. This is wonderful! I agree that the one with the flowers down the sides looks more balanced and finished! It certainly is charming, and a great tribute. Congrats!

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  12. i know nothing about quilting, but i like the third one too! it looks complete and i just love those kind of pop-up flowers. it really is beautiful!

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  13. I agree with the others, the one with the flowers down the sides looks best. Without them, the arch seems to take your eye away from everything else.

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  14. Wonderful Marilyn. I love the gold color. With folk art the rule is more is more. The flowers added alot and the color helps break up that arch. I would think about a few blades of grass or some little flowers of veggies at the base just so it looks like it has been there awhile.
    You have alot of green on the outside and maybe a little green at the base might be good but I think you nailed it. It is wonderful and looks just like you and Kermit. I had to laugh that you are nervous with folk art and I am nervous with realism. :0) I think you are good at both!

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  15. First congratulations on 50. The one that makes me want to look is the one with the flowers down the side. It enhances the couple under the arch.

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  16. I also like the bottom one best. It's a wonderful piece! (all versions!)

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  17. I like the bottom one best, I think it balances things out nicely.

    Well done!

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  18. Congrats! I love the one with the flowers down the sides and thinking you could add even more :). Beautiful!

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  19. What a darling quilt. I love all the flowers. The plain arch was just too stark.

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  20. Congratulations!! on your Big 50!! A true landmark these days.
    I love #3....
    that is the one...I agree too with all the other comments as to why.

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  21. Congratulations! I agree with the majority, I think #3 has the most balance and feel of completeness. A beautiful presentation of the lives touched by your life, I am not a big fan of photo transfers of people, but your unique presentation in a crazy quilt pattern is well done!

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  22. The flowers down the sides add to the quilt. I agree with pretty much everyone else: add those flowers!

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  23. I love the third one with the glowers and vines down the sides...seems to balance with everything better...and congratulations...not far behind you...45 for us this year!

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