One Step
Two steps forward; one step back is this week’s theme. Just when I started to celebrate my progress, BAM! I must regroup. This is discouraging. However, it is also the life of an artist. Therefore, it is vital to bear witness to the steps forward and not dwell on the inevitable blips or steps back.
Forward Momentum
If you look closely at the above image of In the Beginning, you will see tiny white dots scattered across the quilt. They are most obvious in the upper left blue section. One the issues of sharing large work on a small screen is tiny details are lost. Those white dots are clear crystals glued to the quilt. In person the crystals sparkle and with the right lighting shoot rainbow rays of light. Definitely, the effect I planned on achieving. They represent the stars formed by the Pillars of Creation. Now that is a resounding step forward.
Comes to a Halt
So, what’s the problem? I am finished, right? Not so fast. I must take a step back and double check and re-glue some of the crystals. They don’t seem to be adhering the way I had hoped. Therefore, the quilt isn’t stable enough to submit to calls for entry. Oh well. Heavy sigh. Time to reheat the Bejeweler and glue those babies down.
Rainbow Scrap Challenge
Part of the fun of participating in the Rainbow Scrap Challenge each year is revisiting favorite fabrics from the past. There may not be much fabric left, but they pack a punch and are full of fond memories.
I’m linking up to the following posts:
Your RSC block is amazing!
So the stars .. can they be stitched down with sparkly thread?
I really like the effect of them – it does add majesty to the sky. ( I always think stars are majestic!)
Great minds think alike, Alycia. 🙂 I had that idea, too. Unfortunately, I rejected reinforcing the crystals by stitching them in place. Each crystal is approximately 1/4″ in diameter. I’m a decent hand stitcher, but that is just too fiddly for me. I gave the crystals another day. I think the glue as worked on the vast majority, so a handful may need to be replaced. Not too onerous, just disappointing to have redo any loose ones.
I’m glad you think the crystal stars are a success.
I can tell that the crystals add a lot to In the Beginning, and hope you get them securely attached! The flower for your RSC quilt is beautiful, too. That is exactly why I like scrappy quilts – one leftover scrap of a favorite fabric brings back lots of memories!
My fear of “all” the crystals falling off may have been premature. Perhaps I didn’t heat a few of them long enough or the glue varies from one crystal to another. After freaking out I walked away for 24 hours, then screwed up my courage and tested some of the remaining crystals. All those were secure. Phew! Thank you for your concern.
Beautiful flower head block this week, Gwyned!! Sorry about the jewels not sticking well on your In the Beginning quilt. :o((
The crystal calamity isn’t as bad as I feared. Seems I went into panic mode prematurely. Always good to hear from you. Glad you like the flower head.
Wow, the sparkle effect is beautiful, and the crystals really work as stars. I’m glad that there are not too many ones to fix again, and I guess you were so happy to notice it before sending the quilt for the show! Well done with the fifty-four pieces sewn into the pretty flower 😉
Thank you for sharing, and linking up!
I can always count on you, Frédérique, for an uplifting comment. Well, it is optimism that In the Beginning will be accepted into an exhibition. But a girl can dream. I’m glad the crystals work for you.
I think you need an award for perseverance – 54 individual pieces to a small block!
Never, ever would I have attempted such a block when I first started quilting. However, with decades of precision piecing and paper piecing behind me, blocks like this are relatively easy for me. Yes, it takes perseverance, but so does making a quilt from start to finish. Both give me joy.