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need advice on large negative space

need advice on large negative space

Old 08-28-2018, 04:26 PM
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Default need advice on large negative space

this is my piano quilt, I want the center panel to be the main focus in that quilt and did not wanted to surround it with blocks. I still need to add the top section, then, I think, a thin dark border followed by a 'piano border' made of various gray and black fabrics.

When I look at this picture I am a bit concerned that the negative space is too big (the fabric is music notes). I would love to hear from you, what you think or if you have any suggestions for me.
thank you
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Old 08-28-2018, 05:46 PM
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I had a similar quandary with a quilt I made. I wanted the centre motifs of dark batiks to be the focus of the quilt and had quite a large area of negative space around it. Like you, I didn't want to detract the eye from the focus point but wanted to be sure I had adequate quilting in the negative space. I decided to quilt the entire quilt in a close spiral approximately 3/4" between lines. The closer the spiral lines, the less they "stand out" at a distance...they tend to blend into the background. I used several different coloured threads so that I could match the areas I was quilting through. I think I achieved the look I wanted......the centre motifs "stand out" and the spiral quilting adds texture, interest and stability without competing with the motifs. Doing a continuous spiral on a quilt 70" x 70" is an awkward process at the beginning but once you start to move outwards it does become easier. One thing I didn't consider is that with the close quilting I was adding quite a bit of weight to the quilt so manouvering and turning the quilt took some effort at times. I quilted it on my Juki TL2010Q. I hope this helps you come to a decision, your quilt is lovely.
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Old 08-28-2018, 06:27 PM
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The negative space gives you lots of room for quilting. I really like Ruby2shoes texture with the quilting.
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Old 08-29-2018, 03:15 AM
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Originally Posted by ruby2shoes View Post
I had a similar quandary with a quilt I made. I wanted the centre motifs of dark batiks to be the focus of the quilt and had quite a large area of negative space around it. Like you, I didn't want to detract the eye from the focus point but wanted to be sure I had adequate quilting in the negative space. I decided to quilt the entire quilt in a close spiral approximately 3/4" between lines. The closer the spiral lines, the less they "stand out" at a distance...they tend to blend into the background. I used several different coloured threads so that I could match the areas I was quilting through. I think I achieved the look I wanted......the centre motifs "stand out" and the spiral quilting adds texture, interest and stability without competing with the motifs. Doing a continuous spiral on a quilt 70" x 70" is an awkward process at the beginning but once you start to move outwards it does become easier. One thing I didn't consider is that with the close quilting I was adding quite a bit of weight to the quilt so manouvering and turning the quilt took some effort at times. I quilted it on my Juki TL2010Q. I hope this helps you come to a decision, your quilt is lovely.
Love that spiral quilting! Is that done FMQ or with a walking foot?
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Old 08-29-2018, 03:27 AM
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I really like the texture quilting in the photo above. It really gives lovely support for the lovely pattern. I think your piano quilt would be enhanced by this type of quilting. I like the curved lines and think that type of treatment would look nice on your quilt. Please show us again after you complete your quilt.
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Old 08-29-2018, 04:15 AM
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I would do something like this replicated throughout the background

https://www.freepik.com/premium-vect...=2&position=27
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Old 08-29-2018, 04:44 AM
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What about musical notes placed randomly?
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Old 08-29-2018, 06:17 AM
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I think there's too much negative space. It overwhelms the piano, which should be the focus of the quilt.
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Old 08-29-2018, 06:36 AM
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Really like the way you have quilted it. Immediately pulls the eye to the center!
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Old 08-29-2018, 11:25 AM
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Originally Posted by indycat32 View Post
I think there's too much negative space. It overwhelms the piano, which should be the focus of the quilt.
Ok, I think that I agree with you, do you have any suggestions? I can trim the sides and make the top narrower as well. Not even sure about the bottom of the quilt, I wanted to incorporate the 3 PP blocks somewhere, not sure about current placement also. As you can see I am not sure about this quilt. Besides the center block, I am creating the rest, maybe not too creative for the moment. Thank you all for the comments
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