Disappointed on this one...
 

This Mosaic #8 was definitely cooler in my head. Disregard the messed up pinwheel, its since been fixed. On its own each block is nifty, together im not liking how they look.
Thoughts on how to proceed?

I think there needs to be more contrast in 8 of the blocks -- they read dark on dark (at least in the picture) so the frames and pin wheels don't pop.

Are you planning on making more blocks? If so, I would focus on making ones with more contrast like the ones in the center. They are really cool blocks. Alternate the blocks that have low contrast with ones with great contrast. Use sashing between the blocks.

They are nice blocks, but I agree with the others that you need more contrast because we can't see the pattern on the ones that are dark on dark.

Hello
I think these are nice blocks, I like any sort of mosaic tiles :-)
I personally would probably finish the square around the pinwheel centre in the sashing. At the moment they look chopped of for me. I tried to sketch it out in paint, I hope it makes sense, what I am trying to say. But it is a really neat pattern, I like it.
- Rainbowcat[ATTACH=CONFIG]465452[/ATTACH]

I think I would choose a solid color that is in one of the blocks, or white, and set them together with plain blocks, then do the block pattern design in quilting in the plain blocks. But that's me.

I, too, like more of the contrast between the colors.

I think when you get it all put together, it will look great. some are softer but very nice indeed!!!

You could try alternating a second block pattern between the blocks. I like the hourglass block... it makes the other blocks look set on point. Bonnie Hunter did this in her Chunky Churn Dash pattern, see picture below. You could just try something like that and see what you think. Or use another block... Definitely use more contrast in the second block pattern.

You might try keeping all of the high contrast blocks in the center, and put the lower contrast blocks all around them as a border, kind of like you have them laid out in the photo. Will there be sashing between the blocks? That would make a big difference in the way they all "play" together too.

Yes more contras, some of the blocks have the same value and need more contrast, the middle ones in the last 3 rows seem to have good contrasy, but the other seem to close in value that from far you can't relally define the pattern

Wow, you really got alot of great ideas here from QB members! I think I'd have a hard time choosing between them. I really like the idea of using the dark, low contrast blocks all around the center like a border. That way they'd be "hidden" blocks, which are waay cool! I also really like the suggestion to put hourglass blocks in between each block to make them look framed and set on point. And I like the idea of putting solid color blocks between the pieced ones, then quilting in the pieced block pattern on those. Tough choices! Whatever you choose, I think it'll look smashing!

I really like these blocks.

That was my initial thought, too. The hourglass is another cool idea. It will end up great...don't worry!

I like the blocks you've created. If you will set them using a solid sashing strip (maybe with a contrast corner block at each intersection), putting your high-contrast blocks in the center and your low-contrast along the outside edges, I think you will be pleased with the results. There is NOTHING wrong with anything you've done so far. Once you get this masterpiece on a bed, you'll look at it and think, "WOW!!"

I would put sashing and really like the idea of extending the corner of the square out into the sashing as suggested earlier. Having the low contrast blocks around the edge makes sense to me with higher contrast blocks in the center. Thanks for sharing and asking for suggestions. We are all helped when we can see things like this and the resulting comments. I have had times where something seemed good in thought but in practice the contrast was not there. I'm getting better but not where I want to be yet.

More contrast or the hour glass idea but I like your blocks. Also the lower right the pinwheel is put together wrong. It will be a very nice quilt

I think you will find if you use a light sashing between the blocks you will love it. I had a bunch of blocks that I hated until i put them all together with a beige sashing. I called it my ugly quilt but once done everyone loved it. I get more compliments on that one then any I have done since.

Love the high contrast blocks but think the others let the pinwheel and the outside square get lost. Unless it's just the photo. Also, do you plan to use sashing? (a whole other problem! ask me how I know!).

I agree that you need more contrast and I would put sashing between the blocks also.

I agree. The 8 blocks that are dark need more contrast between pieces as you did the ones in the center. You can always save the 8 dark blocks to work into your backing.

Have you considered a zig-zag setting ? xx

Try setting them with the blended darker blocks on the bottom left then add the lighter blocks to the right going up and maybe make 3 light on light blocks for the top right corner. Just a thought. Luann Love the colors but as many have said not enough contrast on a few of the blocks! Luann

I agree more contrast. By the same token you picked out the fabric because you liked it and are not happy at this time. Maybe you just need some time away from them. You put alot of time and energy into these blocks don't be so hard on yourself. I have worked on projects that I seriously considered burying in the backyard:mad:(I can do that as I don't live in the city) I put them away for awhile and started on something new. When I later pulled them out I was glad I hadn't had the energy to dig the hole. Hang in there we all have our days when we say "What was I thinking!":D

needs contrast.

i really like the blocks. i agree on contrast, light and dark values really direct the eye and maybe consider some sashing maybe a light value or a really dark value.

Why, I see a modern monochromatic quilt. 6 blocks whith a high contrast is enough, place them strategically trough the whole quilt, and you need more blocks whith a low contrast. No sashing, no borders. You will create like a new fabric. It will be stanning.

I would scatter the high with the low contrast blocks.

I wouldn't use sashing, because you would lose the secondary X pattern. I agree on alternating the dark and contrasting blocks.

To complete your design, you need to put half square triangles in the center of the sashing. In your design,the sashing is another color not included in the pinwheel and a thin stripe between the block and the sashing, a thin stripe around the outer edge of the block and another thin stripe around the point of the squares. Lots of work, but you can graph it out and figure it out. It is a a very unique design and I love it. if you use the same sashing on all the blocks, I think it will pull all the blocks together.

Iwas looking at the post "more photos re: sashing, cornerstones, borders. Her quilt is somewhat similar to yours and shows what a print sashing or a plain white sashing will do. Try looking at it for inspiration. It is on March 3 digest.