More Bargello advice, please....
 

Okay, I have made several Bargello quilts recently and I have gotten good advice from you folks. Well, I am seeking advice again.

I have sort of jumped into this quilt and I like what I have so far. The picture is of 1/4 of the quilt, and I can't decide if I should continue the pattern down or start back up. Now, I haven't even cut out the fabric for the rest of the quilt yet, so I can't "play with it" which is what I will do when I get there, but I am seeking opinions from those of you who can visualize how a quilt will turn out. (I am not one who can do that...sure wish I could.)

I am not following a pattern, just sort of making it up as I go. I have learned a few things already, as I learn from every quilt. The main thing I have learned is that Bargello quilts have an even number of strips for a reason. I have 21 fabrics here, and I am committed to them, but here on after, I will always go with an even number. (makes ironing seam direction more reasonable)

Okay, here is my top so far....yes, it is going to be big, but I want it to fit my bed. I took one picture without my quilt inspector, so look at that one, but my quilt inspector is certainly trying to decide why this quilt is so skinny, so I am including his picture too. He is always pretty helpful.

So, do I start my design back up or go down, what do you think??

Thanks,
Dina

I've never done a Bargello, but up seems the right way to me. It's pretty so far! I see the inspector is contemplating the next move too.

First, I really like your fabric choices....a very smooth transition from cream to brown. Since you are kind of winging it, I would take a few colored pencils or markers and draw on paper a few different patterns. That way you can put the ups and downs in various places that you think will look good...a swoop up here or a down there. This will give you a truly unique bargello as well as one that suits you to a T.

Not sure where you should go next but LOVE your color choices

Thanks, this is good advice. I am off to play with my graph paper and colored pencils.

Dina

I love the colors and I am betting it turns out beautiful. Sorry I haven't made one.

Agree with the suggestion made.

Also, I think you need to applique a likeness of your cat into the quilt. His/her greys and whites really sets things off ;-).

:D it looks like your kitty thinks it is the red carpet! Nice arrangement of colours. I don't have any ideas for the next direction but it is going to be pretty.

I think I would go down...and then up again. Your colors are wonderful!! I can't wait to see pictures of the finished quilt.

Thanks, this is what I was thinking. Just starting to cut fabric for rest of the quilt now. I hadn't cut it earlier, just in case it didn't look good when I got this far. Then I would have just stopped. Not stopping though. :)

Dina

I'm going to throw a monkey wrench into the works and tell you that there is a 3rd option ... continue in a straight line. Either for the remainder of the quilt, or just for a while then throw some more curves in.

Just saying you don't have to limit yourself to only up OR down ... sometimes sideways is the right answer.

I don't have it, nor do I have a pic ... but I did one (a small wall hanging) that had a few up's and downs on the left side then I carried on straight across and had one final very sharp blip up at the right side end. I called it "sign of life" and gave it to a anesthesiologist friend.

What did you have in mind? Just a simple Bargello pattern??? This is my quilt that was published on the back cover of a book. Took First place ribbon at the California State fair. It is just the traditional Bargello with the peaks and curves. There are names for those part of the bargello pattern but having a senior moment I can't remember them right now. I always prefer even number of fabrics since I press my seams down and the next one up. That way, the seams always butt nicely up next to each other.

Beautiful quilt!!!! Wow! I am not sure what I have in mind, but deeper "valleys" I think. Yes, I now understand why even number of fabrics are preferred. That is sure what I will do from now on.

Dina

This is what I would like to make for my son, but the pattern scares me to death. These are his favorite colors along with a little blue and sometimes black- his words.

It really isn't that hard. It is just a matter of following the instructions very carefully, labeling the different strips, ironing seams the right way, and sewing a straight line. I made my first one in November, starting with a place mat sized one just to learn the technique. I promise, if I can do it, anyone can. Selecting the fabric is actually the hardest part.

I really made this one a challenge though since I am not following a pattern. Google Bargello patterns or buy a book for good instructions and you will do fine. AND ask questions every step of the way, like I did. There is a lot of help on this board.

Give it a try. You can do it.

Dina

I would continue down some more. If you start your "ups" now, your peaks won't be very "peaky" and in a large quilt, you will have what I think might be too many reversals.

My kind of girl -- feel the urge and jump right in. First jump and color choices = superb start. Googling and a visit to pinterest might snag you some more design options. Do keeps us posted because this is really worth watching and whatever your choice, its guaranteed to be a success.

I think this is good advice. Then you would know where you are going before you got there. Less frog sewing!

I agree with this too. That's going to be one gorgeous quilt - love it, love it.

Beautiful quilt!

This is what I would suggest you do in finishing the quilt you have started. The scalloped effect is perfect.