Friday, January 02, 2009

Challenge 28, Gala


My challenge piece is called "Gala", as it is made of satins and brocades that one would wear to a ball, and is decorated with bling (old buttons & beads). To me it represents happy times. The zing is a white bridal satin, covered by red or black floral netting. Size is 14 x 14 inches.
Your comments are welcomed. (I see the heart shaped button is a little off center, and will reattach that). While it doesn't show up well in this photo the light pink hexagon is a folded fabric design, as she is the bell of the ball.
This is a departure from my garden series, as I couldn't resist using these great scraps of beautiful fabrics - most were leftovers from Shakespearean costumes.
LindaMac in Wyo

7 comments:

janice pd said...

Hi Linda. I always like a piece that uses elements of traditional quilts. I think this fits into your garden series since these shapes are traditionally used in grandmother's flower garden blocks. I'm not sure agree that the white is the zinger. what would happen if you used a bright lime or turquoise button on one of the blocks?

LAQuilts said...

This is really pretty - love the fabrics and all - I don't really see a zinger - maybe add a little lime green and turquoise element. I think you can add a zinger in the stitching.

Joni said...

Linda,
This is a very festive piece and looks very elegant too. I like the folded fabric belle of the ball. I agree with the others that more of a zinger is needed - perhaps a string of beads? It is lovely as it is, but could use a little more zing. Joni

Carole said...

Ahhh, being a traditional quilter first, an having hand pieced and hand quilted a bed size grandmothers flower garden quilt, this one is elegantly beautiful. Personally, I think with the sheen of your fabrics, the bling of your buttons and bead work, together with the border fabric, it certainly qualifies as having 'zingers'. The only thing I might ask is 'what if' you added say a soft green [because it is unexpected] in some embroidery stitches around your 'belle' piece. I am thinking in terms of a 'pure' hue, from your paisley fabric. Just something subtle... audition it, and if that is jarring in any way, try something in the purple colorway... as there are a variety of pinks and purples in your piece. Sometimes red works, too.
I think it is lovely!

Betty Warner said...

Linda... A pretty and interesting piece. I am among those who don't see a zinger. IMHO, while there is not a zinger, I am not sure that this piece would benefit from the addition of one. Maybe your next?

Roberta Ranney said...

Hi Linda - This is a lovely use of those fancy fabrics and buttons and beads. The only hexagon that stands out for me is the one is the lower left quadrant that is a tan color. It stands out because it is so different from all the other colors. I really like Carole's idea to add a touch of green as a zinger and I would put it right on top of that tan hexagon.

Cheryl Coville said...

This is a very pretty piece, Linda. I wonder why the heart button has to be centred? I like it where it is. Sometimes I think it adds interest and movement to keep things a little off-centre.