To paraphrase my thought above…Woohoo! 🙂

If you didn’t or don’t want to read it, let me just say that the efforts of the last 12 days finally produced an original art piece that I was satisfied with. This meant it was time to start piecing my jigsaw together! Although I didn’t share it in my last post, before ending my day I did start strategically stitching blocks together. Not too much progress was made though.

Day 12

Before starting today’s activities I took time to evaluate the photos from yesterday. As I let my eyes drift across the stitched-together blocks I discovered an issue. Two of my blocks had been sewn together upside down.

The above photo shows the three blocks that had been stitched to one-another. If I hadn’t found this problems it wouldn’t have been the end of the world. I’m sure, with time, I would have eventually forgotten about the mishap. Since I saw the mistake I just had to fix it.

A Jigsaw Puzzle

One-by-one I stitched the remaining blocks together. The experience of  joining the pieces was unlike anything I’ve done before. I didn’t have blocks in straight rows that all had the same measurement. Each block was different in size; just like with a jigsaw puzzle. It would have been nice to be able to start at the top and move across or down a row but that just wasn’t going to work.

Some of the blocks had to be temporarily assembled with partial seams. Once the neighboring blocks were ready to be added with those I could close the seams. A few areas filler strips. I used a solid light blue fabric to fill them in. The light blue fabric makes some of the blocks look like they are floating.

The above photo shows my original art piece all stitched together.

Simply Amazing!

Watching my original art piece come together was so exciting. I had been so accustomed to seeing the blocks as individual units. As they were brought together into one cohesive piece I could hardly contain my approval. To say that I was over-the-moon excited would be putting it mildly!

Assembling my jigsaw puzzle took all day to complete. With this step finally finished it was time to contemplate quilting. That decision was better left for another day.

Thank You!

You have been so faithful at following along on this journey! I’m grateful for the dedication that you have shown through your continued visits and the sharing of your comments. For your continued support I say Thank YOU!

Talk with you soon!

It’s so hard to imagine that I have been at this for eleven days! The process has been both invigorating and grueling all at the same time. Analyzing and rethinking my design is the grueling part. By that I don’t mean it’s a negative feeling. No, it is the feeling of mental exhaustion. The hours away from my studio help to replenish my energy and clear my mind. This temporary respite provides the invigoration that I feel when I once again return.

Time to examine today’s accomplishments!

Day 11

While critiquing yesterday’s accomplishments I thought I saw a few areas in my design that needed filling. My goal today was to create a couple more blocks to close in those areas.

Mystery QAL Day 11 More Parts

Mystery QAL Day 11 Parts Department

Mystery QAL Day 11, Block in Progress

To make those blocks I pulled scraps from my baskets. The color schemes chosen were selected to compliment the designated areas. The photos above show some of the items I chose as well as progress that I made.

When deciding on the colors and patterns that I will use, I try to make certain I repeat them at least three times throughout my piece. This technique helps to spread the visual impact of the fabric to multiple areas.

My Goal

The four principals of

• color,
• pattern (circles, lines, flowers, etc.),
• value (light, medium and dark) and
• orientation (landscape vs. portrait),

when in balance, are what make a

• well-rounded,
• eye-pleasing

composition. Meeting those four goals was my plan at the start of this original art piece. I  hope that I can say that I achieved that goal when I finish this piece.

Another Look

My post today would’t be complete without the daily analysis process. Time to pull those photos together to take a look.

Mystery QAL Day 10, Design Wall End of Day

Mystery QAL Day 11, Design Wall End of Day

Above is my color photo analysis. A careful examination of the two days I believe shows the achievement of three things

1. the successful addition of new blocks
2. a more interesting display of color, and
3. a good mix of landscape and portrait blocks.

Next I want to assess my color values.

Mystery QAL Day 10, Design Wall in Mono Tones

Mystery QAL Day 11, Design Wall Mono Tones

I think things are looking pretty good and it’s safe to say that there’s not much that I would change.

Thank You!

This brings to a close another day in this adventure. I believe it is safe to say that the end is just around the corner. Thank YOU so much for putting up with my ramblings! You know that I don’t say that just to see my words in print. I really do look forward to and appreciate your visits. I know your time is just as valuable as mine and I am honored that you have chosen to share it with me.

Talk with you again soon!