Muddy and Murky

I cannot tell you what was in my mind when I made these blocks. Nor can I tell you what insight prompted me to put them away.  Half of them finish at 8" and the other half finish at 4".

They came to the surface this week, shortly after the dozen Bill Morris blocks which are now all together and just waiting for a border.

Now these are up on the wall.  There are a lot of partial FQs remaining, and some uncut FQs of this murky, muddy strain.

And, as I cannot tell you what started these blocks or what put them on hold, nor can I tell you what will become of them.  Perhaps you can tell me.  I wonder if they would do better in a straight rather than on-point set.  I wonder if they would like some breathing space in the form of lattice.  I wonder if there is any hope at all that they can turn into a nice project.

Ideas solicited.  Even if your idea is "throw them out."

Comments

Diane said…
2 of those blocks sorta stand out because they have a lighter beige-ish color in them. You could use something like that to lighten the whole thing.
I like dark quilts so I those blocks. And I'd play around with some of that blue color that's in them too...but I LOVE blue so that's just how I see things. You're design wall looks dark too which might be making the whole thing appear murkier than it is. Hope you figure out something that YOU like!
sharon said…
or, maybe some sashing or alternate blocks not pieced, or snow ball blocks?
Anonymous said…
dark quilts and muddy qeilts are different. at this point it is muddy.. so light sashings --- light corners to make square in a square - two tones? light and medium/light blue ??? put it on a design wall that is light colored and "see"

as long as you don't add pink or flowers some guy will think it grand.
Marj said…
I vote to separate the blocks with something bright.
Janet O. said…
Don't mean to appear frivolous, but the block design made me think of a craft that would be pursuing Jedi Knights. Sorry, I just had to get that out. : )
I don't know if dark or muddy is the issue so much as the fact that most of the blocks are just low contrast. If that is the look you want, fine. If that is what is bothering you then I would either make more of the blocks, taking care to pair more contrasting fabric, or just do as others have said by adding contrasting setting blocks or sashing or cornerstones.
If you'd rather chuck the whole thing you could have a give away. The fabrics are beautiful and this could be a very nice quilt!
Anonymous said…
Try them on point with a narrow (1 1/2") sashing in a very light batik, possibly with dark cornerstones. And maybe put the 4" blocks in four patches with two plain squares. Of course I played with them in EQ7...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/piece__of_me/6098346999/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/piece__of_me/6098347005/
pcflamingo said…
GAH! No, don't throw them out! A light or light/bright sashing to separate the blocks will be just the thing. I bet you have some reasonably perfect things to audition for the job :D
ktdodat said…
This is why I admire individually, but rarely buy or use batiks. They don't always like playing well with others.

I would consider doing a narrow border around each block in one of the darker, bolder teal or purple fabrics with a light beige sashing in between. That might end each block a little more and the browns won't all run into each other?
Judi said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Judi said…
I don't think these blocks are muddy OR murky - they are clearly part of your "low contrast" phase that was so successful in other quilts.

They just need to be given a little breathing space with sashing (teal would look fabulous) and you will have a great quilt!
Anonymous said…
Separate them as soon as possible! A lighter print sashing would help tremendously and maybe use the 4" blocks in a border?
Irene said…
I think part of the problem with the way you see this is the dark design wall. Try putting them on a goldy yellow background and I'll bet they pop. If so, as already suggested, I would sash them with a golden colour and they will sparkle!
Quiltdivajulie said…
Unless you feel some particular attachment to this assortment, I would vote for a giveaway. I sense from your post, these don't particularly make you smile. (Of course, there are options ... but do you WANT to pursue any of them?)
Pat said…
Sashing is smashing
To turm murky perky!
Gari in AL said…
I would sash them using the smaller blocks as cornerstones. This looks like a great table topper for the winter.
Unknown said…
Gosh they do rather merge don't they? Seems a whole lot of effort expended on not particularly simple blocks for them to do that - maybe they wouldn't look such a single mass if you separated them with a triple sashing of pal 'merge' colour with a blue middle - if it were me I'm not sure I could be bothered - shame though as lots of work has gone in - obviously lesson to be learned here - contrast is the key even if it is only subtle
Mrs. Goodneedle said…
Pat makes me laugh... sashing/smashing; murky/perky... too funny. I ditto what piecemealquilts said/created. But, hey, you've got a guest with an affinity for this type of quilt rescuing, use her! ;)
I see the possibility of three lovely quilts in here if you can find the fabric.
Murr Brewster said…
How about setting them against the (or a) light-color background so that they float? They can float in the middle without sashing, with some random light blocks tossed in, as though the original blocks were just dropped in from on high. But what do I know? I'm only a (twelve-year) novice at this.

Thanks for sending a whole army my way last month, by the bye. You've got a lot of friends!
Murr Brewster said…
Hi Nancy! No, I don't want them. Nothing against them, but I'm already hip deep in unfinished projects. It's like a stack of guilt in my studio. It sounds like you do have a bunch of interest, though...