Thoroughly Confused

I thought I had it all figured out.  Then you guys had to go and weigh in.  Gee thanks a lot. Actually, I am really grateful for the opinions because it has helped, but it has also made things very confusing.  I am really torn now on this water quilt.

When I first did the layouts v4 was my favourite.  It immediately stood out as the best option, as the one that represented where I felt I should go with a water theme. And even as I reviewed the comments and contemplated other layouts it still stood out for me. Then I started playing with other layouts.

Because I love v4 so much I tried v6.  From the get go I saw that it was a big fat NO.  It didn't work for me at all. No harm done, nothing was sewn.  Then I remembered comments from Dillpickle about making it all "higgly piggly" with the breaks. That's where v7 came from.  I fell in love immediately.  I imagined making some more strips and even how I would construct the whole thing. I think I would use some of the softer blues to make these breaks, to bring out more blue overall in the quilt.  Hmmm.

Then I did v8.  Oh, v8. It was like I was some cheesy player in the bar who moved on from one potential conquest to the next with complete disregard to the girl he was just talking to. But this girl was hot.  The layout worked right away, and I knew it right away. Thanks to Marielle and Christine for making comments about going on the diagonal.  I don't know if I did what they suggested, but I think it worked out well.

But.

You knew there was going to be a but, right? It doesn't say water to me anymore.  The design works on so many levels, except for the original inspiration. Is that a problem?  Well, not a problem, but for some reason is does concern me. AmandaJean told me to just sew it up already and stop fretting, but I can't help but obsess over it.

I don't know what to do!  Good thing I'm going on a little vacation in a few days.  I'll have some time to contemplate design and water. Or just drink, eat, read, write, and enjoy a getaway with my Hubby. 

What Do You Think Of?

Thank-you so much for all your comments on the different potential layouts for my water inspired quilt. One of the things that struck me in the comments was the difference in what it meant to think of water.  Some thought of waterfalls or rivers, others thought or tranquil lakes. Most saw blue and most saw easy movement.

To be honest, I wasn't sure myself what water meant when I started it.  It was really inspired by a pile of fabric that simply read water to me.  But all the comments got me thinking about what I wanted this quilt to truly represent.  So I dug through the photo archives and found some inspirational water photos.

Hubby at the deserted beach bar on our honeymoon.  An hour on the scooters, some very scary looking Cuban military guys, and this completely deserted beach with a bar.  A stocked bar, and an eventual bartender who fed us fresh papaya and cold beers.
That's me in the water at Pilar beach, again on our honeymoon.  We snorkeled there one day and went back to simply soak up the sun another day.

The view of the ocean storms of the Northumberland Straight on our vacation to Nova Scotia two years ago.

Hubby jumping the waterfall at Sierra de la Laguna in Baja this past Christmas.

A water fight in Baja.

Introducing Smilosaurus to the ocean in Baja.  A calm day, perfect for babes in water and more snorkeling.

The girls getting creative on a hot day in the backyard.  Yes, that's a blue box for recycling and the garden hose.  And our new grass.

Smilosaurus in the bath.  Our lovely harvest gold bath suite.  Don't you love it?

That cute the little girl again.  This time in Waterton National Park, just a little over a week ago.  Mountain lakes are perfect for her and her favourite pastime of throwing rocks.

Does that help define water for me?  Let's see... Adventure and tranquility, activity and relaxation, excitement and calm.  Now, what kind of quilt will that make?

Water Version 5

Okay, I'm changing things up again. But in reading through all the comments I think I need to try a few more things before I settle down and make a decision.  You've come up with really interesting ideas. Good challenges too.

Before I go making any more changes, what do you think of this one?  So far the basket weave effect has had mixed reviews. This one builds off that overall effect, but I think it might be a bit more balanced in composition.  What do you think?

We're off for the weekend and unless the weather cooperates next week I'm not sure if I'll get a chance to play with layouts again soon. You've given me SO much more to think about.  Thanks again for all your opinions.

Water Version 4

So, so? Did you see this coming?

I combined v3 with those small bits, focusing on the vertical in them. Ignore the crookedness, but what about the layout?

One of you commented that I take criticism well.  I don't actually see this process as overly critical.  You guys are being honest and kind.  Those of you who are reading and are absolutely hating what you see are probably just keeping it to yourself. Its okay, you can tell me.  I've got incredibly thick skin.

Besides, I am really interested in the opinions.  I'm looking at my own work in a new way. I can't say that I'll do this with every quilt, but it is a fascinating process and I will do it again. Quilt design by blog.