You may remember that I severely doubted myself when I designed the Tui block. It just didn't seem to do justice to the bird. I redesigned it numerous times before my husband told me to stop and said that the first version was the best.
Once I saw the block made up by my pattern testers, my doubts began to disappear but I still worried that I wouldn't be able to find the right fabrics for the block. Each day at work, I scanned the fabrics looking for suitable fabrics, but nothing jumped out, so finally I had to look elsewhere.
I was really excited when my fabric order arrived this week and I began to see my version of the Tui appear. It wasn't as bad as I thought!!! In fact, I'm rather pleased with it!
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| Don't worry, that's not a stain in my fabric, its yellow washi tape on the papers which are still attached! |
I was on a roll so the next night I moved onto the Kakariki.
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| Yup, you guessed it- that's washi tape again! |
- I could use the Kiwi, just the way it is.
- I could do a scrappy version similar to Michelle's. I have a few ideas how to do this in my own style.
- I could make the pattern more elaborate by adding details such as eyes.
- I could design a completely new kiwi block.
I'm linking in with Lee over at Freshly Pieced
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It's all coming together so nicely. I can see your dilemma in that it is a simpler block and might not look as effective when compared to the other more detailed birds. The kiwi is quite a plain bird though so I don't think that would matter at all. I think there are enough pieces on its body to get a bit more depth of colour using tonal fabrics if desired, but then I've never pieced before so don't know what I'm talking about. I would put eyes on it too, but only because the other birds have them.
ReplyDeleteI think it will all come together...as it usually tends to do. These are all fantastic bird blocks! Love the blue background and the tree limb fabric. Nice choices.
ReplyDeleteI love the Tui! I quite like the Kiwi as it is, but I imagine that an eye would perhaps make it fit in with the other birds?
ReplyDeleteLoving your blocks and birds - it's going to look stunning! you know I like your kiwi pattern. The kiwi is quite a plain bird I agree with Leanne, so I don't know how much you can really add? other than an eye? Looking forward to seeing what you decide x
ReplyDeletei think the kiwi would look awesome with eyes. The eyes are such of feature and so intricate on your birds!! you are amazing :)
ReplyDeleteI'd add eyes, but leave the rest as it is; the kiwi is a fairly simple bird when you get down to it and doesn't need embellishment.
ReplyDeleteI concur with all of the above. It's a fantastic collection .... a fantastic flock! You have done a great job with all of them.
ReplyDeleteThey are looking so great! I love the kiwi and agree with the others :)
ReplyDeleteWell I like your kiwi, but I do think he could be glammied up a bit to mix in with his detailed friends. It is hard to know how though. It is sad to admit that kiwis are not the most glamorous of birds. But yes an eye, and maybe some whiskers? I'm all talk and no design capability though. Don't you hate people like that! ;-)
ReplyDeleteSometimes simple is okay in contrast to complicated pieces. I think it would come down to interesting fabric choices. You know cos I'm such an expert on these things!
ReplyDeleteYour fabrics are great and your birds look awesome :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm sitting on the fence about the kiwi, I see what you mean but I agree with the others. Maybe just a few more shades of 'brown' (or whatever colour is used) on his body. Or a tiny patch of forest floor to stand on, along the lines of the branches in some of the others. Maybe even a worm in his beak,oh sorry now that's getting silly!! I'm loving your quilt, so want to get back to my bird blocks!!
Just when I think you can't get any better... and WOW! It is truly looking great. I like the idea of keeping the kiwi as is - as a reminder of where you started. Otherwise, add eyes but don't go crazy with a re-design. It already looks like the perfect kiwi, in my opinion. x
ReplyDeleteThose birds are simply stunning!!! I agree with the other comments, that eyes will probably bring him together perfectly!
ReplyDeleteOh I love your birds. They're so cute and perfect. I don't really think the Kiwi is out of place at all, espeically as it got the ball rolling. Little details might take it up a notch but no matter what you decide to do, it'll be perfect. x
ReplyDeleteI am loving all your birds! This is going to be a spectacular quilt when you get it all together
ReplyDeleteI love the Tui!!! I love the kiwi but I have had the same thoughts for the kiwi too. The simplicity of the block though could be a nice balance to the quilt. If you do the redesign I would love to test.
ReplyDeleteWow, those are lovely pp blocks. Great job.
ReplyDeleteI think you should just use the kiwi. It might end up adding balance to the other birds.
ReplyDeleteThese are all so beautiful, and I love the kiwi just the way it is.
ReplyDeleteWow - these look amazing! I think I would add eyes to your kiwi since the other birds all have eyes but other than that, I think the pattern would fit well as is!
ReplyDeleteThe kiwi is a simple bird, thus no need for it to look complex. However, I would add an eye as the kiwi does have eyes and the other birds you designed have eyes. I think if it is done in similar colors to the other birds it will fit in nicely.
ReplyDeletesenstrings @ yahoo . com
What fabulous birds. The distinctive feature of the Kiwi is his shape whereas all the others have colours and tails. I think you should just go with the original Kiwi. That is how it looks. You certainly seem to have lots of pieces in the block design. It looks like you have used almost natural colours for the others. I hope you will make the Kiwi in browns to match the other blocks in that particular quilt.
ReplyDeleteI'll never get over how cool your bird blocks are! Your patterns are so fun! I like your kiwi, a lot, but only think the colors don't really coordinate with the other blocks...Look forward to seeing what you decide to do!
ReplyDeleteI don't think it needs a completely new design, just some new details - could there be a wriggly worm on the end of his beak, some twig or branch under his feet, and an eye.
ReplyDeleteVery cute, I just made a Monkey for my grandson for Christmas.
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