Thursday, February 28, 2008

More String Diamond Settings

I'm almost finished stringing my diamonds - I just have seven more to do - woohoo. Then comes the hard work.... But first, more playing with blocks:

String diamonds with alternate blocks:

On the diagonal:

I didn't expect to, but I like these blocks set with sashing:

I'm happy with how my colors are turning out on this. I'm using lots of yellows and orange - I love how those colors look with the turquoise. There is some pink in there, but I've been good about using it just a bit so that it's an accent, not an equal partner.

I've been trying to get black in every block and white. And to get contrast from one strip to the next. It used to be that I didn't worry about that - so long as I liked the colors together (ooh orange and red) that was what mattered. And now I look at those quilts and they look dull to me. So definitely working on contrast.

Hmm, think I still have some work to do on values. This is mushier than I thought it would be, though I'm happy there are some dark darks and some light lights.

Darling Pokey girl has continued her campaign of keeping me from hand quilting by giving me lots of love. It seems like whenever I have the quilt out, she's on it. I only sewed a couple of hours today so that the little nipper could sleep on my lap while I read. I'm a sucker for my baby.

My sweetie and I finished watching the second season of the tv series Bones. Have to say there were some good episodes but for the most part, just bleah. Didn't care for all the personal stuff -- I hate when the criminals come after the investigators and the whole thing with Tempe's father? bleah. I want investigations, not blithering around. And what happened to Dr. Goodman? I loved him. So I may watch an episode if it comes onto tv, but no moer spending money on it.

We also finished the tenth and final season of Stargate SG-1. I am so bummed the show was cancelled. Those actors have such chemistry and I loved the addition of Vala to the team. I'm glad to hear that there is a movie that will tie up the Ori story line, but I'd still rather have my show back.

20 comments:

Dianne said...

Love that diagonal setting, Tonya. Reminds me of Japanese lanterns in a high breeze...

jovaliquilts said...

Black and white photo -- great idea! Is there a way to look through a camera lens (or something else) and see in black and white? That would really be useful.

I feel the same way about Bones -- the investigating was interesting but the characters were personal plots were ridiculous. My favorite character is Angela, and she has a small part.

Mama Spark said...

I really like your string diamonds. I like the blue even more than Bonnie's orange. I have to say I agree with you about Star Gate SG-1. I *miss* that show like crazy!! I have all the DVD's and watch it as often as it is repeated on TV. Atlantis is good but not as good as SG-1. Although I think it is actually improving with the addition of Samantha on the show.

Kristin L said...

I loke the alternate setting best, but none are as exciting (to me) as yesterday's chevron setting.

I haven't watched Bones, and am still s l o w l y working my way through the last season of Babylon 5 before I move on to SG-1. BTW, there's a fan fiction continuation of Firefly out on teh internets -- it's called "My own kind of freedom." I have not had a chance to read it yet... BTW, how many episodes of Sarah Conner have you watched -- we have up to #6 on CD and will send them to you if you'd like when we're done (estimate 3 more evenings). Summer Glau is great fun to watch!!

jude said...

oh you are having too much fun! i like the set with sashing. great colors!

Quiltdivajulie said...

My vote (from the options shown) goes to the narrow sashing between your string blocks... I absolutely LOVE that turquoise but the alternate blocks just don't "make it" the way the sashing does.

HAVE FUN playing!

qusic said...

I watch "Bones" too,gives me the creeps, sometimes, then I snuggle under my ripple blanket and knit on my sock and feel very cozy despite all. I love the diagonal setting very much, reminds me of kites. I am so curious how it will come out, your quilt,have a nice end of week and thanks for your "quilt block play",pure inspiration!

Magpie Sue said...

DH and I didn't discover Bones until the second season so seeing the reruns of season one has been enlightening.

I still like the Lone Star set the best for these diamond blocks but it sure is fun to see all the possibilities!

Laurie Ann said...

I am still loving Sara Connor Chronicles. I've been watching it on line. But I just found out that next week is the two hour season finale. So soon! DANGIT!!!

Holly said...

All these layouts you are playing with is a delight to the eyes. I am just loving your quilt!

Allergies here, too, but I'm so happy spring is on the way.

Mary Johnson said...

I like the sashed version too and while I agree it looks like there could be more contrast in the B&W version, I think the turquoise holds it's own without a doubt.

Christina said...

I have liked the look of the alternating blocks better than any other so far - I feel it allows me to actually "see" the string piecing of the diamonds which all got lost when there was less space between them. I wonder if that would change if you increased the contrast... interesting options!!

loulee said...

Seems we have similar tastes in TV! LOL I too mourned the loss of SG1 but console myself with Atlantis, not the same, but close enough. Big fan of Bones too and CSI Vegas and New York. Not so keen on miami though.
We awtched Sarah Connor last night, I wish I'd seen all of the first episode, I was a little confused, but I'll catch up. I don't think we'll be dashing off to buy it.

Clare said...

The black and white photo is a good idea. Perhaps a reorganisation to make them contrast. Must admit that my eyes are drawn to the greens in the colour photos as I'm into greens at the moment (and blues and blacks and reds and .............).

I do like them on the diagonal.

Saw the Terminator DVD in the hypermarché yesterday. Now I know what you were on about LOL.

Lynda said...

All the string diamonds look great - can't decide which are my favourites. Please don't recommned any more books - I have to buy them all!!

Cher said...

great colors...contrast is much more challenging to achieve as you are finding out- love those diamonds!

julieQ said...

Such pretty diamonds! I always worry about the stretch (bias), but I guess the strings stabilize them a bit? So nice, I like the sashing too.

*karendianne. said...

Interesting to watch you work with these and discuss color/value.

I love how Pokey runs her campaign. She's such a smart kitty. Look forward to seeing her again soon.

Kitty on the Blog for Love, *karendianne.

Nettie said...

Agree with Dianne about the alternate setting looking like Japanese lanterns. I like that setting best. Your kitties are so adorable :-)

Susan said...

I heard there is going to be a Stargate SG-1 movie. Don't know for sure, but that's the rumor! I'm all for it. =)