a new challenge : Asymmetrical v Symmetrical
Kaja from sewslowly recently discussed our various preferences to working asymmetrically or symmetrically with our quilts. Her new challenge for AHIQ is to pick whichever of these is furthest from your comfort zone and see what you can do.
I did a little research and to put things simply - "Something is symmetrical when it is the same on both sides. A shape has symmetry if a central dividing line (a mirror line) can be drawn on it, to show that both sides of the shape are exactly the same".
Again, this feels like improv to me, no pattern, just an overwhelming desire to work with the colour "grey". The asymmetrical balance in this quilt could be viewed as chaotic or visually interesting & exciting, depending on your point of view!
And finally, leftover low volume blocks put together improv style using the 'magic numbers' formula. I love an inconsistently balanced quilt.
Hmm, well I think I tend to make more symmetrical looking quilts,
here's a few that stand out to me...
More research was required to further define asymmetry for me because, while I have made a few quilts that were definitely more improv in style, where that cohesive balance took a bit of work, I can't say I've ever made an asymmetrical {modern} quilt as such.
But what I did find were a few examples of asymmetrical balance within my own quilts. Here are a few quilts that I think have an asymmetrical composition of traditional patchwork blocks, like the New York Beauty, Flying Geese, Log Cabins, Rail Fence, etc.
And like Janie from crazyvictoriana I knew if I shared these you'd get all excited, share your quilts, and maybe join in the challenge too . . .
This first quilt was made from a selection of orphan blocks. I guess it's improv, as I didn't use a pattern nor did I have any idea how the finished quilt was going to look.
symmetrical arrangement of asymmetrical blocks ↑
AND
↓ asymmetrical arrangement of symmetrical blocks, yes?
I think I mostly have the asymmetrical/symmetrical labeled right, let me know what you think.
Asymmetry is one topic I do find interesting, and definitely The. Most. Challenging. So I'm off now to deal to my present pink project, my 'predictable' quilt - it's been giving me headaches but I feel very much like it could fit somehow into the asymmetrical section of Kaja's challenge!
Asymmetry is one topic I do find interesting, and definitely The. Most. Challenging. So I'm off now to deal to my present pink project, my 'predictable' quilt - it's been giving me headaches but I feel very much like it could fit somehow into the asymmetrical section of Kaja's challenge!
wish me luck 🤞
Linda from kokaquilts
4 comments:
Stunning collection from you Linda!! Definitely a mix of both symmetrical and asymmetrical quilts. I seem to lean towards symmetrical but having seen your last five quilts here I'm inspired to experiment! Orphan blocks seem to be the thing right now and as I have quite a collection perhaps I should give some thought to using them.
Another maker joins the challenge - hooray! You make such beautiful things - I'm excited to see how your project evolves.
Linda your collection of quilts is just that, exciting!
How to pick a fav.? I think I enjoy the most your color sense as shown in all of them.
Great work!
Linda, I think you hit the nail on the head with balance. Symmetrical designs are balanced by their nature (I think - trying to think of exceptions) but finding balance when working asymmetrically (and in improv) is the art. You have achieved balance in your orphan block quilts by the positioning of darker and lighter elements; they retain dynamism while giving the eye somewhere to rest.
Now I'm off to put my orphan block collection on the design wall and see what happens!
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