What is the "perfect" size for a quilt?
Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 9:21AM How do you determine the right size for a quilt? It fits the bed, crib, or wall? One piece of fabric will serve as the backing without piecing? It fits under the arm of your sewing machine? You work until you lose interest? I've done all of the above.
In my last 
blog I mentioned that I was trying to determine the perfect size for my series. My goal is to have 3-5 quilts in a series: similar subject matter, color palette, and size. My first thought was a square. A square accommodates a circle well and I might want to include a kaleidoscope or mandala in my series at some point.
But a square might be limiting. I have not started #1 of the series and I'm worried about limiting myself when I get to #5! I admit I might be stuck in a bit of paralysis by analysis but roll with me here! So what about a rectangle?
Renaissance artists used the golden mean to determine pleasing proportions. It is said that the Mona Lisa has golden proportions in both the shape of her face and the overall size of the painting.
I don't want to slip into a formulaic way of approaching art, after all this is supposed to be art!
DaVinci did pretty well for himself so I should at least give this type of proportion some consideration.What do you think about the proportions of this rectangle? I've superimposed a circle to see if I like it. This would be approximately 20" wide x 32" tall. Seems a little awkward in relation to the circle. So back to the drawing board (or more acurately Corel Draw).
That's better. Moving the circle to the center of the rectangle seems much more balanced to my eye.
Okay, I'm satisfied with the size and flexibility of this rectangle for my series.
Done.
Check off #5. Pick a size to work from the November list of action items!
