Wednesday, August 17, 2011

*Seeking Opinions* & a mini giveaway...

"Autumn Blooms"
design by Maggie Bonanomi
My intention when working on this piece was to create a bellpull style wall hanging for my living room.
"Bittersweet Flowers"
design by Maggie Bonanomi
I used the same wools for these as well. I planned to create two pillows for the two chairs in the bay window of my living room.
When I laid them down to get ready to press them I realized...

that the three pieces fit together perfectly!

Hmmmm... should I change my mind and piece them together as a table mat for my dining room table?

Well, I have agonized over this for several days now and simply can't make a decision. So, I am seeking your opinion. Should they be a separate wall hanging and pillows? Or should they be combined as a table mat?

To entice you and to let you know that I truly value your opinion, I'm having a mini giveaway. Simply post a comment here with your opinion. Or if you are not comfortable with that, you may send me an email at pgagliardi9@hotmail.com with "My Opinion" in the subject line (so I know that they are not spam ;)

On Sunday, I will draw a name for a winner. In trying to think of a prize, I remembered that I had a few little pillows that I hadn't listed on Etsy yet. So the winner will have their choice of one of the following pillows:

(I have plans for another giveaway in the near future.)

Thanks for your help! I truly value your opinion!

"May you run and not be weary. May your heart be filled with song. And may the love of God continue to give you hope and keep you strong. And may you run and not be weary. May your life be filled with joy! And may the road you travel, always lead you home."

~"The Faith We Sing" Hymnal #2281

Blessings, Patti

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48 comments:

  1. marlyAugust 17, 2011 at 9:01 PM

    Just my opinion - but you asked!! I noticed the lovely curves and fabrics when looking at them individually. Grouped, my eyes didn't know what to focus on - too much in one area. This is from an old person with a short attention span!!! Other young pups may see it differently.

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  2. WoolenSailsAugust 17, 2011 at 9:02 PM

    Not really sure what you mean, piece them as they are now? I think together they need to be balanced, with some on the other side, facing the opposite direction?

    Debbie

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  3. Raymond HomesteadAugust 17, 2011 at 9:27 PM

    You can't go wrong either way but I'm thinking I like them together like you have it in the picture. I just love these patterns! Did you get the wools in a kit with the pattern or did you use wools you had?

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  4. JessicaAugust 17, 2011 at 10:08 PM

    Where will you & others see them more? I like your original idea better. :)

    Blessings, Jessica

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  5. nancy hugginsAugust 17, 2011 at 10:10 PM

    I kind of like them together but I too think they would need something on the left side for balance sooo stick with plan A and do the pillows and wall hanging..They are awesome and I am already trying to decide what I would pick if I win :)
    You do very nice work!

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  6. BeckyAugust 17, 2011 at 10:17 PM

    Hi Patti,
    I am a new follower.I like your original idea better. The pillows are so cute for your mini giveaway too. You do such lovely work.
    Becky at Ginger Creme Hollow

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  7. Yankee Valley StitcherAugust 17, 2011 at 10:40 PM

    Love all your projects! Piece them together! They look awesome that way....its like it was meant to be :) Your pillows are gorgeous, but the sunflower "rocks!"

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  8. Ellie's Country AccentsAugust 17, 2011 at 11:40 PM

    I just found your blog and became a follower. Your work is beautiful. I think your original idea is better, otherwise it would have to be balanced on the other side. Your little pillows are so pretty.
    Ellie

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  9. AnonymousAugust 18, 2011 at 12:05 AM

    I think either way would be great, but you need to do what you like best, after all you will be seeing them everyday. I love what you do, thanks for sharing.
    Ronnie in Washington

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  10. Wendy DicranianAugust 18, 2011 at 3:53 AM

    Hi Patty,
    I think separtately their beauty is noticed more than if grouped. I couldn't focus on one aspect in the grouping. So, my vote is the bell pull type wallhanging and pillows. Hope to see you at B&B in October.
    Wendy

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  11. Jennie Lynn @ Appleseed PrimAugust 18, 2011 at 7:20 AM

    My opinion? They do look lovely together but I would keep them seperate. Spreading them around in the same room would look great giving the eye lots of things to dance around to. You always do such beautiful work! Really, breathtaking.

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  12. DebAugust 18, 2011 at 7:37 AM

    I think I like the pieces individually. Like Marley, my eyes didn't know where to settle on them. But they're wonderful blocks - very pretty colors.

    The pillows are adorable for your giveaway too.

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  13. DoraAugust 18, 2011 at 8:13 AM

    I like the idea of a separate wall hanging and 2 pillows so it's not too busy for the eye. Plus having 2 different types of finishes in the room would be interesting. The two bittersweet flowers would work grouped together as pillows.
    Whatever you decide, you've got some beautiful decorations for fall.

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  14. bayrayschildAugust 18, 2011 at 8:30 AM

    Hi Patti!
    They are all beautiful, but for me they work best individually.

    Audrey

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  15. Sweet SueAugust 18, 2011 at 8:33 AM

    Love the muted colors Patti. My first thought was a little different, one large single pillow of all three together, would make a beautiful statement at the head of a lovingly dressed bed:) Our bedrooms deserve woolen splendor too!

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  16. JoyAugust 18, 2011 at 8:39 AM

    They are lovely...and stand nicely alone.

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  17. KarenAugust 18, 2011 at 9:25 AM

    What pretty pieces - and love the wools. Since you asked - I would keep them apart because I think you see them better that way.

    Karen

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  18. LindaAugust 18, 2011 at 9:32 AM

    Angela...they are just beautiful!
    I like your original idea of a hanging and the two pillows. I agree, I think they stand out more on their own.
    I would love to be entered in your drawing.
    Linda

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  19. annieAugust 18, 2011 at 9:35 AM

    They look great together, but would look lovely on their own as well.

    If they were mine, I would put them all together into a great mat because they the impact of an older folk art piece that has survived a very long time, but like life there is a bit of panache to it. It would really make its self known as soon as your eye discovered it!

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  20. GayleAugust 18, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    I love the pieces all sewn together exactly the way you show them in your last picture. The colors blend really well and it just makes more of a statement that way. You've done such beautiful work on each of them!

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  21. Lauralee @ The Eclectic StitcherAugust 18, 2011 at 9:59 AM

    Gaghh! I'm having a hard time deciding. They look awesome together, but then I think separately would be wonderful, too! I guess if they were mine (and how I wish!) I would do the pillows and the wallhanging. Beautiful work.

    And those little pillows are precious!

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  22. Nan ~ Threadwork PrimitivesAugust 18, 2011 at 10:03 AM

    Let me first say just OMG how beautiful they are. I know that I would join them together as you have it set out and still use it as a wall hanging.
    It has that "WOW" factor and really makes a statement. I don't always feel things need to be balanced. It makes it different.
    I can see doing it the other way, just because you get three items out of the deal and it would give your room a matched look. Just know it will be fabulous whatever you decide. You do such amazing wool pieces.
    Smiles,
    ~Nan

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  23. Lauralee @ The Eclectic StitcherAugust 18, 2011 at 10:21 AM

    BTW, where did you find the pattern Bittersweet Flowers? I can't locate it...and would love to have it for myself ;o)

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  24. Beth TwistAugust 18, 2011 at 10:22 AM

    I'm sitting here, practically shouting at my computer screen... "Piece them together! Piece them together!" They look so sweet all grouped. And I humbly disagree with those that think they would only look good pieced if there were more flowers on the other side to balance them. Too much symmetry in folk art drives me crazy!

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  25. primitivebettysAugust 18, 2011 at 10:57 AM

    Everything is just beautiful! My opinion would be to put them together. That is a brilliant idea! :)

    Have a great day Patti! :)

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  26. Robin LeuschenAugust 18, 2011 at 10:59 AM

    I'm thinking if you stitched all of them on a background wool that is a common color and pattern in all 3, it will bring them together and the eye will naturally see that, then look at each individally and they will coordinate...does that make sense ???They are beautiful however you decide to finish them !
    Robin

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  27. LindaAugust 18, 2011 at 11:52 AM

    I love them pieced together. I like the contrast. Your work is so exquisite! Hope I win that purple coneflower pillow! Have you decided if you are attending Boxwood this fall?

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  28. BeckyjeanAugust 18, 2011 at 1:56 PM

    Hi Patti~

    Those are beautiful!! I like your original idea, but think they would be wonderful no matter how you finish them.

    Becky

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  29. KarenAugust 18, 2011 at 9:59 PM

    I like the idea of combining the pieces. Looks good.

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  30. JoanneAugust 18, 2011 at 11:39 PM

    I'm thinking it was a happy accident that you found those pieces to fit together - so I think they should stay that way!

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  31. shopgirlAugust 18, 2011 at 11:47 PM

    I would hang the three in a wall grouping. You always have such wonderful ideas....whatever you do will be beautiful!

    Linda

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  32. ChristineAugust 19, 2011 at 12:03 AM

    I would put them together....looks like a small wool quilt. Then you could either use as a table mat or wall quilt.....much more impact, but thats just my opinion. They are beautiful!
    christine rohloff

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  33. TheCrankyCrowAugust 19, 2011 at 1:02 AM

    My humble opinion probably doesn't count for much, but I would say that these pieces are so visually interesting and unique, they need to be their own pieces. Separate for me!! And thank you so kindly for the opportunity in your wonderul giveaway! Smiless & Hugs ~ Robin

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  34. MarilynAugust 19, 2011 at 3:26 AM

    They're all pretty, and I love the rusty color.
    I like your idea of a hanging and pillows.
    Marilyn

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  35. pjAugust 19, 2011 at 7:03 AM

    Patti, such gorgeous work and I love the colors! Personally, I would continue on with your wall hanging and pillows idea...as I think it would be a super look and tie together so each piece gets its due share of admiration. I love that little sunflower pillow!!!! pam in iowa

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  36. LynnAugust 19, 2011 at 8:18 AM

    Hi Patti

    What beautiful work on these pieces. The colours are gorgeous. OK, my opinion would be to make pillows. If you make pillows they will be standing up so the patterns are visible all the time. If you make something for your table it is laying down and not visible unless you are over looking at the table. Does that make sense?. So my vote is for pillows. They are very pretty. Lynn

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  37. BertieAugust 19, 2011 at 9:18 AM

    Beautiful Patti, I am not an appliqué maker, so have no opinion on it, they are stunning:))

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  38. TammyAugust 19, 2011 at 9:55 AM

    Hi Patti! I think a table mat would be perfect. It seems
    to me that it was meant to be. What lovely work you do. Thanks for the chance at a darling pin cushion.

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  39. AllenzAugust 19, 2011 at 11:06 AM

    If it was me.....I'd stick to your original idea. I think the piece is a little to busy with all three grouped together. I like simplicity in things and do not like anything to distract from the work itself. The work should be the star. All three pieces are wonderful...love the colors and love your work. I would love to win your mini giveaway.

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  40. debbieAugust 19, 2011 at 3:53 PM

    Patti,
    I vote for a table mat, they all look great together! You do such nice work, & I don't think there's a "bad" way to display Maggie's designs! I just love everything she does~ & I love seeing all of your beautiful work on your blog whenever you post! Thanks for sharing ~ love the purple coneflowers!
    Debbie :)

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  41. PattiAugust 19, 2011 at 9:24 PM

    Wow! What a wonderful response! Thank you ever so much! A few people have asked about "Bittersweet Flowers". I purchased this pattern from Country Sampler in Spring Green, Wisconsin. You can order it from their website at www.sgcountrysampler.com or call them at (608)588-2510.
    Blessings, Patti

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  42. AnnAugust 20, 2011 at 7:46 AM

    First of all the pieces are lovely as is all your work. I like your original idea because they would tie a room together. Now for the final decision! The little pillows are super too!

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  43. CookieAugust 20, 2011 at 7:06 PM

    be still my heart! i love these and would love to be in the drawing.
    x0

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  44. Made.by.FayAugust 20, 2011 at 11:33 PM

    My opinion is that they should be put together. But the small flowers should be on the other side of the larger flower, so that they point toward it instead of away from it. I love your flowers. Very cute!

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  45. pauletteAugust 20, 2011 at 11:42 PM

    I have gone back twice and had a good look...they are SEW beautiful that they would be wonderful either way. What do you NEED more...the table topper or the pillow?? Go with what your room needs most...this project is striking and will be perfect with which ever way you choose!!
    Thanks so much for the chance to win one of your originals...they are so wonderful!!
    Paulette

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  46. Wendy @ Ravenwood WhimziesAugust 21, 2011 at 8:14 PM

    Wow...love the wool work! I think they would great together...but that is just my opinion. I think they would make a bigger statement as a table decoration.

    I also love your sweet little pillows - you do great work!

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  47. Beertje ZonnAugust 21, 2011 at 11:50 PM

    Wow, your mini giveaway is so beautiful, I like it!
    Kind regards,

    Beertje Zonn

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  48. Julie - My Primitive HeartAugust 22, 2011 at 8:57 AM

    Hi Patti,
    Your work is so beautifully done and will grace your home no matter how you decide to finish! I LOVE that you have so many options and that each one would be perfect!! I love them together...what a happy discovery you made, but since I have a table that is always full of other things, I would personally do a wallhanging and pillows, so I could see the lovely work!
    I love your handwork and would be thrilled to win one of the sweet pillows!
    Happy Deciding~~
    Julie

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Thank you ever so much for stopping by to visit me! I am so grateful and would love to hear your thoughts...