I Need Input on Unique Laurel Ridge

[Pat A.]

I've mostly finished my Laurel Ridge version, seen in photo. I'm trying to decide what to do with the extra space in the center deer applique.

I've got three possibilities. Let me say up front I tend to be more graphic in my preferences. I use very little applique, but I feel in love with the center deer piece and thought the Laurel Ridge BOM would help to center it up in a unique way. BUT I'm finding the negative space around the deer's bottom very negative.

1. Leave it it's fine. Pro: I'm done. Also, custom quilting area. Con: open space.
2. Cut up one row's worth and put one more row in. Pro: lose some of the space, but keep some custom quilting space. Con: ripping out.
3. Add a vine applique around the bottom. Pro: could borrow the leaf element from the antlers and maybe include one bird. Con: I'm not sure how well I can handle the vine in particular. I know how to do it, but I'm not confident in my ability to make a flowing looking vine. Further, that sample is not enthralling me; it's too fussy for my taste.

The two mockups are made in my computer, and the vine suffers most from copying an element and pasting.

Thoughts and opinions?

[Helen W.]

Hi Pat, Great looking variation of Laurel Ridge. I remember back at the beginning when you posted pics. What
progress you have made. I would use the antler leaves and a bird on each side. just printed a copy of your pic
and cut out the antler area to give you an idea of what I was thinking. I would draw it on tracing paper or clear plastic
or vinyl to audition the shapes in the size and shape you need. You could use the original pattern to get size of leaves and branches.
Click on the photo to see the entire photo.
HelenW
When I just looked at what I posted, I would bring the leaves up a little higher and make the curve
a little more circular.

Added a third pic with fewer leaves but from the upper antler design.

[Pat A.]

Helen, I love the idea of using the pattern to create the vine!