red-warrior

I have taken Boot Camp 1 to learn to quilt. I did not like the quilt for Boot camp 2, so took the first course twice. I would like to progress to the next level, but need ideas or pictures of how to make the quit not so busy.

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GrannieAnnie

I like the #2 quilt--------variation of Irish chain. You do know that fabric choices make a world of difference in the looks, don't you?

QuiltnNan

i appreciate your feelings on this, but it is not too busy for me. nice job.

Jeanne S

I wonder if you feel this quilt is too busy due to the colors, the color contrast or the floral print? Figuring that out might help you with options. For example, if it is the floral, perhaps look for a more subtle print like a tone on tone or subtle batik. If it is the colors in this particular quilt, try to visualize it in pastels, light neutrals or any color palette you like. If it is the contrast, think about using complementary shades of blues, greens and/or grays that are all light or medium shades. There are so many ways to "tone down" the pattern if that is your goal. This one might be nice in creams, buttery yellows and white too.

red-warrior

I guess I worded this wrong....need to see options that would change the look of this. I have only made 2 quilts and am not good at visualizing what would work. Thanks Jeannie S- that helps. Please post pictures if any of you have some.

dunster

I'm not crazy about that quilt either, and I think there are a couple of reasons. I don't care for the obvious repeat of the fabric design in the borders, so I would rather have a border that has a smaller print, or reads as solid. And although pink with brown is fine in moderation, I think that much pink with brown is confusing to the eye. Different colors would definitely help, but when you come right down to it, this is a fairly busy pattern with nowhere for the eye to rest. I worked up some different options in blue in EQ7, using fewer fabrics in some of them to show you how you could make the quilt less busy. EQ7 is an excellent tool for this kind of exploration.

red-warrior

Thanks so much that helps immensely! I now feel I can take the course and not waste money on a quilt I don't like.
I really appreciate your help and the pictures.

Jeanne S

Red-Warrior, unfortunately I have never made that exact quilt. This is the closest one that I have made, it is a regular Irish Chain Pattern with a little more modern feel to it. I am working on the binding now, a gift for my SIL. Hope it helps to see another example.
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wesing

I second what Dunster has said. Using a smaller scale print and limiting yourself to a monochromatic color scheme will calm a quilt down. Also less contrast will help. Notice how Dunster's last quilt looks calmer than the first two. It is because the blues she used are much closer together. You could also use different colors, but similar values of the colors to achieve the same effect - like using pastel yellow, baby blue, and mint green together with a cream background. If you haven't purchased any fabric yet, try laying bolts of fabric together in the store and see how well they achieve your desired look. You might also enlist help from the person at the shop.

Darren

ManiacQuilter2

I thought the same thing that dunster showed you with the drawings she made using Electric Quilt. It might be something to look into purchasing especially if you are good with computer programs. I thought the same thing that a lighter fabric on the outside of the Puss in the Corner block (that is what Marsha McCloskey calls it) would work better than a darker or bolder fabric. Keep up the good work!!