Thread: Overwhelmed

Originally Posted by cminor

I tend to like the quilts I see by the color they are which I know is not the way to determine a pattern to use - but I just can't help myself.

So you know what colors you like. That's a great start.
What is even better is that the same color can easily translate to other patterns.

Here is a suggestion that can take the dilemma away:
Look at JUST the pattern - without color. I would go to quilter's cache and print out the patterns on a black and white printer. Then you can focus on the pattern. Pick one that is suited for beginners and THEN add the fabric/color selection.

Most of all - relax and have fun.

I was having a lot of trouble working with color. I needed to identify light, medium and dark, because I was buying mostly medium fabrics. I used my printer and copied my fabric in black and white. It helped erase the color and I could focus on the value and how the placement of a dark, a medium or a light fabric would change the block I wanted to make.

One of the best things I did was to purchase a color wheel and I really studied it - I learned all the terms and completely understand the concept of the color wheel. I learned what a tint is and what tone means and what it means to use complimentary colors. This information does help when your trying to make decisions at the fabric store.

Another excercise I did was kinda silly and fun - but it made a huge mess. I played with all the clothes in the house! LOL .
I found all the different colors I could and spread things out on the bed and the floor. I just tossed things around and put together different combinations - I was able to figure out which combinations I like and what I don't care for very much. I took pictures with my phone and look at them sometimes when I am at the fabric store. Pretty silly, but it helps me.

One thing I know for sure .... every project goes thru an ugly duckling stage. Just keep working on it and many ugly ducklings turn into beautiful swans, some stay ugly, but you will love it anyway.

Originally Posted by Ninnie

First, cutting up pretty material always makes me sad at first, but then i get over it :-D
Why not try doing a 9 patch? Just cut up some 4 1/2 in squaes, throw them in a bag, shake it up, and then pull 9 of them out, dont think about it, just do it!1 You will be surprised how pretty it turns out! :-D

Great idea.

Originally Posted by Bottle Blonde

I was having a lot of trouble working with color. I needed to identify light, medium and dark, because I was buying mostly medium fabrics. I used my printer and copied my fabric in black and white. It helped erase the color and I could focus on the value and how the placement of a dark, a medium or a light fabric would change the block I wanted to make.

One of the best things I did was to purchase a color wheel and I really studied it - I learned all the terms and completely understand the concept of the color wheel. I learned what a tint is and what tone means and what it means to use complimentary colors. This information does help when your trying to make decisions at the fabric store.

Another excercise I did was kinda silly and fun - but it made a huge mess. I played with all the clothes in the house! LOL .
I found all the different colors I could and spread things out on the bed and the floor. I just tossed things around and put together different combinations - I was able to figure out which combinations I like and what I don't care for very much. I took pictures with my phone and look at them sometimes when I am at the fabric store. Pretty silly, but it helps me.

One thing I know for sure .... every project goes thru an ugly duckling stage. Just keep working on it and many ugly ducklings turn into beautiful swans, some stay ugly, but you will love it anyway.

what sort of color wheel did you buy?

Oh, I so TOTALLY understand.
It has helped me to make mystery quilts. With those, the instructions don't give colour, but things like "1/2 yard of dark, 1/2 of medium to match and 1/2 medium accent". That way, you aren't stuck looking at a picture and unable to visualize the quilt any way except in those colours.

I have also found that the more quilts I look at, the more sure of myself I become simply by identifying what appeals to me, what catches my eye, and what colours I am drawn to. I've been lucky to have had boxes of old quilting magazines handed down to me, and they are valuable sources of quilt browsing.

I've made some random blocks, just trying out techniques and colour combinations. They will always be orphans, but have taught me things!

You might want to check out the Quilt in a Day books by Eleanor Burns. They show step by step how to make a quilt and get it done. Good way to get yourself introduced to making quilts quickly.