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Ok GrannieAnnie, but if you find that fabric how do you know how much to buy if you don't have a specific project in mind to read the pattern? I keep hearing on here about building a stash, but I don't know how you know how much to get for future use. I love sewing for my gd.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teeler (Post 5790636)

As a beginner, I went the easy route first, and started with 3 fabrics from a designer's line (in Joann's). The gals here seemed to think I did ok in matching the other two coordinating fabrics, so I feel 'qualified' to answer.

What *I* did was simply pick out two colors from those fabrics, then went to the 'rainbow' fabric bolts and tested each one against the 3 I already had. It was a TEDIOUS process! We must have tested every shade of yellow/gold/mustard in the place. I finally settled on one that worked, then it was off to the browns.

My mom couldn't figure out what I meant when I said I needed a "dirt" brown, and when we were testing them, to me it was clear (at least with brown) when there was a hint of red or a hint of rust or yellow or purple in the fabric that wouldn't do for the project. It's hard for me to explain without having them side-by-each to show you what I mean. Some were very close, but just a hair "off" and wouldn't match. Maybe having a little art background helps, but I find it a relatively easy task because I know what I'm looking for (in my head), but it's more difficult when you're standing in the fabric aisle and not seeing what you need.

Here's a pic of my project fabs: [ATTACH=CONFIG]388440[/ATTACH]

Love, love, love how the plaid matches everything so well. Yellow is next to impossible to match IMO.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeborahH (Post 5790716)

Something I assume will be a background will be about 3 yards---------also generally neutral enough for other projects. Then maybe 2 of the focus, and a yard each of others.

What I've got my eye on right now is 4 different colors of the same design so I won't need a bunch of any one color.
(and it's on sale!)

Find a pattern you like and want to make. Use the designer's color scheme to help you get started. Try doing this for a few quilts and you'll start getting the hang of it.

Thanks GrannieAnnie and Gramajo for all the great advise. I'm looking forward to quilting more.

I always pick the focus fabric first. Then you can shop around different places for coordinating fabric. Picking fabric is not a slow task and some don't like it which is why some opt to do kits with fabrics already picked. Another suggestion is to pick a line of fabric. Like I have a BQ2 pattern and I fell in love with moda lovely so all of the fabric I purchased was from that line for that quilt so they are already complimentary. I have done a lot of kits but have picked out fabric for a few quilts, I can tell you I spent about 5 hours in a quilt shop for my bargello quilt which was the hardest fabric for me to pick out and you have to stand back far to make sure they are differrent values so it is not easy but a must for some patterns that don't come with kits, but I do like moda and precuts as well like fat quarters for getting coordinating fabric.

Taking new quilters to Joanne's is fun.

We start out with a bolt of fabric that just sings to the person. Then we start to pull other bolts we think will look good and start a pile of bolts, one on top of the other. We stand back and look at a distance to see wht is not working and pull it out. And keep going until we have enough for our pattern. And half the fun is that others will soon join in if you let them with suggestions and comments!

Think of it as a fun time!

(After the quilter is more skillful, then I introduce them to the LQS!)

Hi Dolphyngyrl, thanks for letting me know that. Now I don't feel like it's just me that takes so long to figure out what fabrics go together. I spent an entire afternoon once trying to match fabrics for one of my table runners. I thought, it has to be easier than this. Then I see all the beautiful quilts on here and think 'how did they pick all that out'? It's amazing to me to see some really beautiful quilts on here. Some of the fabrics I would have never thought to put together but they look great :)

I do have alot of fun time just looking at all the fabrics. Yes, you are right sewmary, it has to stay fun.!

I start with one piece of fabric that I really like. I add to that as many fabrics that will compliment it either buy new or from my stash. The color and print doesn't matter as much as the contrast. You have to have dark fabric to play against the lights and mediums for most quilt patterns.