patchsamkim

I guess I do have an "eye" for color...that is my favorite part of making a quilt. Sometimes it can help to find a fabric that you love the colors in, and use that fabric as a guide to pick fabrics that go together. You can then either take away the fabric you started with and have a group of fabrics that works together, or you can use the fabric that you started with-it usually makes a great border. There are many books on color theories, and maybe you have a shop in your area that teaches a class on color. I do think that the more you do it does get easier. Some people have an easier time if they only have to pick out 3-5 colors. I have an easier time when I pick lots of colors...the more the better.

petthefabric

Colors have temperature, moods and how they play together.

I think I start with a mood: like an early spring hill side. There's a crispness in the air and the air is clean: bright colors. There's an innocence, not maturity: tint, not fully saturated. It's the whole hill side, seen from a distance; swatches of color. It's probably a little damp, the earth and wood would be darkened by the moisture. It's young growth; yellow green.

Or here's another mood: sunset at the beach in fall.

The different color schemes also have moods: monochromatic is usually calming, complimentary is usually energetic.

Watercolor art books are very good at discussing color. The before mentioned quilt/color authors are very good. I prefer the artist color wheel to the printer color wheel, because I want to make an artistic statement.

Playing together: once upon a time, I heard, it's like a successful party. Enough diversity to make it interesting. Are you happy everyone is at the party. If there's someone who totally stands out like a sore thumb, do you want them to leave (does the party get boring then) or do they need friends to play with and get some excitement going.

There's an avatar on QB of a bargello quilt using purple pink and lime green-LOVE IT. It's happy and full of energy. Being SAFE can be boring.

1screech

In quilts, lights mediums and darks, different size prints (big floral, little floral) makes an interesting quilt. If you have trouble choosing lights and darks when you are choosing fabrics, get a Ruby Beholder from your local quilt store or something red plastic to look through. It turns the fabrics to grey scale so you can see how it will play in your quilt. It has helped me alot and well worth the money.

quiltingshorttimer

check out some of the great books on color and fabric pattern choices. My favorite is Jinny Beyers on the subject--she even has some exercises to do that help you "see" the impact of different choices. Also, carry one of those pocket color wheels--that will at least get you thinking of combinations when you get to the store.

IrishgalfromNJ

I like to play with colors but I don't have an "eye". I try not to overthink my color choices because that takes some of the fun out of planning the quilt for me.

nygal

My favorite part of making a quilt is choosing the fabrics. I have to force myself to pick light tones since I naturally do not gravitate towards them or pastels. I may not get it perfect but it still is my favorite part of planning a quilt. I think Jinny Beyer has a wonderful way to choose fabrics...check it out. ..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9xV73VpccA She has a few videos on You Tube that explain it well.

tropit

This site is a great resource. You can pick one color and the site will give you several coordinating color options.
~ Cindy

#1piecemaker

I don't have. But, my sister does. Go figure!

Pepsi Girl

My husband is my color consultant! Me, I'm a constructionist. It works pretty good!

jmoore

Same here, whether I truly have a good eye or not... I love coordinating colors and patterns and get many compliments on finished projects. Thank you for sharing the youtube video.