SOME TIPS/REMINDERS/SUGGESTIONS FOR YOU:
1) To make your Bow Ties stand out the most, avoid using their same color in the background pieces.
2) In creating the depth of the Bow Ties, use 2 prints mixed with 2 solid colors and placed in opposing positions to each other or vary the prints and solids used throughout the quilt.
3) In supplying a lighter shade to the Bow Tie, consider using a print on its backside. I did this on one block where the solid black doesn't stand out as much as turning it to the wrong side and showing its mottled black/gray appearance. It mixed in with the other prints better on the wrong side. The purpose is to get your color to burst whereas a black solid would not do that.
4) Consider using a shade of color from another color family in your Bow Ties. I did this for 6 blocks. I used a deep rose in the rust Bow Tie as you saw in the Steps Pictorial section, a fuschia in the red, a light blue in the turquoise, a teal in the kelly green, a navy in the black, etc. It helps in adding better depth and dimension in doing this and makes the Bow Tie block stand out even more.
5) When trying out the colors for the Bow Tie knots, stand 8 ft. back from the design wall to check and make sure the knots stand out and don't clash with a background fabric nearby. Then make adjustments. After all, this last touch is the most important design element of all! Choosing the right colors will really brighten your quilt up and give it lots more depth!
6) Consider making a quilt with the Bow Ties all done in shades of one color only -- all reds, whites, etc.
7) Fussy cut the Bow Tie knots from fabrics you used in the Bow Ties to give it a coordinated 'designer' look. Also fussy cut some of the bow ties so another color shows through other than the theme color. It adds a punch to the Bow Tie. Refer to the quilt picture to see how I used large scale versus small scale prints in the Bow Ties.
8) I suggest mixing the shapes of bow tie knots. A few oval knots would be eyecatching too!
9) Here's a great trick: On the knots, allow the knots to extend a little from the bow tie to give it 'a look of fullness.' Fill in with some splashy colors to create more depth!
10) Consider other layout designs also! There are stars, half-stars, cummerbunds, bow ties, and even flying geese and probably more ways to lay the blocks than I can think of!