joe'smom

The term 'low volume' seems to be understood in a number of ways. I've always understood the term to refer to prints that show a lot of neutral colored background space (white or cream) around a sparsely populated small design. They serve just as any neutral background fabric would, but provide more liveliness and interest than a solid or tonal when used as background in traditional quilts. Or in other words, they make for a busier quilt. When I've seen quilts labeled 'low volume', they have been entirely made up of these kinds of fabrics. I would also think of a baby quilt in soft colors with lots of white space as low volume. I haven't heard of 'volume' as referring to contrast until now.

I have a pattern called 'Great Wall' by Janine Burke that seems similar to the color wash quilt people are discussing here. It is as you described, dark fabrics with little contrast that look rich and dramatic. All of her designs seem to be 'high volume.'