How do you make a beautiful quilt?
#21
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: in retirement
Posts: 1,513
I believe color choice is everything. Pay attention to value change, a quilt must have light, medium & dark to be effective.
I was taught over 45 years ago, before all the fancy gadgets and fabrics were not out there.
Simply learn the color wheel and it's principles. There is alot of info on the web about color theory.
here is a link to a good explanation:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_theory
I first select my theme fabric, from there I select 2 colors, and working the value scale, find colors that will work. Background colors of white, neutral or black do not count as colors, they are the canvas that you work from.
I have always found this method the easiest, as the fabric designer has already done the hard work. They have created the color pallet.
If I am not sure of a color and if it will work, I make a sample block, and use mirrors to multiply it and see if the effect I am looking for is there. At this point if I don't like it, I've only wasted a small amount of time & fabric.
Hope this helps.
I was taught over 45 years ago, before all the fancy gadgets and fabrics were not out there.
Simply learn the color wheel and it's principles. There is alot of info on the web about color theory.
here is a link to a good explanation:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_theory
I first select my theme fabric, from there I select 2 colors, and working the value scale, find colors that will work. Background colors of white, neutral or black do not count as colors, they are the canvas that you work from.
I have always found this method the easiest, as the fabric designer has already done the hard work. They have created the color pallet.
If I am not sure of a color and if it will work, I make a sample block, and use mirrors to multiply it and see if the effect I am looking for is there. At this point if I don't like it, I've only wasted a small amount of time & fabric.
Hope this helps.
#22
It might be crazy but I scan the fabrics that I want to use in a quilt and then print of the picture of the fabrics I want to use and cut the paper into the desired blocks. That way I am not wasting the fabric on a sample block.
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: central California
Posts: 636
Originally Posted by Lori S
Go to some quilt shows ... see what attracts you to certain quilts. I know attending a few national shows really shoved me into be more adventuresome with colors... that was the one thing I walked away from every show ... the colors were just so fabulous. So every time I found myself navigating back to my comfort zone... I had to make a very conscience effort to go against my norm.
If you examine what captures you about a certain quilt(s) you will know what you want to work on to improve.
If you examine what captures you about a certain quilt(s) you will know what you want to work on to improve.
#25
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: NY
Posts: 2,497
In most of the quilts that I really like, there is one 'pa-dow' fabric. The one that says 'look at me!' When you find that one fabric that you absolutely love, work off that and coordinate your other fabrics to that.
It would be nice if you appreciate your own work. That may come with time. There are some quilts that I've made that I'm not quite fond of. But then again, once given, I usually don't lay my eyes on them much. If the recipient enjoys your quilts, that's good too!
It would be nice if you appreciate your own work. That may come with time. There are some quilts that I've made that I'm not quite fond of. But then again, once given, I usually don't lay my eyes on them much. If the recipient enjoys your quilts, that's good too!
#27
I believe all quilts are beautiful-it doesn't matter about fabric, design or how you stitch it. It comes from the heart and it is an art from each individual. So keep quilting they are all beautiful.
#28
Have you tried going through the pictures you love and writing down what you like about them? This may give you a clue as to what you need to do to yours. For instance, I really like a narrow (1/2") border around the center blocks of a quilt. I like black or a high contrast color for this border. It may be that you are drawn to particular color combinations, or maybe you have been piecing and you really admire applique.
If it is your workmanship, the the solution is simple...practice, practice, practice.
I would like to seem some samples of your quilts also. Maybe you are being too hard on yourself.
If it is your workmanship, the the solution is simple...practice, practice, practice.
I would like to seem some samples of your quilts also. Maybe you are being too hard on yourself.
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 502
Use the colors and fabrics suggested in a pattern in a book and go with them. If you like the one pictured there is no reason yours shouldn't look the same. Some have more artistic talents in choosing colors and texture, the rest of us do our best and I have never seen a quilt I didn't like. Just like Will Roger said, he never met a man he didn't like.
You have to start liking your own work and not being critical. None of us is perfect.
Carol J.
You have to start liking your own work and not being critical. None of us is perfect.
Carol J.
#30
I was quite hard on myself, when I see some beautiful quilts. I make quilts to be used. They are filled with love. I get a little better and challenge myself a little bit more. I don't worry that others are more beautiful then mine. I am not in a competion. I am me, I make what my capabilites alow me..those that recieve a quilt from me love it
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
AngieS
Links and Resources
11
10-07-2011 04:58 PM
craftybear
Links and Resources
12
07-11-2011 06:54 PM
sondray
Links and Resources
2
05-23-2009 01:41 PM