chris_quilts

I usually start with a fabric I like and pick others to complement it. Sometimes, DH and I have color disagreements so I out it all down, let it percolate or ferment, and then come back. Usually I go with a combination of both of ours. The one I know I might struggle with is the one I'm planning for my mom. Found out what colors she doesn't like and am going from there but at least I have a pattern picked out. Hers will be florals with some other things thrown into the mix. Am hoping it'll be less chaotic than it currently sounds. The back will be another quilt but with all cat fabrics.

maryb119

I just pick with I like that goes together. Some people use a color wheel. I don't. If I like the fabrics together, i use them. I don't worry about mixing batiks and prints. I use what I like and it usually turns out fine. Sometimes, I have to change a color to get the look I want but I can picture in my mind how it will look and I keep shopping until I get what I want.

tuckyquilter

I find one fabric I really LOVE, and then build the others using the colors in that focus fabric. Or the color wheel, which is pretty darn helpful too.

chris_quilts

I can't use a color wheel. The color wheel confuses me. I do not have the art-type brain. I struggled as a teacher with that whole color thing when teaching art to my class.

k_jupiter

I do it like everyone else does I guess.
1.) I pick out pub darts, one for every fabric I will be needing.
2.) I go to the fabric store and put a blindfold on.
3.) I ask a shop girl or woman (they love a man who quilts) to take me to say.. the reds.
4.) I figure out I will need three red fabrics. I throw three darts at the shelf of red bolts of cloth.
5.) Repeat for all the other colors.
6.) When I am out of darts, I take off the blindfold and collect the bolts that have my darts in them.
7.) I take them up to the counter and have them cut.
8.) There is no number 8.
9.) My quilts are just beautiful.

tim in san jose

chris_quilts

I like this method. Do you occasionally resharpen the darts?

IBQUILTIN

I think for a "grasshopper" that if you will find a focal fabric, and then choose colors that are in that fabric you will get a nice group of colors. It does seem like it took me forever to get a sense of color and it now works for me really well Hang in there, you will get it.

piker6ca

Thanks every one
I went out and got some fabric today.
First time i have ever got fabric with a design on them . Just playing with them now laying them on a table and moving them around a little.

I have to ask Tim
How many sales people have you hit with the darts ?
Guess if you hit them you have to find a new store LOL

Tom

quiltingshorttimer

try to get your hands on Jinny Beyers book on color--really helps!

rj.neihart

For me, it's a mood thing...I can pick up a color, and begin adding other colors to my mood. It seems to have worked out great more than once. It's all about how one feels - what one likes - an artist has an eye for that special "feel".