candi

I agree with this.
Also, think of the sizes you are going to be cutting the fabric into and also think of the placement of the fabrics together in the pattern. Does this make sense? For example if you are cutting fabrics into 2'' squares, think of how much of the print would show, versus when you cut it into 6'' squares. Also, which fabrics are "touching" in your pattern, to me all this makes a difference.

If you have the option (at your library perhaps), you may want to check out Carol's Doak book "Your First Quilt Book, Or It should Be, " she has a section explaining fabric colors and patterns and suggestions on combining them.

Have fun!

patchsamkim

Sometimes it can help to find a fabric you really like that has the colors you want in your quilt all in that one fabric. Then, find fabrics that look good with the fabric you chose first, trying to get a combination of scales of prints, tone on tones, solid if you like them, once you have a nice pile, sometimes you can even take away the original fabric you started with and still have a group of fabrics that work together well for a quilt, or you can keep the "theme" fabric to use in the quilt, and it probably would be a great fabric to use for the border.

Good luck!!

Scissor Queen

This works really, really well when you have a large floral print you love but would be totally lost if you cut it up. Pull a couple of geometrics and maybe a couple of tone on tone smallish floral, maybe a marble or two that work with the floral for the blocks and then use the floral for the border.

Geometrics can be plaids, dots, and stripes, and they come in different scales too.

quiltingaz

I try not to use solids. As said above there is no depth. Go for the blenders and tonals. Just experiment. You will soon learn what works and what doesn't.

It's amazing how things can come together to make a great quilt that don't seem to go together.

quilt3311

If you pick a print you like, try to find fabrics that have the same color in it. We are lucky in our WalMart and have several gals who are quilters in the department. You will get the hang of it, it just takes some time.

Jeanniejo

When I first wanted to learn how to quilt I asked my MIL to help me. She had done some baby quilts so I thought she was an expert !! She took me to WM and had me pick out 7 fabrics that I liked, 2 prints and 5 solids. Seven years later I know why she only did baby quilts. The only solid fabric in my sewing room is the solids I got at WM 7 years ago! I never buy solids, they just don't have any movement or zing.

Abby'smom

Going in a fabric store is overwhelming to me -- so many different colors and patterns, blending from one tone to another -- I will facing that challenge soon as I want to do a log cabin pattern in blues/browns so I will have to spend some time at Joanns or the LQS -- I think part of my problem is that Joann's quilting section is dark, quite a way from the big front windows -- looking at pix may help to give me some idea of what to choose -- but so many choices....

Nolee

Check out your LQS and see if they have a sale section. Ours does and the beautiful fabric is $3.99 and fat quarters are $1.00-$1.25. All of the fall fabrics are in there now and soon the quilt fabric you will need for next Christmas will be there. Sure hope they have a section like that where you are.

mmlctnp

I too live in NE Nebraska and have the same issues with finding fabric. I also note that there is NO yarn shop here. I have tried buying online with reasonable success but still like to feel the weight and texture of the fabric (and yarn). Because of their business practices I won't set foot in Walmart for any reason. The proprietor of our LQS is really nice about working with you to economize. I either buy the fabric little at a time planning ahead for a future quilt or go to Hobby Lobby whose quilting fabric isn't all that bad. Also check out auctions, yard sales and Goodwill. As for color...its your quilt, you are in control and you will be looking at this for awhile. Pick what you feel comfortable with, what warms your heart.

BettyGee

Using a color wheel helped me. I am a "fabricholic" and there are so many that "follow" me home. Then I pick the colors in the pattern that made me love it, pick others from my stash and start playing around with them. This works for me and I'd bet that after awhile you'll find your way. Solids for me are for sashing, but not the main focus. Hope this helps a little. I'm just returning to quilting after a 35 year hiatus and it seems easier this time; maybe it is because I'm older and wiser? LOL big time.