Exactly what I was thinking.

I agree and it is very masculine.

I agree it's quite dark but what's wrong with that. You have some pops of color. The dark areas can be lightened up with interesting quilting. Glide thread in slightly lighter colors could showcase quilting. Have you seen the book " Quilting Makes the Quilt?"

We were told at our guild meeting by a gal who sends many care packages to our deployed soldiers to make our quilts darker. It is just a little safer for the soldier with the dark fabric.

I saw your original post, and think what you have done looks great. Gold adds a sparkle to a darker quilt, maybe consider doing the binding in gold? He's going to love anything from mom!

I went to look at your original post to see the pattern, and I see it now. I do have a question though.

I am assuming that the 4 blocks you have shown are the 4 in the upper left corner of the whole quilt. The star beginning to make an appearance in the block in the lower right. Assuming this is correct ....

In the pattern, the border around the star continues into the block in the upper left most corner. I should be seeing a backwards L shape of lighter color in the whole block - but I'm not seeing that in yours. Perhaps it's only this block that is upsetting your eye??? If so ... should be easy to change.

Overall as for the darkness - remember that you can't see dark without light, and visa versa. Given that the quilt is for a man, and a man in the war zone of Afghanistan ... I think the light/dark combination you hit is correct for this quilt. If you want him to have a brighter quilt, plan one for his wedding when he returns!! And more for the babies that he may bless you with in the future. For now, keep him warm - and keep him safe.

Gah... This is why our board is such an invaluable resource!!! I love being able to come here!! Ok, I know what youre talking about with the backwards L. I left that out intentionally because Im going to applique the "Tri-force" in them all. Lol. Its just three triangles together corner to corner. I think I will get a couple mediums to exchange with the dark dark burgandy and dark dark brown... Also LOVE the idea of the gold binding. I'll be sending it out for quilting but youre right about that.
Ok youve all talked me into it, Ill keep going!! THANK you all!! <3

I think it's beautiful and your son will love it. Please thank your son for his service to our country. And from this military mom to you - thanks for yours!!

I agree it is really nice. Very masculine and he will love because you made it for him. That might be more I important to him in the long run that he has you arms around him with the quilt you made for him. :)

I lOVE the colors, so rich~~