I think the colors are wonderful! They look so very masculine to me. Lighter colors to me would look "cute" or "pretty" not the way you'd describe a soldier involved in killing for the defense of freedom.

quilt it with a brighter color, for example, to match one of your brighter colors like the gold. That should help brighten it overall. I think you will love this quilt when it's done--it really is pretty now.

I think it will be great!! Very manly. Keep on sewing. He will love it.

If I remember it correctly, there is a large applique shield in the center. In my opinion, that is the focal point of the quilt (along the triangles in the corners), and I would want enough contrast on it to draw the eye to it. The blocks you have shown us here are part of the background of the shield and therefore do not need to stand out. In other words, what you have done so far is great!

Again, sincere thanks to an American hero!

I agree that it is very masculine and I love it! Keep working on it. I think it will be absolutely beautiful. Also, please pass along my thanks to your Marine son for his service. And God bless Mom.

Remember too that the lighting conditions may be much brighter and "harsher" in the barracks so the subtle contrasts in your colors will be more noticeable. Also, if he does wash the quilt, the colors may fade a bit over time since I doubt they'll have a "delicate" cycle! The idea of the contrasting quilting on some of the darker blocks is interesting as well.

It will be gorgeous, he will love it, and his buddies will probably all want one too!

I have mixed feelings about it (darkness), however, if your son is anything like my son...Anything you make for him will be "perfect"...! Thats what my son tells me...."Mom, it's perfect"... He doesn't see or care if its all on point, he doesn't know what that is...also knows Mom isn't REALLY pefect, he just tells me that I am...

Just know that he knows how much love you are putting into it...

New fabrics
 

Ok I replaced a few of the darker fabrics (4 I think) It looks much better. I hope. lol

Love the pattern, but I do think it is a touch dark, perhaps some gray or medium brown.....

Hi, The quilt colours are fine, he's a marine, that means manly .He will be delighted with the love you put into the making, I pray he will be safe and return home to thank you for your gift,sure he will. Love Letty