Directional Prints and Subtle Stripes
 

Sometimes they are not obvious -

I had this small print and just assumed that the birds were in a "tossed" (going in all directions) layout. The aren't. The print is small enough that I may just leave the pieces as is. I am annoyed at myself for not noticing that sooner, though.

I have also noticed that some "all-over" prints are designed in bands or strips. the It can be really noticeable in wide borders when three of the borders have the roses centered in the strips and the fourth one doesn't. Thank you to a Quilter's Newsletter magazine cover for making me aware of that.

I avoid them at all costs. But, every now and again I will come across a directional print pattern that will peak my interest. But, haven't gone that route yet. Maybe someday.

Yes, one has to be very careful!

In the borders I decide how the directional fabric I am using, will look the best and cut accordingly. That gets cut first. In the quilt, if it is a small print, I will let them turn every which way so the quilt isn't directional. If they are a part of an HST, I evaluate where they will be placed and cut specifically. Do I use a lot of stripes or directional fabric? Not unless I just love the fabric and it is the "just" right color for the quilt I am working.

I love working with stripes and typically don't have an issue, except that I hate wide fabrics that have fewer than 4 good repeats.

But my direction challenge is fish. I have a "no dead fish" policy and all fishes must be upright or at least going up and down and not floating. That can get super challenging...

You gave me a chuckle, Iceblossom. I like the "no dead fish" policy. I'll have to remember that.

Leslie

I agree with Iceblossom - 'no dead fish'.. Recently, I made a cute baby quilt with a fabric that had little whales and I was determined that they were all to be alive and floating well! So, for me, it was 'no dead whales'!

I like working with them as they give that extra challenge and visual appeal when done well. Plus, since a lot a quilter's shy away from them, the clearance racks at quilt shops tend to be very stocked with stripes. Chevrons, and geometric prints.

Yes, the directions must match in my world. I also match repeats as in the large rose hits at the same point on each side of the border. Please don't cut off the petals either. LOL.

Of course, no dead fish unless it on the dinner table. (The boys are out fishing tonight and I'm waiting up for a report.)

Mine is "no chopped up birds"

I agree with many of you. When I look at a fabric I want to be able to use it to show off the print characters to best advantage. No chopping up birds or flowers or leaves. If the print doesn't fit, I find something else.

Ah yes -I am with the rest of you - Chopped off birds, lost petals, dead fish (love that term) and willy nilly lines drive me crazy. I have done several BOM where an obvious directional print fabric is provided and not enough fabric to fussy cut the lines. I go crazy with that.

The good news bearisgray if you did not notice it early on then most people will not see it at all.

In my world, narrow stripes with the perfect colors are a most delightful binding. Other than that, my quilts rarely feature stripes.

As for foliage, I'm not so worried about chopping off leaves, but everything in the plant world grows upward. So I guess I have a "grow up" policy. LOL

Regarding animal fabrics, it took me years--and I do mean years--to buy them because, inevitably, I would have to chop off heads or legs. Just couldn't do it. Can't tell you how many people told me to "get over it" or "it's just fabric, the animals aren't alive" or "the fabric was made to be cut." If I wasn't afraid of cutting myself by closing my eyes while finally, reluctantly, slicing into my first animal fabric, I would have. I still try very hard not to cut heads off but I think I've triumphed over my severed-legs phobia.

I don't use directional prints too often but lately I'm loving stripes for bindings.