So here I am - ready to go, enough fabric that I can't complain. I have rulers, mats, rotery cutters, you name it. I go to Joeanns at least a couple times a week. Sometimes to just look. I am on this board it seems all the time.

I enjoy making different types of blocks becuase I don't get board, but I stuggle with the measuring and cutting part more than I expected. So, I need to settle down, pick some colors and get something finished, but I just can't decide.

I think my problem is my fabric colors are all over the place. When I look at them I don't see anything consistant. Then I start to overanalyze and next thing you know I do one pretty block with no destination in mind because I want to do something.

I see so many pretty quilts, but just never get the uumph to get started.

Anyone have any suggestions? I think I have finally gotten over my problem of cutting smaller pcs off my yardage so the sky should be the limit for me. . .I just can't decide on any one pattern without getting completly overwhelmed. Not to mention thinking none of my colors go together when I am sure they do. I am just being over critical. . .

HELP! :oops:

Maybe you could start with an easier quilt pattern like the Turning twenty patterns, or fat qtr patterns. Get yourself going with a simple quilt and go from there. I find once I get going then it escalates from there. The Turning Twenty patterns can be used with an assortment of colors nad turn out good every time. Not much thinking to have to do. Hope this helps.

How about choosing one block (maybe the one in your avatar) and make it lots of times with different fabrics. That way the fabrics in each block go together, but when you put the quilt top together it won't matter that they're all different. I am doing this with the Ohio Star block.

You like to make all kinds of blocks so make a sampler quilt.

Pick 3 or 4 fabrics that go together and one basic background fabric. Look on quilterscache for block patterns you like and start sewing!

I vote for the sampler, too!

How about doing a "sampler" kit quilt? Just to get going. The different blocks keep you interested and the fabric is chosen for you. I never regret starting that way.

A sampler is the way to go - you won't get bored making the same block, you can make it as big as you want, and you get lots of practice with different techniques.

Pick 2 blocks that will go together, then pick fabrics for them that complement each other. Then go to town!!

Or how about trying a smaller project--maybe a wall hanging or pot holders????

i have the same problem--i think until you see something that really MOTIVATES you, you will be stuck. i've got to get really excited about something to make it--really LOVE it! So what'll it be?

All good suggestions. One I did myself was to pick out a block that seemed my speed, enlarged it, and picked out fabrics to match. It uses two colors and I picked six that go together, then made the block in mirror images color wise in the three color ways.

OK, so I'm only starting on the second color set, finished block size 18". Learning as I go, but it did give me the excuse to get the 20 1/2" square ruler (with coupon, at JoAnn's.) :-)

Take a class then you will be forced to do something.
Also, have you considered that you may be ADD? Sounds like the symptoms of Adult ADD.

I like the rec for taking a class.

And I have adult ADD and I have the same problem, though I usually just have too many things going at once, so it takes longer to finish.....

Thanks for all the advice. The problem with the sampler is I don't think I have enough fabric to choose the colors - again I know I am being too critical, but when I do a sampler quilt - I want it to be really nice. Not something that I just learned on. Crazy I know since that is kind of the point! :)

I am going to do a turning 20. I realized you can't get the pattern for free so I made my own up. I did 3 blocks already and I do actually feel like I got something acomplished. I am going to use all lighter colors to try and make the different pcs blend a little. This is one case where I don't want any of the pieces to pop. I have a bunch of FQ's and although I know I am not cutting them the best way, I am getting it done. And I do like it.

Maybe if I complete a project I will get that sewing room my DH keeps promising!

I have done wall hangings - but I don't really want to do something that I won't use. I want to make something that I can curl up with on the couch.

If I get home early enough tomorrow - and if there is no snow (Crazy right!) like today I will take some pictures with the sunlight.

It is amazing how differnt the colors look in sun vs. house lighting.

Thanks for all the advice and I think it really did get me going in the right direction.

I just did a search and you might try this pattern

http://quilting.about.com/od/blockof...nine_patch.htm

lots of free quilting patterns here including the turning 20 and disappearing 9 patch

http://hubpages.com/hub/Quick-Easy-Quilt-Patterns

cool free quilt pattern

http://craftywench.typepad.com/knitt...are-quilt.html

Thanks!!! :)

Are your fabrics all organized by color, type, amount? Sometimes just putting them together, or moving one color/print next to another and playing with them, while looking through patterns helps.
I have a couple patterns or ideas of things I want to make and have started to collect fabrics so I have enough for that project.
I search the internet, magazines, books and such until I find something that just HITS me. It takes time sometimes.
Do you have a color in mind for the one you want to curl up with? A print perhaps?
Good luck. It will come to you.

I love to try new blocks. Our quilt group does lap quilts for nursing homes,Hospice and for a agency for unwed Mothers. So I try a new block and then make each block for a different color etc from my stash. Because a lap quilt isn't large, it gives me lots of practice with putting the blocks together and using different color combinations. I'm willing to bet that they all find a loving home.

I would start with a lap size or baby quilt and you can finish it maybe before you get bored with it. A queen or king size if very imtimidating.

Go through your stash and pick a piece of fabric you absolutely love---the color, the design---whatever appeals to you. Then pick out 2-3 colors that look "right" with your focus fabric.

Make a lap size quilt or throw. It will be "doable". It will be an easier size to start and actually finish.

Turning twenty would be a good design or rail fence. Pick a block that you like and feel confident about doing.

I am a relative newby (only a couple of years under my belt) and I have yet to make anything larger than a lap size or crib size. I am "terrified" of having a whole closet of UFOs...... :mrgreen:

Good luck! The main thing to remember is to have fun!

I have the same problem. I keep a journal with a running list of ideas and projects. Then I follow Carol Doak's ideas for organizing a project. which means write down the fabrics by copying the list of fabrics on your patter;list them according to directions. select which part to do first then put that pile next to a small dish or meat tray. cut and slice label all on the tray and begin..
I found that foundation quilting organizes me
carol(ceegee)

Lots of great advise. I'm not real good at putting fabric together either. I guess thats why I like scrappy.
Thanks for all the advise. :-D

I started with a very simple baby quilt. I think it was the whole finished product that excited me rather than a block or blocks. Of course, after that I thought I was a pro and started a very difficult pattern and it has never been finished. Moved on to patterns that were on me skill level and have worked myself up. Maybe it is time to pull out that second project.

Hi,

Just think of all the experience you have gained. I suggest buying a kit, all of the decision are made for you except choosing the kit. I have had good luck with kits from Connecting Threads, their fabric is 5.96 per yard, kitted or not.

They have a few in their 50% of group.

Good luck on your quilting journey.

Sharon

Lot of good ideas for you. Can't wait to see what you come up with.

Sit on the floor or at a table with some pretty fabrics around you, and just look and dream. Touch your fabrics. Pretty soon you can look at them and say, Oh, how pretty these 2 (or 3 or more!) fabrics look together! If one of these fabrics is extra special, use more of it in the block, or use it more often. Did you know that on the selvedge of each fabric, unless it is a fat quarter, there are circles of color that are the colors in your fabric? Use this guide for your favorite fabric and find things that match up with those colors. Don't stress about it and just sit and dream about what you would like to do with those fabrics! It will happen, if you love your fabrics!

I did it! I have all my pcs cut for my modified turning twenty. I didn't want to buy the pattern so I made up my own :)

I used the FQ's that were so generously given to me by another member on the board. (Thank you Linda if you read this!!) I cut them all up, used a bit of my other fabric and now all that is left is the fun part. I think I just might finish this one!

Thanks for all the encouragement!

great maybe it was all the encouragement that made you go on you just needed that little push !! when you are done please post a picture for us to see

I have only done 1 doll quilt and am working on my second 1, but I think about how I want something to look, and then see if I have fabric to match for what I want, as I don't have the option to buy fabric, I use what some wonderful ladies have sent me, and I go from there, I may not have the color I want so I change that as I go. Penny

When I started to quilt, I didn't want to commit to a whole quilt so in my class I made the blocks the teacher wanted (that's another idea, take a class) and then I made pillows. That Christmas my family got pillows made of all my sampler blocks! Another idea I had when i read your msg. A friend of mine picks graphics she likes, like a box of kleenex for instance, then she finds fabrics in the same colors to put together. That way she knows she will like the way they look together. good luck to you! Keep on quilting.

You have the same problem I did. I would swear I have ADHD. so what I do is look at my books or patterns until something grabs me. I take a picture of a quilt (if possible) and instructions on cutting and piecing the block. I take a little swatch of the fabrics I choose and glue to to one of the block patterns. Then I take out the book and go directly to work on what I have chosen. As new ideas come to me, I keep a book near by and jot down the idea for future projects.

The other secret that I have found is to make "Scrappy" quilts--a jumble of colors and patterns without worrying about harmonizing. The quilts are really beautiful.

Just make yourself concentrate on the project at hand.

Lucille

I understand your frustration. I have the same problem. I can't pick a pattern, tho there are several I want to do. Problem is I can't decide which one to try first, and then I can't pick colors!

So many quilts--so little time. One quick hint--problems with colors--go to your local quilt shop. Customers as well as store employees usually pitch right in and help out with the fabrics.

You could also find a quilting buddy, and quilt together--each helping the other to stay focused.
Lucille

I am taking in all this! I too have a problem with colors.. it overwhelms me everything looks like it should go together but I need some direction of color choice. I love most colors.. kinda stay away from bold colors though as a whole quilt idea. I am a pastel to medium color type of person. Some dark colors .. just for some reason cannot seem to grasp hold of the battiks as many here are so fond of. So I am thinking when I do decide of an actual quilt to make, I may do blocks of plenty, or sampler as it is called. Right now I am on table runners .. studying the bias binding making and sewing at the moment.. hopefully it goes well :)

I don't think that you need that many colors to do a sampler. I've forgotten who it is who has a first quilt sampler with beautiful colors of cream, pink, and green. Each block is different and beautifully done. That is one of the quilts I would like to "copy." Someone must know which quilt I'm speaking of. In the meantime, I'll be looking in my bookmarks to see if I can find it for you. Also, I took a class where we used only four colors throughout the whole quilt. We make twelve blocks.

I suggest you go to the store (or to your stash) and select a background fabric and 3 or 4 (maybe just 2 or 3) other fabrics that look nice together. Then do as another post suggested. Go to quilters cache and choose one block at a time. Make that block using fabrics from your previous selection. Then choose another block from this same set of fabrics. And on and on until you have a collection of blocks that can be put into a quilt -- wall hanging, small throw, large throw, quilt. It's your choice. Or make a bunch of pillows.

:lol:

You know, I think part of my problem is that I really am a ligher color type person, but then I see the bright quilts or the blocks that pop and I like those too. So I get confused because I know what I like, but then see other things I think I like and I kind of go in circles. I ended up running around all day today so no quilting, but I am excited to sew all my turning 20 blocks together tomorrow. They are all light colors so I might have to put the pcs in a bag and just pull. Otherwise I start looking at everything too closely and I never get anything done.

Then - I do think a sampler quilt is a good idea. I know there are a ton on quilters cache I like. So if I can pick 3 or even 4 colors and keep in that family I think I can do it. :)

Thanks again to all that gave advise. And those who feel they are in the same boat. This has truly helped me so I hope it will help others as well!! :)

I'd go with sampler myself.

Its done! As soon as it was finished it ended up under a Puggle (Pug/Beagle) so I threw it in the dryer.

Thanks to everyone for the advise. I will post picutres later :)