I found a fantastic pattern for a quilt that uses 7 colors - two light, two medium, two dark and one very dark. Where do I start? The mediums and go out both directions? The light and dark and fill in between? I need tone-on-tones or very small prints I think.

I would find a focal fabric & go from there.

I'd find a color I love....a lot! Then work from there either out or in or opposites, whatever!

I agree...find a focal fabric first. Most quilts look better if you vary the scale of the prints. In other words, a medium floral, smaller floral, blender or tone on tone, etc. It makes them more interesting. I made one from a kit that was all similar sized prints and it was very blah. It is a UFO now...I just really dislike even looking at it. Not every print has to exactly match each other. They just have to blend well together overall.

What is the pattern you found? I have been trying to find one with 7 fabrics and it isn't easy.

Spin Star? Strata Star?

Fabric Fling takes seven colors. Look with the search box. Someone posted a tutorial a few days.

You might want to look at batiks if you are worried about the patterns on the fabrics. I would agree to find the focal fabric that you just love and then go from there. get one in each of the areas. one dark one light one medium and the very dark could be a nice black. knowing the pattern you are using could help lots also.

That's what I do, too!

How about using the colors from a favorite photo or painting? Mother nature never makes mistakes!

It's like a bargello, but only with 7 fabrics. It's called Radiating Diamonds by Nelline Kornock. "Focus Fabric" is not at all what it calls for - it's all about tone. Batiks maybe - ? But I would have to buy online and that's scary.

its not as scary as you might think. Connecting threads is great to get batiks for a good price if you want to go that way. You don't have a quilt shop with batiks in it near by?