rail fence question
 

I just finished a rail fence where I used three colors, and I am wondering if I arranged them in the best order. I had a light fabric (white) and I put it in the middle. I couldn't seem to find any information as to which was the "normal or preferred" order.

The quilt turned out okay, but I am going to make another with a light purple, darker purple, and a white. I can't decide if I want the white in the middle again.

I know there are no quilt police, but is there a preferred order? Perhaps one of you will have an expertise in this...

I'll enclose a picture of the quilt I just made. It is going to charity, and I hope someone finds it "cheerful." I was aiming for youthful. Hope I got that too. :)

Thanks,
Dina

Your quilt is lovely and that's how I would have done it. Love the cat - are you sure he's going to give it up? ;)

I think it looks great and I don't think switching the order would have made a difference. It is youthful, cheerful and bright. Nice job!

I think it looks perfect! Very bright and cheerful.

I would have done it the same way also. It is a happy quilt.
Eileen

Thanks for the compliments. My quilt inspector surely likes it. I guess it comes down to personal preference then. I am one who is totally unable to visualize how my quilts will turn out until I am done. I have been using graph paper to try to get an idea, and I think I will see if I have a light and darker purple colored pencil so I can decide how to go with this next quilt. I figure I can't go wrong either way, just wondered if there was a "preferred" way.

Dina

In my opinion, you are mainly looking for contrast between the two outside rails. As long as you have that, you get the correct stairstep effect in your finished quilt. By the way, I love this one, and I don't think a different arrangement would make it look better.
Darren

This is beautiful. Anyone would be very glad to get this quilt. The colors are very cherry.

Darren, thanks for the information about contrasting fabrics in the two outside rails. I have been looking at pictures of rail fences, and quite a few have the medium fabric in the middle. That makes what you say make sense too. So in the quilt I am going to make next, if my dark purple and lighter purple don't have a lot of contrast, I will be happier with my white fabric on the outside. Yes....this helps me a lot. Thanks again.

Dina