Whew the flurry of comments, love it!

I'm on the fence. I agree if we stick to only WOW or COC we would really end up with very similar swaps. But I can also see where sewbiz's ideas might be a little out there for some of us newer quilters.

I like the idea of using our best judgement and using our eyes to "read" the pattern of the fabric and see how it goes. I had a sneaky suspicion this could have been an issue when the color was announced.

I'm hoping we can all be open minded as to what people perceive as neutrals. If you get one or two that you normally wouldn't have considered neutral, maybe that is time for us to step back and go...hm....maybe I need to try this as one and see what happens?

Quilting to me is artistic in expression, and sometimes stepping out of a comfort zone is good. I just like baby steps for that. :D

Hope that helps!

I like Red's thinking...as I look at the 2 pics above, I basically have a lot of fabrics the same as or very similar to the ones in Moonrise's photo. Sewbizgirl's photo would be unique and I wouldn't feel like I paid double postage to swap charms identical/similar to what I sent in. Just my 2 cents, but I think pushing the limits a little would make for a much more interesting swap. Hey, it's neutrals, we gotta make them interesting Somehow :) Like the gray swap, I didn't even like gray until I looked through what I received and now I can't wait to use them.

Okay, I will see what "edgy neutrals" I can find.

I already cut, sorted, and bagged my "safe neutrals" early this morning while I had a few extra minutes, however, I'll re-stash them and use them for something else.

FWIW, I haven't had any of the problems mentioned in the WOW/COC thread.

Off to see what I can find in my stash ...

PLease don't feel worried...the more traditional neutrals are more than okay, too!

It was just my .02, and I'll go with whatever the group as a whole decides.

How's that for playing "Neutral"? LOL :D

Yay... glad you are open to some edgy neutrals! I won't go too edgy. :D If you look through the Bonnie Hunter mystery quilt threads, you will see quilts by people who are not comfortable with anything but safe neutrals, and some that are made by those who embrace the "edgy"... Bonnie's concept of neutrals. I find the ones with totally safe neutrals much more boring than the ones with the fun neutrals. I don't love everything about Bonnie Hunter, but the one really good thing she gave me was a much better understanding of "neutral".

The 'Tone It Down' quilt-along that was done by American Patchwork & Quilting a few years ago used the Burgoyne Surrounded quilt pattern. The pattern uses a light background and dark chains and circles. APQ called the background of their version 'low volume.' I think these type of 'low volume' prints seem to be what a lot of people now think of as interesting 'neutrals.' Try hovering your mouse over the quilt to enlarge it to see the background prints. You might have similar prints in your stash. :-) I just love this quilt! It's on my to-do list. https://www.apqshop.com/Tone-It-Down-p/qgr-00125.htm

I love that quilt too, Giv... Low volume is another term for neutrals. And as you can see from that quilt, although they are not WOWs, they do read as neutral.

One way you can tell if you can use a fabric as a neutral is to compare it to a grouping of neutrals and a grouping of colors. It will seem more compatible with one or the other. Sometimes just looking at it by itself is confusing, but the comparison method wont' fail you.

I'm not fond of edgy neutrals. I find that true neutrals to be more compatible and looks so comforting in the finish. I've been called a purist before & I can live with that.
I'll try the next swap color. Y'all have fun!!!
hugs,
dj

I'm right there with you. There's nothing wrong with being a purist. <3 True neutrals let the pattern of the quilt shine. In my opinion, edgy-er neutrals (brighter/bolder/busier prints) tend to compete with the pattern. If I make a star quilt, I want to see the stars shining, if that makes sense. :)

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My new packets of squares have something for everyone. There are true neutrals, some edgy squares, and squares that are in between. I hope everyone enjoys them and finds them useful.

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Just curious ... how many people have signed up so far?

Long time reader, First time swapper! I am in.. Could someone offer advice? If I Have to go pick up some neutral fabrics, what is the most economical way to go? Or as quilters do we even consider that? :)
Anxious to be a part of the group!!!