Fabric Picks

So here’s the first stack of fabric that I put together  for the sample quilt I’m making with Jaye:

 

Or, to look at it another way:

I woke up Friday morning not convinced that I’d gotten it quite right. So on Saturday, I went by Thimble Pleasures and bought the following:

 

And now here’s what I have for my sampler:

Or, consider it this way:

 

 

So, to review, this:

v. this:

I may end up making more changes, but I think I’m getting there.

0 Replies to “Fabric Picks”

  1. What pattern are you considering? I always found that has a big impact on your fabric choices. Another question I ask myself is do I have enough contrast… a really light fabric and a really dark one to set off the medium fabrics and add interest to the quilt. If I am not sure I scan the fabrics in black and white. If I do not like my quilt it is usually because there is not enough contrast… light and dark gives the eyes a place to rest. I find too busy or too medium makes for a boring quilt.

    THAT said I have made many color wash quilts where the colors just blend into each other.

    You seem to have a good assortment of scale in that you have small / medium and large scale print. I am thinking you have a lot of Fasset fabric … his fabric has a lot of texture in it.

    Jinny Byer has several YOU TUBE FREE COLOR videos for quilters to watch.

    HAND QUILTING takes practice… not the size of the stitch it is the consistancy. PRACTICE / PRACTICE / PRACTICE ….. BUT I will say I can not hand quilt… wont put the practice time in and do not like doing it….. Like machine quilting better. …. but then again I quilt by check book most of the time. Life is too short.

    KING NEE NEE IS NOW AWAKE … so I will get back to you when i get to finish listening to the podcast.

    .

  2. http://www.thequiltshow.com/bb3/viewforum.php?f=14

    TQS has a forum thread of quilting techniques —- hand and machine quilting ….. I think you can learn a lot as others ask the same questions you do.

    Some of the best current hand quilters are using stab stitch…

    Other trends in quilting is big stitch using peral cotton.

    Jelly rolls usually are not washed if so …. hand wash in super hot water … putting them into a mesh bag. Let them soak till the water is cool. Rinse till water runs clear. You can use RETAIN to help set the colors.

    The old fashion way is to rinse in WHITE VINEGAR. Then rinse til clear with plain water.

    Nonnie

  3. http://www.thequiltshow.com

    TQS has a forum thread of quilting techniques —- hand and machine quilting ….. I think you can learn a lot as others ask the same questions you do.

    Some of the best current hand quilters are using stab stitch…

    Other trends in quilting is big stitch using peral cotton.

    Jelly rolls usually are not washed if so …. hand wash in super hot water … putting them into a mesh bag. Let them soak till the water is cool. Rinse till water runs clear. You can use RETAIN to help set the colors.

    The old fashion way is to rinse in WHITE VINEGAR. Then rinse til clear with plain water.

    Nonnie

  4. While all the fabrics are lovely it seems the second stack is all the same value to where the first stack has more darks, mediums, and lights. Is that a requirement for the pattern? If value is a problem, try this…take a photo of the fabric and turn it to black & white. This will show you value easily. I have the ability to do this on my cell. So while in the shop I will snap a photo of my stack (before they cut) and switch it B&W to see if my value is diverse enough. Just trying to help. Hope I wasn’t too presumptuous or pushy. sorry, if I am.

  5. So Miss Frances, here is my unsolicited advice. Your first batch had more interest and value range. Maybe you can incorporate all of your picks. (Just FYI I have been to Alex Anderson’s retreat and she is so lovely and real. What you hear is what she is – real and funny and generous with information. I was having trouble with truly neat bindings and she helped me deconstruct my problems.)

    I took a class with Cindy Needham at Asilomar last week and she recommended her favorite markers. She has a lovely website. I like the Clover fine white marking pen that is liquid chalk. Cindy also recommended Stabilo white pencils from art stores (only white as other colors have sulphur.)

    I do love your podcast Frances. Thanks,

    Kelly V.

  6. I vote for the second group, I know you didn’t ask but I’m telling you anyway 🙂 I thinkt that second group of fabrics look so well together. Great job!

  7. I agree with the others about the need for contrast. Your fabrics are lovely, and I think you will be happier with the final quilt if you choose either a light or dark for contrast. Look at how visually stimulating your “Simply . . .” quilt is – it has great contrast. As for hand quilting – just find a way that feels comfortable to you. If I get three fairly even stitches in one “go,” I think I’m doing really well. The rocking may or may not come to you, but what’s important is that you enjoy what you do.

  8. Do we all get a vote? Although they’re nearly all mediums, I like the second set better than the first. Now, that being said I ususally don’t have a great balance of darks in my quilts. Maybe that means option 1 is better?!?!

    Either way, they’re beautiful 🙂

  9. i love your first stack!! and i am afraid there actually is not enough contrast in your second choice.. but sometimes it´s not about contrast..
    anyway, have fun with whatever you choose!
    claudia

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