This is block 2 of the Cali & Co sew along that Corey Yoder of Coriander Quilts is hosting. I am using several collections of fabric for this sew along: some from Coriander Quilts and some scraps from some Sherri & Chelsi projects. They are all bright clear colors that will work great together in a scrap quilt.
Corey has a video tutorial for each of the blocks she offers up, and I was watching it while I sewed this block #2. She mentioned that so many people contact her to say they have so much trouble combining scrappy fabrics in a quilt. She even instructed them how to do a screen shot to see exactly what fabric she was using in each position in her block so people could duplicate it if they were intimidated by choosing their own fabrics.
I was pretty surprised to hear that so many people were so unsure of their own ability to select fabrics that they would want to copy exactly what another quilter had done.
I never thought I was unique or particularly adept at this, but it seems pretty simple to me. Don't put two of the same color next to each other, and don't put two of the same print next to each other. Look at the overall pattern, and if there are, for example, dark fabrics that really stand out, try to separate them in the block. I don't think this is that difficult a task.
Tell me what you think. Do you struggle with fabric placement in a scrappy quilt? Do you doubt your ability to position different colors and patterns in a pleasing manner?
Two blocks done! I've got the pattern for the third one, so I will crank that one out soon.
I had a great weekend. I put some things back in their place after the carpet installation, but figure I can work on that for an hour a day and get it done over time. I did meet up with my sister Andrea to celebrate her birthday at a restaurant kind of local to both of us. One of the dishes we tried was the "Mushroom Cigars", which were lick-the-plate-clean good! And, yes, there was something sparkly to drink as well!
Have a great week everyone!
11 Responses
I think you do a very good job with fabric placement.
I think the fact that you utilize fabric lines really helps. I have watched your thought process and have started utilizing fabric lines too. For me, this reduces waste/wrong purchase choices.
The speaker at my guild meeting last week talked about color and print size. It was very good.
(Not everyone is good at color. I have seen some very muddy quilts.)
I struggle more with collecting the scraps at the very beginning, to create a good palette to start with. I don’t buy fat quarter bundles very often so while my typical purchases are from a handful of designers, my collection really is more mix-and-match. Once I’ve got the collection of scraps decided, I am confident I can create a block that has decent chance of looking good 🙂
I’ve never had a problem with colors- I have an artistic streak that many don’t have, and that may be why they struggle. I’m glad the designers are willing to help. I didn’t realize the Corey blocks all had different blocks in them. May have to play catch-up on this one!
I recently completed a quilt from Zen Chic, Eclipse. I used the same fabric and copied the block placement almost exactly as pictured. It was an easy project, sort of like instant coffee, kind of tasty, but just coffee. I generally don’t have a problem mixing and matching things up, but sometimes I want to coast and not think.
I love putting fabrics together! I think it’s sad when people want to do it “just like the picture”. Be creative and use your talent to put colors together, that’s the fun part of quilting! Then you have a quilt that is all yours and not like someone else’s!! Just my humble opinion!
For me, fabric choices/placement can be difficult. I prefer an “organized” scrappy look for a scrap quilt rather than just start using everything in my scraps. Sometimes, I feel that I have chosen colors that “go together” rather than colors that would “pop” in a quilt. As a seasoned quilter, I do find I have migrated more towards solids in my quilts rather than prints as there have been so many solids line with great color saturations.
Love LOVE LOVE the bright colors in this quilt. My kind of pizzazz!! I have no clear color scheme in my decorating and am very eclectic. I don’t have too much trouble combining colors, fabrics or fabric lines. Who knows why we struggle or we have that eye.
Your blocks are so cute! Every photo I’ve seen of this QAL is wonderful. I find doing scrappy quilts with coordinating fabric lines is relatively easy, just watching placement of prints and patterns is the key. Now, just pulling fabric scraps from random stash is a whole other story. 😁
At least not a terrible rush to get things put in place after the carpet installation but still wanting to get finished with that process. It’s very nice you can get together with your sister for her birthday, a wonderful day. 🎂
Nothing is permanent until it is quilted, in my opinion. I like to look at the colors using together before I start piecing – not using a pale pink with a predominantly bright bold color scheme.
I do have a friend who primarily buys kits because she doesn’t trust herself on changing out color placement. Really limits herself that way.
Doing a massive rearranging of your house is kind of like moving – good time to purge excess!
Love your blog!
Color is a personal choice. While I love your happy blocks, I cannot imagine sewing with the bright colors that are currently available. Occasionally I do stray from reproduction fabrics, but they are my comfort zone. It can definitely be more challenging to combine fabrics when working with repros, but not everything is dark, and dull. I think we can all find our way if we trust our instincts & allow for some happy accidents!
You do a very good job with color! It’s always fun to see your work. It is apparent that you have a good eye.
I agree with your theory of not putting the same colors or prints next to each other. I also take photos with my phone in black & white. It’s a quick way to check your layout for placement of darks & lights. What a great day to celebrate your sister’s birthday!