As I was working on my Block 2 I thought I would document a little of my process of deciding what colors to use. I have no formal art training and I mostly work from an intuitive point of view. What do I mean by that? Well, when I’m putting a project together I audition several fabrics and colors and when I see the right combination something inside me goes “Yep, that’s it”. I wish I could be more scientific than that but I can’t. Also, sometimes I think something works but it will bug me a little. If it continues to bug me I will change it. Here’s an example.
This was what I started with for Block 2.
The more I looked at it on the background the “flatter” it looked. So I tried this.
I liked that better so I made four of them.
I really liked this but it was still bugging me so I tried this.( I was also feeling the need for a little of this blue to go with my center block)
I liked it so I made all four.
Yep, I like that.
Here is the finished block.
Another important point is that NOTHING is set in stone until you are done with your quilt top. The order of the blocks might change. One block might really bug you because it’s too light or too dark or feels out of place. That’s OK. It’s your quilt and you are making to please yourself. My general rule of thumb is that if it bugs me I change it. I have learned to trust my gut on this and you can too. I know when it looks right because when I look at it, IT MAKES ME HAPPY.
Be sure to visit tomorrow for a GIVE-AWAY.
love the way you do your applique. You move pretty fast along like I do it looks like. I bet you really enjoy the process.
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/
Posted by: Karen | 02/25/2010 at 07:59 AM
Erin,
I have great difficulty in choosing colors. Also I like you, I'm changing the fabrics to please me. Tips are always well accepted.
hugs
Posted by: Margot | 02/25/2010 at 08:56 AM
Great tips and another beautiful block!
Posted by: Mary on Lake Pulaski | 02/25/2010 at 10:21 AM
I love the colors you picked! This is another gorgeous block!
Posted by: Jess | 02/25/2010 at 10:27 AM
So timely...I went through that just last night on my second block. Only I did the reverse...went from pop to flat and for me that seems to work a little better. So funny. Thanks for all your tips. They are so helpful.
Posted by: Annette | 02/25/2010 at 10:34 AM
Wow!! that's all I can say. I LOVE your work. I just found you blog today.
Sandy N (Australia)
Posted by: SandyN | 02/25/2010 at 07:09 PM