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Member since 4/8/08
Posts: 63
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Posted on: 5/15/09 9:00 PM ET
I still hear this voice in my head that says you shouldn't mix prints. I look at quilts in utter confusion. Any one want to chime in with how they decide what prints go with what prints? Once I get a clue here I can put some of these fat quarters together and make something nice.
  
Member since 4/8/02
Posts: 5095
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Posted on: 5/15/09 10:00 PM ET
A lot of quilt fabrics are made to go together. If you look at some fat quarter packs, jelly rolls, etc., you'll see what I mean.
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Member since 6/3/06
Posts: 985
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Posted on: 5/16/09 0:34 AM ET
Hi SI, I'll chime!

It depends a lot on the pattern you are making... If you're doing square patches, such as 4-patch or 9-patch, you go for contrast to 'pop' the design. You could do monochrome, and choose all fabrics in the same color range, using different hues, or if you want to 'mix prints,' choose fabrics with coordinating colors. Many patterns give guidelines what kind of fabrics to choose to bring out the design... If yours doesn't, you might try the library - there are tons of book available that explain how to do this in detail.

It's also important to consider the scale of the print - for small pieces, a large print design will get lost... Or if your quilt has very large blocks, you might use a large print as a focus fabric.

I 'audition' fabrics for every design, and look not only up close, but stand 10 feet away and view from a distance - you'll see the fabrics entirely differently! You can also photocopy the fabrics, cut the papers up and place them around, or you could also get software to scan the fabrics and design your quilt on your computer... I use Electric Quilt (NAYY) for almost every quilt I make, just so I can get a clear picture of what the end result will look like. It takes a little time, but worth it in the long run, considering how long it takes to piece a quilt!

Happy Quilting!
  
Member since 4/8/08
Posts: 63
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Posted on: 5/16/09 9:59 AM ET
In reply to quathy
In my last thread, (what do I do with all these fat quarters) I had said that I inherited a large bunch of fat quarters and quilting fabric. I have made two shirts out of the larger pieces. I am not a quilter, however I am starting to see little quilted type jackets and kind of thinking in that area. I was watching Dora the otherday (of all places to get inspiration) and saw the cartoon wearing a tri color tunic. Kind of got the thoughts flowing in that sence. I am thinking a tunic with the colors pink blue and yellow. Most of my prints are on very small floral scale. I never thought to cut some scraps and audition the pieces together. The photo copy idea is a good one too thanks. Continue to chime in. I am reading.
  
Member since 11/11/07
Posts: 1591
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Posted on: 5/16/09 7:53 PM ET
In reply to SI mom of three
I had that when I was young too. I was also encouraged (told to) to, as a chubby girl, wear dark monochromatic colors. Prints, if I must, should be subtle and dark. NO DOTS! Never mix prints.

In an old book from the '80s at Lane Bryant, I noted that the just didn't believe that. Prints- solo or mixed- can be on any size. The keys are finding complimentary shapes and/or colors, using proportion and placement on the body.

They recommend playing around in the fitting room if you can. Of course- RTW. If you have a dress form, maybe you could drape and pin fabrics on it, mimicking the location and lines of the pattern or design you hope to try. That will give you an idea of how it will and where the eye will be drawn with your combinations.

Good luck!

  
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