FABRIC SELECTION--Using a Kit or Your Own Fabric

[Barbara B.]

Let's talk about Fabric Selection for the Patchwork Barn quilt. Whether you are using one of the two kits or your own collection of fabrics, you will be making choices each month about your blocks.

Recently, it was discovered that Block 3 in Month 1 had the light/dark cutting directions different from the photo of the Block. The sketch showed light squares where the photo had dark squares. This is simply a matter of personal preference--either design layout works just fine. As you select the fabrics you want to use, look at the photo--do you like that layout? Would you prefer to change it? If only two fabrics are shown, would you like to add a third? The idea is to make the quilt your own, using fabrics in the way that is most pleasing to you.

If using one of the two kits, rest assured you will not run out of fabric, there is plenty in the kits for the entire quilt. Edyta said in show 2201, speaking of the Blue Sky kit, there is enough fabric to make 4 of each block, not only 3.

The Crystal Farms kit will begin shipping very soon--kits are being cut at a rapid pace. There will not be a separate set of instructions for this kit. The design we have seen is a mock up, no one has made the quilt yet in these fabrics--you will be among the first when you get your kit. Each of you will make your quilt your own, not a copy of the sketch or anyone else's quilt.

I've been making quilts and teaching quiltmaking for almost 40 years. Learning how to select fabrics to highlight block designs is one of those important lessons we learn as we go. One of the best tips I heard a long time ago is: "Color gets all the credit, but Contrast does all the work." In order for your block design to show up, you need to use light, medium, and dark values of fabric--all of which are found in the two Kits. If using your own fabric, I suggest you sort your fabrics that way---by color and then by light/medium/dark values.

For each month, look at the sketch to determine where the light/medium/dark fabrics go. For example, Block 1 only uses light and dark--as long as there is enough contrast between your "light" and your "dark", you'll be fine, even if the dark is more of a "medium". In Month 2, Block 5 only uses two fabrics, light and dark BUT that center square is the perfect place for a Feature Fabric--something special you want to highlight. (Month 5 also had a cutting error--there is a Topic about this on the Forum).

I encourage all of you working on this quilt to check the Forum regularly and read my first of the month Blog post with tips and tricks specific to that month's blocks. The Forum is also the best place to get answers to any questions you have about this quilt. Quilting is FUN--let's not stress when we don't have to. I am happy to answer your questions and want you to enjoy the journey.

We will also start a Show and Tell Topic on the Forum for this quilt so you can share your blocks as you make them.

Have fun and I look forward to seeing your blocks.

http://bbquiltmaker.blogspot.com/

[Barbara B.]

Brilliant advice! Thank you so much!