Line and Color Take Shape

jill....Color classes that I have taught bring a new challenge for many quilters.  Not only do fabricators have to deal with a lot of new terminology but they are asked to analyze quilts from different perspectives.  And you know, most quilts are made from love and sharing so it is hard to be critical...So if it's hard to deal with negative aspects,  I say start with what you like.  When most of us fall in love with a quilt it is largely determined by the colors.  Aside from  the emotional aspect, the actual success of the design has to do with the values, the light and darks of the fabrics.

I recently purchased a newly released book Quilting Line and Color by Yoshiko Jinzenji.  This book is amazing in its design and attention to detail.  I truly appreciate the author's use of white in large amounts and black in small details.  She uses color with such discretion that it is the interest (but does not over power the design).  One patchwork pattern she explores is cutting squares from printed fabric, selectively cutting for lines, shapes, and color.  I attempted a similar exploration,  changing a few elements, making it my own.

I started with a fat quarter from "Montage" by Michele D'Amore for Benartex.  It had many prints within the same piece of fabric.

I added some fabrics from "Soiree" collection for RJR.

Rather then reinvent the wheel, I decided to use a mosaic design, similar to Pickle Relish.

I cut some squares and rectangles and played with their arrangements.  I attempted to cut from unusual angles, the unpredictable and unrecognizable.

I tested the arrangement on a mostly white background.

I ended up choosing a mostly black background.

With a few adjustments....  not perfect but good enough!  Check back to see how it takes shape.

The winner of the pattern is Lynn.  Let us know which pattern and where we can send it.  We truly appreciate your comments.

Our question for this next week is :  Why do you take classes?  We'll again choose a winner from the commenters.  Stay warm and if you get snowed in, hope you have a happy project!  till next Tuesday...