I finished my January block, but I'm thinking I missed the boat a little in my fabric selections. I think my "A" color should have been more red/burgandy.

**Lana I've moved your block to the Album**Betty

The green looks darker in the picture. It's really more olive green than a forest green.

Honest opinions welcome. I won't learn without input from more experienced quilters.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Betty2Max,

I really like the the fabrics. I don't think you necessarily needed to go redder. I think you could work in the same color family and been successful if you had more contrast. Value is the key here. There is not enough difference in the value of the three fabrics in the center. That is why the design doesn't pop. If you can substitute something darker for the first set of 1/2 square triangles, the design will be more prominate. Other wise, I definitely think you are on your way, and you're way ahead of me. I haven't even cut my fabric yet. Will be watching for your progress.

Lovely, Lana, good job! I love your floral fabrics, but must agree with Meg, not enough contrast/value difference. You seem to have lots of light values, and a dark. You need a medium in there - I find the first triangles around the centre square just fade into the background, almost not visible. Might I suggest, if you have access to a colour copier (either at home, library, STaples, Office Depot or such), to make a copy of each fabric? (Up here in Canada, Staples charges 75 cents per color copy, unless they have a sale at 39 cents) but I find it worth it. Take each fabric, fold it so it's paper size, and copy. Now take those home, cut out a few triangles/squares etc, and make a block - do not glue them down or anything, just play with the pieces like a puzzle. If you have a couple other fabrics you might consider, you can lay these pieces out on those fabrics and see what you think.

I, too, look forward to seeing the rest of your blocks.

Gerda

PS try a red, but not a bright red, look at the dots on the selvedge of your floral fabric and look for something similar. You'll do just fine. As you know, we are here to help and applaud!!

I went on the hunt for a new fabric today, and nothing looked right. Everything was too dark or too pink, or too red. I finally settled on one and I'm still weighing the possibility. I think it would be much better if it didn't have a trellis look to it (does that make sense?). I cut the triangles and laid them over the sewn block.

What do you think?

[**Photo moved to Album** Betty}

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Betty2Max,

Lana, I do like the trellis fabric - it's very pretty and gives movement, but you know, if you are not sure, then put the block aside for now, wait until next month's block, and use the same first fabrics again. The block is very soft looking inside that gorgeous green fabric, the whole quilt may look just fine. That's just my opinion, though.
I have done BOMs from a local quilt shop before, and changed out a couple of fabrics when we were 3/4s of the way through the year! Yes, I unsewed a bunch of blocks!! So take your time, you want to be happy with it. (Are those all the fabrics you planned to use? those you first bought?) I'm not sure, though, if the green might be overpowering, that's why Meg and I suggested a medium value.

Oh, I know! If you have crayons or pencil crayons (coloured pencils), look for similar colours and colour in the block! Draw it out a few times and try different combos. Or do the copy shop copies.
Another suggestion, and you may have done that today, take this block with you when you go shopping.

You made a very nice choice, and I know what you mean, when you can't find just the shade you want! Bummer! Anyway, it's something to think about.

Gerda

Another green might work if you'd rather not use reds.

Hello,
This is my first time to do a BOM online.
This is a very pretty quilt and will be a fun project for myself and the online group doing this with me.
HOWEVER, I have read all the directions, read the forum postings and NOWHERE is there any mention of the mistakes in the cutting directions.
Most of them are just simple things you can adjust while cutting, like NOT cutting all the strips that are the same size, until you know whether or not you actually need them all to get the # of pieces required. Some of them you do not need to cut.
But the most confusing direction comes in the background, FABRIC E....Seventh direction down...it calls for you to cut "FOUR" 2 1/2" strips...and then sub-cut those strips into SEVENTEEN 2 1/2" x 18 1/2" rectangles....NOW, I am not a math major, but no matter how hard you try, this is NEVER going to happen!
Anyone figure out what this should really be?
Please do share with us all!
Thank you.

Yes Jacquie, I just read the instruction for cutting and I to am confused to what that means. Hopefully someone will be able to explain. I have all my material and was going to do all the cutting at once but maybe I will just wait awhile.

Miki

Lana, way to go, your block is great the points look perfect. I do beleive the selection of fabric is the hardest part of making a quilt for me. Can't wait to see you next month.

Miki