Friday, January 24, 2014

Design layers

    I am cutting strips today for another set of baby quilts.....another set of twins are arriving soon for a friend's daughter.  (Must be something in the air around here!)   This is a new pattern for me that I snatched from Connie at Freemotion on the River.   I love that she made up a printable card for the Crossroads block.
  Anyway, I needed a break and I have been answering more emails and comments about figuring out what quilting pattern to quilt on projects.  I sure don't have  all of the answers....just a strong point of view and opinion usually.  So I thought I would share some of what I shared with others.

I called this bold and bright!

 Design layer number 1 is the pattern you select.  It  may be a traditional block, applique design, improv block...etc.  In layer number 1 is also color that you use for the block....2 color, 3 color, or scrappy and full of prints and colors.  The fabrics and colors you select will set a tone for the quilt.  It might be light and fun, or bold and strong, or soft and muted.


Soft and light











   Design layer number 2 is the layout including borders.....examples:  block to block, with sashing strips,  asymmetrical layout, or a central block with multiple borders.  In a block to block design, the eye moves all over.  The sashing strips frame each block and give a stopping point for the visual eye.  The asymmetrical layout  and the multiple border quilt create a tension or excitement for the eye....like looking around the corner to see what is next. 
   

   Two examples to show what I mean.     For this donation quilt I used multiple borders....and multiple types of borders.  They combine to create drama and excitement for the eye.





   This wall hanging has an asymmetrical layout.  There are borders on two sides rather than all around.
Update:   The pattern for the dogwood is by Mark Lipinski.  Click here for the free pattern.

   Think about the multiple types of layout for a log cabin block and the variety of looks you can achieve with the same block.   I would love to steal some photos to share, but I had better send you to Pinterest to look for log cabin quilts instead.:)

  Hopefully, I have not confused you, but rather have given you some things to think about as you look at the quilts you have made.
  I am out of time today.....next time will be quilting as a design layer.  and keep the questions coming!  Happy stitching.     

4 comments:

Lynne said...

I have saved your post for future reference -- I'm just not absorbing what I'm reading at the moment.

Deb@asimplelifequilts said...

Great post... Love that first quilt. The florals are calling me!

Dana Gaffney said...

This is so great! You're saving me from coming up there and taking a class from you :)

JudyCinNC said...

Love this post - thank you for sharing your information and opinion LoL - I love, love, love the dogwood wall quilt and wondered if you had a pattern and would you share the name and designer. I just love the concept of the background, the two borders and then the beautiful dogwood bloom, which is one of my favorite flowers. Thank you so much for any information. Judy C in NC

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