As I looked around the sewing room yesterday thinking about picking up a bit, I had to smile seeing color wheels everywhere and knowing I pay little attention to them.
Color Wheel
Notice the feather on the bulletin board under my cutting chart. Chad found that and it makes me smile!
Without thinking much about it, would you share your answers to these questions. I’m more interested in your initial, off the cuff impressions, than the answers you might think about and decide are ‘correct’.
- If making a quilt . . not a show quilt or a scrap quilt, how do you choose your colors?
- How likely are you to use the sames colors as in the pattern?
- In a percentage, how often are you completely satisfied with the colors you choose?
- Do you use a color wheel or other aid, or do you go strictly by what appeals to you at the moment?
There are great articles online on using the color wheel and specifically using it to choose colors for quilts. This is one of my favorite articles.
I usually choose the colors I like, pretty much without regard to the “rules”. Sometimes, usually after everything is done and it’s too late to turn back, I’ll look at the fabrics I’ve chosen, glance at the color wheel and think I didn’t do too bad.
Road to Llano
When looking at this quilt, and the color wheel, I see that the yellowish green and the reddish purple are complementary colors and that’s good!
When I look at the other Road to Llano top, I see that the gold and purple are almost complementary colors. My gold is probably a little more gold than it should be to be considered complementary to the purple I used but it works and I’m happy with it.
I think working with tone on tone fabrics makes my job so much easier than working with prints. See .. I always take the easy route! When choosing fabrics, I always go with color combinations I like, colors that look good to me. The next thing that concerns me is blending. I want there to be enough contrast so that the piecing is distinct. I don’t want to go to all the trouble of piecing and often trying to create a secondary design, only to have it all blend together. That’s where the tint (adding white), shade (adding black) or tone (adding gray) come into play.
In my quiltmaking, coming up with the design is the first step and choosing the fabrics is the second step but both are equally important. The wrong fabrics on a perfect design can make a horrible quilt, and vice versa.
When I first began quilting, and what I often see with new quilters, I would find a pattern/design, either a purchased pattern or something in a magazine or book, that I liked. I would choose the fabrics as closely as I could to mimic the colors used in someone else’s design. Then I progressed to where I would go to the quilt shop with my pattern or magazine and tell the quilt shop ladies . . I want to make this quilt. They would help me choose the fabrics and it was most often their choice and not my own. I’m much happier with my quilts these days. I think they reflect “me” and often my personality.
An easy way to choose colors is to use fabrics from one collection or line of fabrics. I rarely do that since I’m almost always using tone on tone type fabrics and working with stash fabrics.
After reading through this (you did, right?) . . if you are answering the questions I posed earlier, are you changing your answers? Are you thinking more about why you choose the colors you choose?
Anita/Idaho says
In answer to your questions:
1. Most of the time I have a print I really like and I pull colors from that to make the quilt.
2. It depends on the colors of the quilt. If I really like them I’ll use something similar so I’d say about 50%.
3. Probably about 90%.
4. I usually just use what is calling my name when I get ready to make a quilt.
Helen Koenig1 says
(1)If making a quilt . . not a show quilt or a scrap quilt, how do you choose your colors?”
First of all I go with what the quilt makes me feel – and that may be very different from what the title or others show. Second – I find a fabric that seems to reflect that feeling – at least in good part, then pick “go with” colors – either colors from other things in the pattern or things that I feel add to or go nicely with the feelings I try to portray.
(2)How likely are you to use the sames colors as in the pattern?
Not necessarily will I use the same colors – in fact, not as a usual thing – the pattern or quilt idea kinda takes over!
(3)In a percentage, how often are you completely satisfied with the colors you choose?
As a rule (and I may have found the exception this last weekend!) – I am completely satisfied. HOWEVER this can also change over time too – I have a quilt that had colors that were “JUST PERFECT” for it – maybe 6 years ago. No – while I like it and all – I am not as fond of the colors of it as I was – and feel like it lost some of it’s “meaningfulness” to me.
(4)Do you use a color wheel or other aid, or do you go strictly by what appeals to you at the moment?
Strictly by what appeals to me at the moment -even if my quilt teachers are tearing their hair out in complete despair!!!!
Marion Morgan says
I have certain colors that are my favorites before I even begin such as teal, olive green, yellow. I do like patterns and am heavily influenced by them but love the new,solids a lot. I then tend to pick colors within the pattern to add to the quilt. My happiness ratio is not good, about 60/40, but getting better. I go by what I love, not always the best, and don’t use a wheel, but may start trying it more to see if I am happier.
I have seen the errors in my ways and will study your quilts and advice more closely. Judy, my daughter is a textile researcher for the US Navy, you would enjoy hearing their issues with fabric, you certainly qualify as a consultant. BTW she started me quilting instead of the reverse.
Sharon in Michigan says
First of all, I don’t own a color wheel. 1- find a pattern I want to make, 2- look at fabric I think the pattern will show best, i.e. modern, civil war, homespuns, batiks 3- decide on a main (in your face type) fabric, whatever color that may be, 4 – add coordinating fabrics. I end up being satisfied with about 80% of the color selected. I, more than not, select darker colors such as navy, red, black, browns, cheddars & pinks (for civil war projects). If I cannot find my main focal fabric – nothing is purchased and the pattern thrown back in the cupboard. I’m so predictable, I can spread a quilt out on the table at circle, and everyone walking in the door knows I made it. Believe me – I have made my share of DOGS!
Hilary McDaniel says
1. I pick a pattern, then the focus fabric, then complimentary colors for the rest.
2.very unlikely. I have a specific palette. Most people lean towards brights or dull civil war colors. I’m very much a muted palette or very bright neon colors. Not much in between. Those are for me. If I’m doing something for someone else, I pick their colors and I do use the wheel.
Being a color specialist, I’m instinctively thinking color wheel.
3.95%
4.combined w/3.
Hilary McDaniel says
Oops, 4. Combined w/2.
Robin Sinn says
Okay, to answer your questions:
1. when making a quilt I will start with some of my favorite colors, unless the quilt will be gifted, then I try to find out their favorite colors.
2. I don’t always follow the colors suggested by the pattern. I do have a tendency to tweak patterns and maybe change some elements around … (borders, center blocks, etc.)
3. I’m usually happy with my choices 85 – 90% of the time.
4. Don’t own a color wheel or color chart. I go by what appeals to me at that moment.
5. After reading I’m not changing my answers but I am starting to think more about whys
Sherry V. says
1. I pull the main fabric I want to use & then look for other fabrics that work with it.
2. Not likely — I purposely do not use the same fabrics; of course, usually by the time I get around to using a pattern the original fabric is not longer available.
3. 98% — there always seems to be some tweaking that I could have done.
4. No color wheel. . . . just my gut reactions to how the colors/fabrics will look together. If I get stumped I will use the color guide in the selvedge of the main fabric to pick some fabrics.
Rosalie says
I love bright clear colors…..usually I pick out a focus fabric (love big prints) and then go from there with additions from my stash. If I am using a pattern, I may use the featured colors about 20% of the time….but usually will try to get the lights,medium and darks in my chosen colors based on the focus fabric (that may not end up in the quilt!). I am satisfied with my choices about 80% of the time….I tend to have too much medium value and not enough dark and light (trying to add more lights and darks to the stash so I have more options). I go by what appeals to me, not the color wheel.
Sharon in Kentucky says
I don’t own a color wheel either. My colors are usually chosen from my vision rather than the pattern’s colors. The exception is one of the alternates for your road to Llano. I loved the effect of it and will use it eventually. I’m quilting a granddaughters quilt by hand at the moment. I have a central print that picks up on the small prints of the other colors. Any white in the pattern is usually supplied by the remnants of white on white backing’s from other quilts. If needed I may add a blender type fabric. Such as if it needs a certain shade of blue that I don’t have, etc. Usually it’s guided by what I’m needing at the moment. I’m afraid for the quite a few years they’ve been mostly Red, White and Blue with some gold for the Quilts of Valor. But I am making two quilts for graduations next year.
Mary in VA says
1. usually by instinct depending on the feel of the quilt. Often I start with an idea and then build from there.
3. About 90-95% of the time I like what I have
2. I rarely use the colors from a pattern
4. I do use a color wheel when I get stuck or don’t like how something is playing with something else.
I did do color theory in art classes but don’t think about it much when I’m working. I use it more in my gardens than in my quilting.
Roberta says
If making a plain quilt, just pick colors I haven’ t worked with in a while, usually something different than the pattern. One year found myself making all brown quilts because the fabrics were out and handy. Still was pleased with them all.
Maybe 90 to 100 present like my color choices.
Never use a color wheel, just pick what I like. And I do use prints mostly, some might be tone on tone ones but still prints. Also like high contrast but have been known to make a pastel quilt or two. 😉
Hugs!!!!
Donna P says
I have to say that my gut guides me 90% of the time as to what I think and what colors interest me. I do find that seeing a quilt made up may encourage my thoughts as to which colorway I choose to use.I really do not think I have ever purposely used a color wheel but surprisingly seem to use complimentary colors almost all the time.I do often use similar colors in making my own quilts in comparison to the pattern but just as often, I change it around. Again, I think my gut tells me what looks right for me.That is what I use the most.
Lee says
I’m making so many scrappy quilts these days, I did have to stop and think about what my process was when I made color-coordinated quilts:
1. & 2. I can only combine these questions to give an answer. When I find a pattern I like, it’s usually because the color-way has drawn me as much as the pattern, so at times, I have pulled the same color-way, but there have been times the pattern was stronger than the color-way, so I would choose colors that appeal to me. There are some colors I just typically do not go to. Such as orange, pink, lime and/or bright colors. I like blues and reds but more typically in the muted shades.
3. I would have to say I’ve been 95% pleased with most of my color choices. I have one top that comes to mind where when I chose the fabrics, and started cutting and sewing I wasn’t pleased with the light shade, thinking it wasn’t light enough so went and bought another light shade, sewed up the whole top and am now thinking the other light might actually have been better after all. The light lavender was too light, at least for my taste.
4. I have color wheels, went to a color lecture, but don’t really use the wheels. I like the idea of a ‘focus fabric’ even if that fabric doesn’t end up as the border, or I’ve used the color dots in the selvage. I had art in high school, so still retain a fair mental ability to process what looks good with what, but then ultimately, individual taste and likes and dislikes play a big part in the process too. I tend to do a lot of fabric auditioning throughout the process once the main portion has been done to get the right borders, binding and backing. I can spend as much time auditioning fabrics beforehand as I do in actually working on the quilt. Analysis paralysis, lol!
Ramona says
1. I usually start with a fabric I really like and then pick coordinating pieces to go with it. I do tend to gravitate to the same color palate, so have to force myself to pick different colors at times.
2. I rarely follow the color scheme on patterns.
3. 95% of the time I am pleased with my color choices. It seems like when I make truly scrappy quilts is when I am pleased the least. There are always fabrics placed next to each other that I just do not like.
4. I do not use a color wheel. I just use what appeals to me.
ruth says
I rarely follow a pattern in anything, but if I do, I never use the colors shown. I like to play around. When I first started quilting, I did use patterns, but I’m not a great matcher of points, so I’ve learned to play with patterns that aren’t too fussy. At the moment, I’m on a string quilt binge. I can do these for hours.
I pick fabric the way I pick yarn for Fair Isle sweaters: lots and lots of different ones with a neat contrast somewhere, just to give it pow.
I can spend an hour choosing just 5 fabrics. and then I look at them, eliminate half of them, add 10 more, and it keeps going around like that. It’s the best part of the fiber/fabric world: picking out the colorways.
I never use a color wheel, and I’m always happy with my results.
SaraF says
I don’t use a color wheel, instead just using what I like. I’m not terribly brave about inserting any unusual color combos. Starting with a fabric I like, then I tend to pick things that I think fit in with that first fabric. Love your green/purple combo on this quilt.
Deb says
My answers:
1. I select my colors based on what fabrics/colors I want to work with that day.
2. I am just starting to select my own colorways with patterns but will follow one if it really strikes my fancy.
3. About 80-90 % of the time I love my creation.
4.Never have used a color wheel. If it works in nature I go with it.
5.Nope – didn’t change my answers.
6. I’m still going to work with colors/fabrics that appeal to me that day. Quilting and my sewing time is fun for me – if I don’t like a color or fabric then it becomes a UFO!
pdudgeon says
LOL, nope no color wheels for me. i usually start with a pattern and a fabric designer–yep, i know it’s a different way of doing things, but that’s actually how i first started picking fabric.! I would go up and down the rows of fabric at a shop and pull out what i liked. Imagine my surprize when i turned the bolts end-up, and saw that most of the fabric was from the same designer! I learned fast.
So now i collect fabric from a few designers when they have something new out, but i’ll also check out the new designers out there.
as for satisfaction i’m usually pleased with about 90% of my work. In between trying out a new quilt pattern that catch my eye, I have 3 quilt patterns that i’ll go back to as my ‘old cuddly, friendly quilt staples’. Those patterns I’ll make in different fabric lines and different looks. For me a staple quilt pattern looks great in any fabric, be it Civil War, ’30’s, or grunge modern.
The one color area i shy away from is brights. I want beautiful quilts that are pleasing–quilts to fall in love with as I make them; not something that screams COLOR! at 3 am.
CindyC says
I don’t work with a color wheel, unless I am designing and working “out of my box”. That is usually for quilts that are not for me. I choose fabrics by what I like. I mainly make scrap quilts. So a red throughout the quilt may be a red from 10 fabrics, not one. I always make quilts from what is in the stash. I only buy borders and backing after the quilt top is finished. Generally I only buy fabric I like, unless it is for a gift, then hopefully they will like what I get for them. I buy fabric 2-3 times a year in 1 yard pieces, so my stash is a good size. I might go with what is on the pattern, but I decide by what I have on hand in the stash and what looks good to me. I am happy with what I create, very seldom do I ever wish I had done it different.
Shauna says
1. I choose what I like, I find I go through periods where I’m drawn to certain colors.
2. Rarely do I used colors in the pattern, unless they are just something I love. Like you Road to Llano I love the purple, like the green, but don’t like the black. It’s pretty, but if I were doing it for myself that black would be hot pink or yellow or maybe even teal. Just me, right now I’m not in a black mood.
3. I would say I’m normally very happy with my choices at the time. But later, I will wonder about it, because my mood my have changed. But for me sometimes it is the pattern that I love and it could be any color.
4. I am a strictly what appeals to me now. I don’t think I’ve ever used a color wheel to pick colors.
🙂
Deb says
Color, the one thing that has always been instinctual with me. I never go with the patterns choices and never use all of one fabric line in a quilt.
I’m not an artist but have loved color since before I could remember. I think that is why when I was a fabric store manager, I was sought after for “helping”
When I teach, I use a color wheel to help learners choose fabrics and I always encourage them to go with their gut!
Joanna Guglielmino says
Color choice: depends on who will receive the quilt. Then I often use an appealing print as the focus fabric and continue selection with that fabric, choosing fabrics that blend well, some darks, some lights. Usually I don’t use a color wheel, unless I’m in a class and doing a specific thing, such as complimentary, split complementary, etc. I’d guess I’m happy with my choices 80% of the time, but I’d like to learn more about color use and color theory.
Thanks, as always, Judy, for your blog. I always love peaking in to see what you are up to!
Joanna
Debbie Rhodes says
I almost never use the colors of the pattern… I choose colors for the room the quilt will be in. whether mine or for the person I am making one for.. don’t use a color wheel just my own ideas…
lynne quinsland says
i have never used a color wheel or other tool.
if there is an intended recipient, i use colors or styles of fabrics that i know that they will like.
i rarely use the same COLORS as are depicted in a pattern. i will follow the VALUES very closely though.
i am nearly always pleased with my results, but recently i am misjudging my contrast and it has surely shown in my finished product….
but, honestly, what really drives my choices is how much fabric is needed and what i can match that up with from my STASH LOL i am a remnant queen and buy LOTS of those to add to the stash. I will buy bolts of backgrounds, and i rarely buy fabric specific for a quilt.
i can usually get what i need out of my stash, even if that means that i will need to go color specific scrappy to get it done.
now that i have posted my answers, it will be fun to go back and read the comments of others.
Anne says
How likely are you to use the sames colors as in the pattern?
About 15% chance that I’ll use the same, and about 25% that I will use similar colors and about 75% that I’ll use what I like or have.
In a percentage, how often are you completely satisfied with the colors you choose?
About 90% of the time I love the colors I put into a quilt, rarely do I wish I had not used a color. I ponder about what fabric to use for a while before I start cutting.
Do you use a color wheel or other aid, or do you go strictly by what appeals to you at the moment?
Never have.
I love using blenders, but have to somehow use all this patterned fabric I seem to have accumulated! 🙂
Donna F says
I usually pick colors and prints I like & feel would look good for the pattern, in the room it’s going in, or the favorite color of the person it’s going to. So if I don’t think the colors will match the pattern and say it’s my bff’s favorite color, then I choose a different pattern.
The only time I use the same fabric as the ones in the pattern is if it’s a kit. I do not normally buy kits but hubby has bought a couple for me.
If I’m picking the colors freely for myself I try to pick colors I’m really in love with because if I don’t I get really bored and it could possibly end up as a unfinished project.
I don’t own a color wheel so that’s out. I just do alot of research and auditioning before I settle.
One question for you, do you ever use batiks? And if not, why?
Linda Steller says
1. When I have a pattern I want to make, I generally write down how much is needed of which fabric and then head for the fabric shop. I pick out colors I like that go together — I never pay any attention to a color wheel. I pile the fabrics up on the counter or at some spot in the shop where I can get far away from them, and then I look at them from a distance to see if I will like them together.
2. I generally never, ever use the same colors as the pattern. I like to march to my own drummer to the extent I feel is safe (sometimes, it’s not very!).
3. I am satisfied with my choices about 95% of the time. If I have a problem with anything, it was always that I couldn’t get my backgrounds just the shade I wanted. My stash now has a large selection of backgrounds in varying shades, so I’m not likely to have a problem there any more.
4. I’m a strictly go with my own instincts gal. However, I will admit that I am a fan of jelly rolls and layer cakes, and get the whole coordination thing taken care of that way. I’ll by a precut pack or two, a good background or two, and then a few yards of my favorite fabric in the collection for borders. I do like quilts that are made from just random fabric selection better than the fabric collection ones though — I guess it’s that feeling that I don’t want my quilt to look like everyone else’s.
Krista says
If making a quilt . . not a show quilt or a scrap quilt, how do you choose your colors?
usually it’s what I like that day. Sometimes my colours for a quilt change completely, once I start trying to find the “right” fabrics at the store. If they don’t have the right shades in the colours I was thinking about, but something else strikes my fancy, I might change my entire plan. But if the quilt has a special purpose, I’ve picked the colours based on that and they don’t change.
How likely are you to use the sames colors as in the pattern?
almost never. In fact, I seldom use a pattern, but the few times I did, I went my own way with fabrics. I never buy kits for this reason.
In a percentage, how often are you completely satisfied with the colors you choose?
60% Probably more than half the time, but certainly not always. I have never been satisfied with my colour choices for a mystery quilt, for example. If I leave those out, it’s more like 80-85% happy.
Do you use a color wheel or other aid, or do you go strictly by what appeals to you at the moment?
My only aid is the ladies at the quilt shop 🙂 I like a second opinion, but I’m finding that my choices are usually pretty good. and when I do get a second opinion I have to be careful not to be swayed too far. Those are usually the quilts I end up not happy with.
Betty says
How I choose colors depends on the mood I’m in. I will pull fabrics and play with them for a while, then walk away and check back later. If I still like what I see, it goes in my quilt.
I rarely use the same colors as a pattern, but have regretted that a few times.
I am satisfied with my choices maybe 85 percent of the time.
I never use a color wheel to choose colors. I know what the color wheel says, but I cannot relate it to what I like to see in a quilt. In nature all colors play well together. I think value plays as much a part in the success of a quilt as color does.
Betty says
I did read through, but only after I answered the questions. So, no, I didn’t change my answers and wouldn’t wish to. I am happy with my method (or lack of) even though sometimes my questionable choices might need to be called a learning experience. : )
Joan in NE says
1. I usually start with one fabric that has several colors or shades of color in it.
2. I don’t think I ever used the oolors in a pattern.
3. Probably satisfied 90% with results.
4. Rarely use a color wheel, just go by intuition.
Sherryl says
1. I usually have a color in mind – I go to my stash, find some fabric that color and work from there.
2. I’m VERY likely to use the same colors as on a pattern so I try very hard not to look at the cover more than once or twice because I really want my quilt to look unique – sometimes it’s so hard though! Often it’s the picture of the quilt that draws me to the pattern in the first place!
3. I’m happy with my color selections 95% of the time. Really (not everyone else is, but I am). LOL
4. I’ve never used a color wheel or any other type of aid except for my own eyeballs.
LadyBaltimore says
If making a quilt . . not a show quilt or a scrap quilt, how do you choose your colors? I usually find a fabric or fabrics I really love and start choosing others from that point to compliment. Not always, but I do like to use fabrics from a particular line; for example, French General.
How likely are you to use the sames colors as in the pattern?
Almost never! I want my quilts to be unique. The couple of times I’ve bought a kit, I’ve switched out most of the fabrics before I finished. So I don’t buy kits any more.
In a percentage, how often are you completely satisfied with the colors you choose? 98% of the time. I usually plan my quilts in my head before I get started so I generally have a pretty good idea of what it’s going to look like in the end.
Do you use a color wheel or other aid, or do you go strictly by what appeals to you at the moment? Pretty much what appeals to me at the moment.
Donna Williams says
What an interesting exercise.
1. I typically just fall in love with fabric and figure out what to do with it later. I have been know to stick within a line, but I go with yardage rather than precuts. It is not often I like all the fabrics in any one line.
2. Percentage of likelihood of me trying to hunt up the same fabrics in the patterns – around 20% of the time.
3. I’d say somewhere around 98% of the time I am happy with the end result. No one else may be that happy with it,but I don’t really care.
4. I just go with my gut,
I find that the fabric I get home and that sits the longest is that which my friend talks me into. I also make dresses for the grand girls, so most of that fabric ends up as a dress.
terri says
What a question this is? Me, just di it based on my hearts desire. It might start with a pattern, or maybe a print, and after I have gone thru 15 combos and killed 2 hours I might drop the whole mess and go with none.of the above. (Then kick myself for the bigger mess I made.) And of course the mess has to be picked up before. I do start the next project.
An example, I bought a new truck last month, dark gray and I put pink paw prints on the back window for fun. I always carry an emergency blanket, and said blanket needs to match. So we know we have gray and pink, so add lime green cuz it looks good with the pink. Need to keep it dark, so dirt won’t stain easily, so we have 9 patch pink and green set on point with gray background. Borders run the length only in black/white busy print. Yeah, sounds strange but it has a spanish tile look, totally different for me, and I should finish hand quilting by August.
I normally am a bright fabric lover, so this is different.
WyoPat says
1) I pick the pattern, then choose fabrics/colors that I think will look good.
2) I seldom use the same colors as are shown in the pattern.
3) I like my color choices 98% of the time.
4) I have never used a color wheel.
Choosing the fabrics/colors is one of my favorite parts of making a quilt!
JoEllen says
1. Focus fabric, then other colors.
2. Use the same colors as pattern rarely, and if I do, it’s on the first “prototype”.
3. 95% of the time I am satisfied with the colors I pick?
4. Like you, I have colorwheels and on’t use them!
kade says
1. I pick fabrics that I like. Sometimes starting with a focus fabric,but more often just selecting fabrics that I like togwther.
2. I have never used the same fabric as the pattern. I often pick fabrics that I like together and feel like working with, then select a pattern (these never match either)
3. So far I have always been 100% satisfied with my selections.
4. I do not use a color wheel. Howwver, I have studied color theory in decorative painting classes. Always changed the colors there, too..
Jan O in St Louis says
I usually choose the fabrics first, then design something in EQ7 to use them. I’ rarely use published patterns and if I do, I change the palette completely. Sometimes I let a focus fabric guide the palette. Sometimes I just pull colors I like. If something’s not working, I can usually add more prints and/or more colors to get it to work – the more the better. I’m usually satisfied with my selections.
Amber r says
I usually choose fabrics I want to use then decide on a pattern or whatever I want to do with them. I also make a lot of baby quilt gifts so I try to go with a theme.
I wouldn’t use the same colors in a pattern unless I would really love them.but then again I’ve only followed a pattern once. Usually I make scrap square quilts. My skill level is still pretty low.
So far I’ve been 100% happy with my fabric choices! If I wouldn’t like the choices I made I would probably give up and work on something else.
I’ve never worked.woth a color wheel. I usually just go with a theme or colors out of a focus fabric.
Dena M says
1) More often than not, I will select a focus fabric and use colors that are in it to select the coordinating fabrics.
2) I rarely use the same colors as in the pattern. Instead, I go by values.
3) I would say I’m about 95% satisfied with my color palette at the finish of the project. We won’t talk about the other 5%. LOL
4) Normally I do not use a color wheel when I’m selecting fabrics for a project. However, I have found when I’m wanting to try something new, I have used paint ‘chips’ from the hardware store for inspiration. It forces me to work outside of my comfort zone.
Great exercise!
EagleKnits says
I rarely use the same colors that are in a pattern — either in quilting or in knitting. I like to choose my own, and am satisfied with them 98% of the time. I choose one fabric that I like, usually one that ‘jumps out at me’ as I quickly browse through what’s available. Then I slow down and carefully find others to go with it. I don’t use a color wheel, but am reasonably familiar with how one works, so I probably use some of the principles without consciously thinking about it. Often, the ‘inspiration fabric’ will be a print, and the coordinating fabrics will be tone-on-tone that read more as a solid.
Mel Meister says
1. I usually just go through my stash and see what strikes my fancy. I also have put together fabrics ahead of time that I love together and have some of those in bags already.
2. Most of the time the colors in the patterns are not attractive in my opinion. I consider it a blessing that I can see a pattern and visualize the colors I want to use versus some of the combinations I’ve seen on patterns.
3. Percentage of the time I am happy? Oh, gee, Probably about 90% of the time.
4. I’ve always had an innate grasp of color. It’s a gift. I never use a color wheel.
My answers sound a little arrogant, but I majored in art in college and do have a background as well as being gifted with color sense.
Sharon says
I usually choose a a focus fabric, and pull other fabrics to go with it. Sometimes the focus fabric doesn’t even get used.
I often choose a pattern because I like the colors used, and then will choose those same colors.
It’s hard to specify a percentage, but most often I am happy with my color choices – maybe 95%. But that doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t be happy making the same quilt in other colors.
We don’t have a color wheel at our house. I know a little about color theory, but don’t think about it much when choosing fabrics. People say I have a good color sense. Not sure about that, because if I am using the same colors as in the focus fabric I chose, that means someone else chose the colors.
Susan says
It’s hard to remember when I wasn’t making scrap quilts! I almost never buy specific fabric for a specific quilt. If I do, it’s usually some shade of blue to green that appeals to me most. I remember going through a period when I used black backgrounds almost exclusively.
The only time I wasn’t satisfied with my colors was when I took a mystery class, and I only made that mistake once. So that’s satisfied more than 99% of the time. I also almost never use the same colors as a pattern. One exception to that is your Sunny Side Up. I like that in yellows, and I’m looking for the right yellow background now that I have golds I like. I never use a color wheel.
Karen says
I rarely choose the colors that are in the pattern unless they’re colors that I really like. When I buy fabric it’s because I love the colors – consequently most of my stash are colors that I love and I have an overload of batiks. When I start a quilt I pull from my stash. I’ve never used a color wheel and so far I’ve been happy with my choices.
Andrea says
I first choose the color for one component and fill in from there. I’m not likely to follow the colors of a pattern. Often I like the design but don’t care for the colors or print the designer has chosen. I always am happy with the quilt I’ve made, but I do think, “If I make this again I’ll do/change X.” I don’t have a color wheel; I just audition fabrics until I find what works. I don’t shop by collection or designer. Quilts made from just one line are pretty, but they’re not me.
Dana Pelerin says
my choice of colors is eye appeal,sometimes the fabric picks me.I am likely to use the same colors if I really like them.I am satisfied 95% of the time with the chosen colors.and sometimes I will pick the colors and then change them when I go to cut them out..I do not use a color wheel but I like certain colors with certain colors and usually they are close to the color wheel. I really like Moda fabric but will use any line.
Lori in South Dakota says
1. I look at the pattern for ideas
2. I have–but I like a quilt better if I use “me” colors.
3. If I make a quilt using colors I do not like, (pink!) I may like the finished quilt but won’t have any desire to keep it.
4. I may think about the color wheel, but usually pick colors I like.