I am working on my next block for my Roseville Album quilt. I thought I would show you how I audition the little flowers. I am now cutting 6 1/2" squares from my fabrics and folding them up to use for the flowers, the left over pieces will go in a box to use for circles or leaves in other blocks or the border.
I usually audition a few fabrics and once I chose it goes on the block to see how it plays with the other fabrics!
how do you audition your fabrics?
kathie
I end up taking a lot of pieces out of the scrap bin, which would be like your squares I guess. I like to choose a few for the main elements and work around those, picking and choosing from there. I guess we all have our own little systems.
ReplyDeleteI start out with smaller pieces. I am not afraid to cut into the fabric as they are so small, it doesn't feel like I am wasting it. I usually end up changing things as I sew.
ReplyDeleteI think it is great to see some blocks done in more traditional fabrics too!
I use my scraps like Janet, or try to fold up the full pieces I have, or occasionally cut a trial piece or smaller square if I just can't "see" it, and like Kelly, I change things later once I've looked at it a bit. So all of the above, I guess.
ReplyDeleteI just have to comment on how many of your fabrics I have never seen before! I don't know how I missed them either, because they are wonderful. Usually, I look at blocks and think "I have that one, and that one." but with yours I just goggle and wish I had a piece! Michele
ReplyDeleteI usually choose my biggest pieces first. I fold up the fabric and lay it in place to get an idea of how the colors are working. Once I have those in place I audition the smaller pieces with bits and scraps.
ReplyDeleteLovely block you have going! :)
Lovely to see your auditioning Kathie. My block sits on my design wall for awhile, my fabrics sit all over my dining room table while I wait for inspiration (for now we are eating in the lounge room). Not the most practical way of doing it, but I do love being surrounded by all that colour all day!
ReplyDeleteAuditioning fabrics for applique can be the most fun! I try to begin with a great focus fabric and pull fabric from my stash that works. I try to keep in mind that tone is important and insert a couple lights, mediums, and darks in every block. I like a blend of large print, small prints, tonals, and some dots and or stripe fabrics. Then throw out anything I just can't stand - and wonder, why did I buy that fabric!! Keep it fun if possible - if you're miserable or frustrated seek a good quilting friend. Trust your instincts!
ReplyDeleteGreat way of auditioning the fabrics Kathie! Reading the comments above, it seems that everyone is so organised, I put the ironed on shapes onto the paper pattern sheet. I also do what Ann does, do the big ones first. Kim McL
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