A year ago this week, I was heading to Daytona Beach, Florida to see my quilt hanging in the AQS QuiltWeek show. Not only was I excited to have my first quilt accepted into an AQS show, but warmth and sunshine in February? Heaven.
But, a couple of weeks later, we were all safer-at-home in lockdown and quarantine.
Fast forward to February 2021, and we’re not traveling anywhere (our adventure yesterday was taking the back roads to town for grocery shopping and takeout). Bluebirds and cardinals have joined the chickadees, thrushes and woodpeckers at our backyard birdfeeders, adding some bright colors to the white and silver landscape. I love our backyard, but some warmth, sunshine and waves would be welcome.
The seed of my mission #NoMoreQuiltClones was planted at that quilt show last February. You can read about that story in this blog Fabrics First - Take time to make your quilt your own and watch the video there.
2021 is the year of #NoMoreQuiltClones. I want all quilters to know how to make their quilts their own. It’s their choice how they do that, as long as they love what they’re doing, from the first step of picking colors and fabrics for their quilts to admiring and loving their final creation.
No more saying “I can’t pick colors” or “I can only use a kit”. No more staying only in your comfort zone colors. No more not using yellow or orange. No more not using stripes or polka dots or large scale prints. No more not knowing the value of a fabric.
Not unless you’re colorblind. And if you love to quilt and are colorblind, you can still stitch and get help choosing colors. Or, become an expert in value – and make all black and white quilts!
Every quilter – including you – can learn more about color and fabric, value, and fabric characteristics. Each small thing we learn will influence our choices for our next quilts.
This is #NoMoreQuiltClones.
Take a class on color – from me or another quilter, a painter, a fashion designer – to add a little to your knowledge of how colors relate and work together. Read up on value, whether in my book, from an artist, or from a theatre lighting designer. Really look at other quilters’ quilts – not just at the overall design but ask questions about why they chose that particular color or value. See what others have created and take away a little tidbit to add to your stash of choosing fabrics knowledge.
One good thing that has come from our quarantined world is the accessibility of online meetings, webinars, workshops, classes, courses, gatherings, conferences, museum tours, and so much more. There are so many ways and places to learn about quilting techniques, color, value and fabric, and to connect with other quilters. Take advantage of these new resources along with the tried and true local quilt shops that offer safe practices to keep us all healthy and fill our need for inspiration and fabric.
Do your part. Take your next step, wherever you are on your quilting journey, to make #NoMoreQuiltClones. I’m joining you there.
Some helpful resources from elsewhere in the Dynamic Quilting website:
Three things to consider when choosing an inspiration fabric
How to make your quilt your own
The Dynamic Quilting Color and Fabric Plan - Make use of the Plan by starting with your overal goal for the quilt, find an inspiration fabric, and then use the Plan to aid you in choosing the rest of your fabrics.
Join my email list (below) to hear more about colorand fabric. As a gift, you will receive my free wall hanging pattern that works well for trying out a color palette or showcasing a particular fabric. Practice your color and fabric knowledge with this pattern!