Visualize Contrast
In addition to color, it’s often contrast (the difference in color values) that makes a quilt design successful. Without contrast, block pieces or whole blocks can blend together and the design can be lost. If you need more contrast, substitute lighter or darker fabrics until you have a variety. Trying to ignore color and just study contrast is not an easy task. When looking at fabrics in a store or from your stash, try these techniques.
Try squinting at your fabrics--this makes the contrast more evident. Closing your eyes slightly limits the amount of light they receive and reduces your perception of color, so contrast becomes more obvious.
Use a reducing tool or lens (look for these at your local quilt shop). Reducing tools make images smaller, making color less obvious and contrast more apparent.
Look through red cellophane. This technique obliterates the color and allows you to see the continuum of values from light to dark.
Photocopy your fabrics, or take a digital photograph of them and change it into black and white on your camera. Viewing fabrics in black and white completely masks color, giving good indication of contrast between and within fabrics.
Continued on Page 5: Fine-Tune the Fabric Mix
More to check out:
Green Pinwheels
Four-Square Pillow
Dotty Stars |
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