Sunday, January 20, 2013

Country Charmer Quilt Along Post #2

UPDATE -Monday January 21st, COUNTRY CHARMER patterns will be available at In Between Stitches again later today.  Due to the wonderful response from quilters around the world to the Quilt Along, the shop sold out of patterns over the weekend.  Thank you all so much for showing an interest in the Quilt Along!  I appreciate all of you and I'm looking forward to seeing the different blocks and quilts.  ~~Lynn

 Hello Everyone,

I've been reading blogs and emails about what colors and fabrics to select for Country Charmer. I'm feeling your quandary. Don't be afraid of using a lot of different colors.  Embrace the beauty that it brings to the blocks. Start by selecting an interesting center and pull those colors out into the rest of the block.



You probably wouldn't wear a polka dot blouse with a check or plaid skirt. (Well I might!)  But it's okay to put those combinations together in a block or in a quilt.


Each of my blocks sings their own song.  Collectively they make a beautiful chorus.  Don't forget they will be separated by a fairly wide sashing (even though I do like the secondary pattern they create.)


Here's an example of my decision making process when planning out fabrics for my block.  I started with this combination.  Whenever I remove any of the pieces, I save them in little baggies so I can use them in another block.

Then I changed the background fabric to something a little plainer.  I like this background better for this block.


Then I changed out the 12 dark little squares from green to a dark red.


These 12 little squares weren't working for me either.  To plain.


Now this is more like it.  Polka dots, checks, pleasing background


This selection works for me.  It is a combination of Civil War meets Thimbleberries meets checks.  It works.


A finished block that makes me happy.


Work with your colors on the block layout sheet.  This is the place to just play.  Another bonus of the block layout sheet is that grandchildren think it's a great puzzle.  My little 5-year-old grandson had a ball placing the pieces on the chart for me.  It's a fabulous introduction to geometry.

I hope this helps when it comes to fabric selection.  You will know it when you "nailed" the block.  Not all of them will be a masterpiece, but they can make beautiful music together.

Soon,
Lynn

P.S. An extra big thank you to Quilt Sue for designing the County Charmer Quilt Along button for me.  I absolutely love it!  Another extra big thank you to Lesley the Cuddle Quilter for setting up the Flickr Country Charmer page HERE.  I couldn't have done this without your help.  You girls rock!

12 comments:

  1. I tried to purchase this pattern but is sold out. Do you know if it will be restocked soon? Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Lisa,
      I will get more patterns down to the shop tomorrow morning. We'll get your order filled soon. ~~Lynn

      Delete
  2. Wow, you've got some fabulous color combinations there. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished quilt.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Love your block. I finally got one on the layout sheet as I like it and already have several pieces for baggies. Scrappy is a lot of work!

    And I love the blog button Sue fixed us.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks for the great color option ideas. Can't wait for my pattern to arrive so I can pick mine out!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Super,
    Great progress, it`s looking very good.
    Liebe Grüße Grit

    ReplyDelete
  6. It's so hard for me to just pull fabrics from here or there. I know that's the best thing to do. I'm going to try Pink And Chocolate. I have a huge fat roll of this line by Windham. I'll order the cream soon. I'm excited to get going. My pattern will be here this next week.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank you for another wonderful class on how to choose fabrics! I love your puzzle chart..and I plan to make some more creative fabric choices with my next block. I will spread the word that more patterns will be available tomorrow. Are you going to get any sleep tonight...giggle! This is so much fun already!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I have been pulling possible fabrics to play with, but had a couple of little 'must do' projects to finish first. I should be able to start making blocks by Weds.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Your blocks look lovely Lynn.
    Well, I've made a start by cutting for my first block. I just want to see how it goes together, so I know what I'm doing...will post it today.
    Julia ♥

    ReplyDelete
  10. I have to say, that little blue spool print is about the cutest thing I've seen all day...next to the pink heart earrings my husband gave me for our anniversary this morning! We will celebrate this evening...but meanwhile, watch out world...my rotary cutter's been busy this afternoon!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Okay, I give up. I love everything you design. I want to do this quilt too! BUT I can't find the pattern! Your link shows it is sold out. Are they all gone? Nooooooo! Please let me know! Thanks!

    Cheery wave from Bev

    ReplyDelete