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A Design Tip-Contrast

May 8, 2013

Design Contrast

Today is another sunny day here in Minnesota-a stark contrast to the snow and rain we’ve endured so far this spring.  It is so unusual to see the sun that all Minnesotans have paused their busy lives and taken notice…

That is what Contrast does.  It makes one stop and notice.  It creates Focus.  Contrast is a powerful tool that gives a design Energy, Focus and Visual Interest. There are several ways to create contrast using color, size, shape or texture.   These are all terms used in art and graphic design, but can easily be applied to quilting as well.

For this quilt, I wanted the flowers to be the focus of the quilt…

Design Contrast

I used shape contrast -pairing the curly, circular flowers with a straight line quilting pattern…

Immediately, the flowers “popped” right off the quilt.

In addition, I employed color and value contrast – the white thread against the darker blue fabric created more visual interest and drama.

Design Contrast

So here it is in a nutshell:  Whenever you want your quilting to be the focal point of your quilt or block-use Contrast to help make it “POP’.

If the quilting is not the focal point–perhaps your fabulous applique is the star of the quilt–don’t use Contrast…

Design Contrast

Next week we will be stitching a few Straight Line quilting patterns to pair with all those curly patterns we’ve learned already.

Also, we have another great giveaway sponsored by The Stencil Company…

All of the Tuesday Tutorials can be found in the “Quilt/Tutorial” Tab above, and check out the “Bookshelf” tabs…they’ve been updated.  I will be adding more every week, and I  would love know your favorite books on quilting, photography, creativity, art, fiction…..

As always, thanks for pinning, re-blogging, and sharing…all content, tutorials, photos, etc. are for personal use.  Please attribute to The Inbox Jaunt.

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Categories

Design

Tagged

Art content tutorials Contrast Design design energy Fiber Arts free motion quilting Long Arm Quilting Motifs Quilting Design Quilting Patterns

24 responses to “A Design Tip-Contrast”

  1. pamelajeannestudio says:
    May 8, 2013 at 8:27 am

    I really, really LOVE this one.

    1. theinboxjaunt says:
      May 8, 2013 at 8:34 am

      Thanks! It’s all in the Contrast, don’t you think?

  2. Jessica @ A Bushel and A Peck says:
    May 8, 2013 at 9:22 am

    Your quilting is just so lovely… I love contrast. Unfortunately my FMQ isn’t so beautiful that I really want it showing up that much lol.

  3. lucindalines says:
    May 8, 2013 at 9:44 am

    I have to admit that I don’t always read your helpful posts so carefully because I don’t have a machine that can do this, or well maybe I just can’t. Anyway, this one caught my eye, it is super pretty!!!

  4. Jane says:
    May 8, 2013 at 10:11 am

    What a great post! Thanks!

    1. theinboxjaunt says:
      May 8, 2013 at 10:30 am

      I hope it is helpful!

      Sent from my iPhone

  5. sophie says:
    May 8, 2013 at 10:31 am

    Love this! As we learn, we’re afraid of contrast, but for me, my quilting improved when the contrast made it easier to see what I was doing.

  6. Melanie says:
    May 8, 2013 at 11:18 am

    This is so inspirational. I love the addition of the petals and leaves to the swirls.

    1. theinboxjaunt says:
      May 8, 2013 at 11:21 am

      You can find a tutorial for this motif. The Fabulous Flower in the “quilts/tutorial” tab above.

      Sent from my iPhone

  7. Althemarbl@gmail.com says:
    May 8, 2013 at 1:23 pm

    Lori…you are sooo talented! I realize that using the “word” sooo is quite silly, but, my, this quilting is remarkable!

  8. Quilter in Motion says:
    May 8, 2013 at 1:34 pm

    I can’t wait for a reason to use this! Thanks for sharing your clever ideas.

  9. MaryBeth says:
    May 8, 2013 at 5:12 pm

    I learn so much from reading your blog. Thank you so much for your generosity!

  10. Pingback: Quilt Block Bonanza | The Tromp Queen
  11. Renee says:
    May 9, 2013 at 4:11 pm

    Beautiful quilting!

  12. Terry Wilson says:
    May 10, 2013 at 8:16 pm

    I am a self taught quilter, and am dreaming wildly of a long arm. I am going to try this on my home machine, I think it is “dreamy”. I scavenge from the talents I find on the internet, and I must say that you shine in the sites I frequent!!. Love it!!

    1. theinboxjaunt says:
      May 11, 2013 at 3:54 am

      Thank you so much for your kind words. At times I think I would like a long arm, but the size and expense is so intimidating. I’d love to hear about the sites you’ve found…

      > Date: Sat, 11 May 2013 01:16:57 +0000 > To: lckennedy@hotmail.com >

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  17. Sue Cox says:
    June 4, 2014 at 9:14 am

    This is it! This is it! The very fmq design that I need for my daughter’s quilt. May I ask if it is available to copy? If so, would you (Please) break it down a bit? It’s beautiful.
    My daughter has a beautiful rose plant that she is very proud of, and I know it would add a perfect touch to her quilt! Thank You!
    And I love your tips on contrast. I wholeheartedly agree.
    Absolutely love your thistle quilt with the hand-dyed fabrics. My passion. 🙂

    1. Lori Kennedy says:
      June 4, 2014 at 1:03 pm

      Sue. The pattern is called the Fabulous Flower and it is one of my favorites too! You will find a tutorial for it with the other tutorials. It’s stitched in orange. Can’t wait to see your quilt!

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    Lori Kennedy

    Hi! I’m Lori Kennedy, machine quilter, & author from Minnesota. Check out my monthly newsletter & my articles. Machine quilting is my passion. From doodling to quilting, I’m here in my Minnesota studio to help you get quilting.

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