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…
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.
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…
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.
24 comments
Sue Cox
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. 🙂
Lori Kennedy
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!
Terry Wilson
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!!
theinboxjaunt
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 >
Renee
Beautiful quilting!
MaryBeth
I learn so much from reading your blog. Thank you so much for your generosity!
Quilter in Motion
I can’t wait for a reason to use this! Thanks for sharing your clever ideas.
Althemarbl@gmail.com
Lori…you are sooo talented! I realize that using the “word” sooo is quite silly, but, my, this quilting is remarkable!
Melanie
This is so inspirational. I love the addition of the petals and leaves to the swirls.
theinboxjaunt
You can find a tutorial for this motif. The Fabulous Flower in the “quilts/tutorial” tab above.
Sent from my iPhone
sophie
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.
Jane
What a great post! Thanks!
theinboxjaunt
I hope it is helpful!
Sent from my iPhone
lucindalines
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!!!
Jessica @ A Bushel and A Peck
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.
pamelajeannestudio
I really, really LOVE this one.
theinboxjaunt
Thanks! It’s all in the Contrast, don’t you think?
Comments are closed.