QuiltVisions By Jean Spencer

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September 2007

Quilt Colors

Quilt artist/author Mary Lou Weidman and talented longarm
quilter Pam Dransfeldt appreciating quilt show colors.

Aqua and lime? Of, course!
Thousands more colors too!

Are you the kind of quilter who loves colors?

Searching for them as if on a safari?

Do you have the kind of fabric stash that looks like rainbows? Or wish you had?

Do you gravitate toward other friends, other quilters, quilt shops, art stores, flower gardens?

Have you been to a Quilt Show? or many?

Are you in a quilter's small group? Guild?

Summer roses are still in bloom and autumn leaves will be painting the landscapes of our cooler areas. Every season introduces us to differing color palettes and draws us into them.

Within our circles of friends and fabrics, the Quilt Shows of our dreams are accessible in most communities. Don't be left out. From San Diego to New Hampshire, from Florida to Seattle/Tacoma, Washington, new and compelling colors are active and helpful for you.

Shows are where you can search for new fabrics and actually find them. Once you see other quilts at every turn, it's easier to choose colors that just pop out. Colors that renew and excite you. "I wish I could do that" can lead you to "you can."

Each booth is loaded with treasures for you They introduce everything from "I love to quilt" luggage tags to tote bags and books - all in the latest colors. They stock all kinds of make-it-easier tools, jewels, and paints, inks and designs. Demonstrations and workshops show you how.

Friendly quilters who know are great resources. It's more than just getting their autograph, asking questions of them that will result in improving your own quilts.

Over time quilt shows provide gathering places for quilters to meet each other again and make their own kind of whoopee. Laughter fills the air and warm hugs add to the atmosphere.

Quilters of long standing teach, show their fabulous work, and encourage others, new or old timers. Some shows are aboard cruise ships to Alaska, and Caribbean seas, tours through New England and Paducah, or week-long workshops and coastal retreat centers such as Asilimar and Santa Barbara.

All are colorful sources -- and often life-changers.

Here's a glimpse of what is possible. Discovering creative instructors and designers are happy to share ideas and sell you books and other aids,

Meeting quilt book authors and learning from their knowledge and tips can elevate your appreciation and capability. Here's one of my favorites - Stock up on stripes and dots for bindings. They are great perker-uppers and present a confetti look when finished.

If you have a favorite color, one that just has to be in every quilt, consider testing other colors with it. Surprising results may lead you into a new and welcome look.

Look at the smiles, works of art, friendship touching base once again.

Let's try a little quiz --

How many different colors can you identify? Which excite you the most -- enough to buy some yardage?

Did these women make their own clothes too? Are they themed to tell something of who they are?

Which one is a fantastic teacher? Which is a talented long arm quilter that creates the beauty of the tiny stitches?

How in the world did they do those unusual borders?

Is the background telling a story?

Do you sing or dance while sewing? Play music with various tempo's? Try this to further inspire.

What kind of shopping trips are required to locate such stunning values, contrasts, colors? This can be lots of fun going in groups. For instance, have you discovered a new shop with "Chocolate" in it's name. Quilters are rather adept at naming their stores and their quilts.

Are you now thinking of running out to the nearest show or shop and scoop up some new rainbows of your own? Autumn is a good season to head for your work tables and design walls, surrounding yourself with the beauty of color, and a creation of your own.

Don't be hesitant to play with teals and purples, with chocolate and pinks. Others will admire your new talents and so will you.

Can you do it? Of course you can!

To contact Jean, send an email to jean@fabrics.net

QuiltVisions writer Jean Spencer began writing at age 11 and continued ever since.  First half of her life was on the East Coast, the second on the West Coast.    She is a joyful quilter, a merry Christian, a multi-field author, the mother of two daughters (who continue to teach her new things), cheerleading grandmother of four, happy wife of a Mr. Fix-It who wears a Quilter's Hero t-shirt, and plays regularly with two dogs, old Goldie and an energetic puppy Kobe.   Telling  stories in quilts,  small groups,  church growth,  photography, fabric collecting and music  are high on her priority list.