Sunday, March 29, 2009

Becky's new quilt...

We don't often (or ever) post photos of our quilts in progress. It usually takes 1 year from the time we finish a quilt to the time when the book is at the quilt shop. It is frustrating to people to have to wait so long for a pattern. But blogs are all about sharing what's going on now. So, while I can't show you the whole quilt, I can show you selected parts of what I'm working on now.

I am using these pieces from Jinny Beyer's Palette Collection. The greens laying on the diagonal are the block and border backgrounds. I'm piecing them. I'll show you a pieced block background later next week.

Quilter's often want to use exactly the fabrics that we used when they are making their quilts. This collection and these colors should still be available in 2 years - and even longer. Here's a question for you: If I added a few prints or dots just for fun, and those fabrics were not available in 2 years, would you be unhappy? My thought is that there is always a fun substitute and finding those substitutes is a great way to make a quilt your own. Is that what you think too?

I really would like to know what you all think so please leave comments.

18 comments:

Unknown said...

I'd be happy at have to shop for a perfect substitute fun fabric!

Kwiltsfl said...

I think it's fine to add older prints. Sometimes the print of the fabric is integral to the quilt - and then quilters may want the exact fabric - but otherwise it's fine.

If people are adamant about using the exact fabric, I've seldom been disappointed when searching on quiltshops.com or missingfabrics.com
Karen

Anonymous said...

Yes, I like to see your quilts as inspiration. I never use the same fabric as a pattern. When I use a pattern I try to learn something about how to do it better, or how to place colours, or how to chose backgrounds. Nancy McNab

Debbie said...

The fun of quilting to me is finding "my" perfect fabric. So no it would be fine to use fabrics we might not be able to exactly find when the pattern comes out.

Karen said...

All I can say is ditto to the above comments. When I use someone's quilt pattern I never use the same exact fabrics. I may try to duplicate the color scheme, but never the same exact fabrics. Can't wait to see what you've been working on;)

Cindy said...

As much as I fall in love with the fabrics you use, I don't ever think I should duplicate exactly. Even if someone wants to, its always more fulfilling to find their own substitutes.

NMSue said...

I love your patterns and quilts. The Jinny Beyer collection your using looks yummy.

When I make quilts from your patterns, I try to use the same color scheme but I use other fabrics. In our Aunt Millie's Garden applique class, some of the ladies are making gorgeous blocks using other color schemes. One lady is even using Civil War prints.

rebecca said...

It's amazing to see the designers fabric choices but, a substitution definitly makes it mine!!

sweetbabies00 said...

When I think of your work, I think of polka dots being sprinkled in. I know alot of quilters want to copy the fabric, but there are so many polka dots out now, they should be able to find a sub.

Have fun!

antique quilter said...

wow love the pile of fabric there, thats great it will be available for 2 years or so...I think its fine to throw in some prints of your choice , if someone wants to copy your quilt exactly they will be able to get 90 percent or more of the fabrics. the other 10 percent I bet they will be able to come very close in color/feel, if not then they learn to make a quilt a little bit of their own!
can't wait to see what your designing...

Janet said...

Thanks for sharing this little teaser! I may follow your colour schemes and the quilts turn out great with substitutes. There are a lot of polka dots coming onto the market regularly so I don't think it will matter.

Eileen said...

There are so many wonderful fabrics on the market, it shouldn't be hard at all to find something that will fit in perfectly.
When I make your quilts, I do the same as everyone else that's posted; I may stick to the general color scheme but I use what I have or what's available.

Carrie P. said...

Love those rainbow of fabrics. I think it would be fine if I had to substitute fabrics for the extra's you are going to add. Usually the pattern and fabrics are inspiration for me.

Mary Ellen said...

I'm one of those people who likes to add my own fabrics so my quilt is your design with my stuff. I don't want to see my quilt being EXACTLY like someone else's. So add some dots and whatever else you want. You have great taste and color sense and it's going to be great!!

Barbara said...

I think of a pattern as a starting point in quiltmaking. It is the "bones" of the quilt, but the fabric choice is what makes it your own. I do use the basic colors shown in pattern sometimes, but other times I just make it with whatever material makes me happy!

Kathy said...

I like having a 'guideline' but really enjoy making the quilt MINE by changing a print to a solid or tone on tone, or a solid to a pin dot or something like that.
Change is good. There is always something similar...just wait a few months and there will be a similar floral or pastel line, etc. Lots of quilt shops can't afford to carry every piece of every line. Sometimes I will look around for a certian print if I have it in my mind, but I will get what I can.

Becky said...

Excellent! I'm going to pull out some dots. Thank you all for your comments.

Linda G. said...

I agree! Picking out something of my own always makes me identify better with the quilt as my own! Just need a little inspiration from you-the designer! Thank you! Linda G.