The Positivity QAL - Choosing Fabrics

Imagine a large buffet like Golden Corral (Paul's favorite).  With over fifty items on the table, does it really matter if two or three items are blah?  You will only taste 4-5 items, may be 10 if you are more adventurous. Ahem!!!

Now imagine a simple meal of tomato soup and grilled cheese. Everything must be fresh and tasty and well-seasoned. There is no room for blah. It could ruin the entire meal.

Such is this simple Plus Block. With only two main fabrics, it is important that they work well together. 

Plus Fabrics (Background Pending)

I remember spending an entire semester in Architecture on Color Theory. I remember assignments using only primary colors and then learning about hues, tones, tints and shades. 

There are plenty of free and paid resources to learn about Colors and how to pick them and how to use them. But at the end of the day, what really matters is this - does it look good? Do you like it?

Yellow Plus, Cream Background Added

Dark Green Plus, Smoke/Dark Background Added

Here is my one golden rule. The 10-foot rule. If it looks good from 10 feet away, it is good.  

So let's step away about 10 feet.

Does it look good?

I have been struggling to write this post, because I do not wish to "tell" you what to do. I just want you to know the consequences of your decisions.

In the case above, the plus shape almost melts into the background. If you prefer a very subtle contrast, then this may appeal to you. If you prefer that the plus shape stand out (a little or a lot) then keep reading.

Contrast is what heightens our conclusions and appreciations. Just like we appreciate a cold drink so much more on a hot day, so also the contrast makes the shapes appear stronger or muted.  If you like a "gentle nudge", use a subtle contrast. If you want "a slap in your face", use a strong contrast. And use the 10-foot rule to see the difference.

Next I switched the backgrounds.

Light Yellow Plus on Dark Background

Dark Green Plus on Cream Background

Closeups can be deceptive. So let's step away 10 feet.

Does this appeal to you?

If you like a very strong contrast then the above fabric combinations may speak to you. 

Here are the two pictures next to each other.

You pick which ever works for you.

Of course very strong contrasts and very subtle contrasts are easy to spot.  

When in doubt, step away 10 feet.  In fact, always confirm by stepping away. Trust me, you perceptions will change when you step away, sometimes dramatically.

I used Island Batik fabrics to make these demo blocks, using Cream (Island Batik Foundation Yolk) and and Gray (Island Batik Foundation BE32-E1).

Subtle Contrast

Very Sharp Contrast

Very Sharp Contrast

Very Sharp Contrast

Sharp Contrast

Medium to Sharp Contrast

Subtle to Medium Contrast

I wonder how they appear all together.

Which one appeals to you?

And now?

Do you see how the corn yellow on cream becomes subtler when we step away 10 feet.  

Let's take a look at the dark blocks now.

Subtle to Medium Contrast

Subtle to Medium Contrast

Very Sharp Contrast

Medium Contrast

Medium Contrast

And all together. 

What stands out to you?

And now?

Do you notice that the top left corner block has a subtler contrast now that we stepped away 10 feet?  

Compare that to the bright green on the right middle row. 

Similar colors can have very different contrasts based on their value (lightness or darkness). Remember the 10-foot rule.

I have struggled to write this post.  It seemed to me that this was basic information that most quiltmakers already know. To those I say - please ignore this post. 

And for those who may benefit from this information, I am glad to be of help. 

Paul: Don't you like to tell folks what to do?
Me: I am just sharing my insights.

Paul: Sounds like teaching.

Me: NO. I am not telling folks what to do. I am merely pointing out that if you want a savory dish, add salt. If you want a sweet dish, use honey or sugar.

Paul: Reads like a recipe

Me: Whether they eat salty or sweet foods, is up to them. 

Paul: Oh ok.

Me: Glad you understand, finally.

Paul: So I read through this Quilt All Together thing.

Me (suppressing a smile): Quilt Along?

Paul: Yes, that. It is free.

Me: Completely.

Paul: Can you control who sees it or who uses it.

Me: Anyone with internet access can see it and use it.

Paul: Anyone can use your design and all this "salt/savory" information all for free.

Me: Correct.

Paul: How can you make sure that folks will make quilts and send to charity?

Me: I am sure some people will :-)

Paul: And why should they?

Me: We are offering prizes to folks who do.

Paul: But still not all who use your instructions will.

Me: That is correct.

Paul: And you still want to do it, even when you know that some will misuse it?

Me: YES, yes, absolutely yes.

Paul: WHY?

Me: Because I firmly believe that a couple of people misusing this information does not negate all those quiltmakers who will use this for a good cause.  Because I believe that the good in the world still outweighs the evil. 

Paul: You do know that we have many such people in this country who believe otherwise?

Me: Yes, there are folks in this country who'd argue against a good program in the fear that it may be misused by a few while ignoring the benefit it will bring to many.

Paul: I don't think it is fear. It is Greed.

Me: Yes, it is. And we both know who they are. I am NOT one of them.

Paul: You go ahead. I'll be cheering you on.

Me: Cool. Cause I need to get back to choosing fabrics :-)

If you have questions, please ask. I will respond in the comments so that all can see.