MargeD

Sometimes I think taking a quilt class or two may be all you need to start the wheels in motion. I do know that many times I've heard quilt teachers say that if you don't know what colors go with what, pick out a focus fabric, then look at the salvege edge where there are color dots showing the colors used in the print. That will tell you what colors will work with that fabric.

Kristin in ME

I would avoid doing something with curves to begin with. Start with something small- like a baby quilt- that has a simple, straight-edge pattern. Squares or rectangles would be simple. Don't overwhelm yourself with a complicated pattern while you're trying to learn the basics of quiltmaking.

As far as color, a fun way to figure that out would be to just browse through some fabrics until you find a print that you like, that has at least a few different colors in it. Then pick some fabrics based on the colors that are in your original piece of fabric. For instance, say you chose a floral fabric that consisted of green, purple, pink, and cream- you could then look for some fabrics that coordinated with those colors.

Two hints about that- first, try to find fabrics that are not all the same value. Meaning, mix some variety of lights, mediums, darks. They don't have to be extreme opposites, but try to avoid all pale shades or all darks- having some variety in value makes it more interesting to look at. Second, vary the "busyness" of the prints- If all of your prints are super boisterous, the quilt will look very chaotic. And if they are all solid colors, it will look flat and boring. So mix it up a bit.

Sorry, didn't mean to make this so long, hopefully I haven't overwhelmed you! The main thing is that it should be FUN and just view every project as an opportunity to learn something new! The more you do it, the better you'll get. Just jump in and have fun! : )

pinecone

Welcome to the forum. Ask away and no question is a dumb one. When I first started quilting it took me 3 hours to pick out 3 fabrics!! I used to make clothing so puting 3 patterns went against me. Now I laugh. Pick out a light, medium and dark that is how I usually start out. To make it easier on the pocket book, try table runners. Something small and fast.

piney

thrums

A quilter told me if I wasn't sure about values put a range of folded fabrics (overlapping folds) on a printer bed in the order you want. Copy it in black and white. The result will give you a clearer picture of the values of your chosen fabrics.

I hope this helps.

thrums

I was at a log cabin workshop recently with a woman who had never quilted before. The woman had a handful of fabrics that she liked, but they didn't seem to go together...one in particular. Long story short, her project turned out beautifully. It was a matter of moving the fabric pieces into different positions until the the colors were pleasing.

janb

I go to the library to go thru all the quilting magazines and books...gets me goin'

Dolphyngyrl

This is why I buy kits or follow patterns, helps me with some of that stuff

hairquilt

I quilted for 10 years by copying other peoples quilts & then my DIL started quilting with me & really blasted me out of my doldrums. I wish I had gotten started earlier with her as you can really bond when you work together on quilts. Just let go & do it!!!

buttons

a good way to learn is if you have a LQS that is offering a quilt lesson. It helps, and you learn a lot of ways to do the piecing, etc. When you start to make quilt blocks you will get addicted to it. I know

madamekelly

My favorite way to chose colors for a quilt, is to find a print I really like, then find fabrics that match the colors in the print. Works for me. I have no color sense either. When I start making the blocks, if I decide I don't like it, Oh well, charity quilt!