Julie in NM

If you don't buy bundles already tied up for you, how do you choose fab that goes together? May be moving to Puerto Rico and need to LEARN how to shop for fab and get stuff that goes together.

Really want to buy yardage. Not charms, turnovers, fat quateres, etc.

erstan947

You can buy yardage in the same design line..that is usually how the bundles are choosen. I like scrappy quilts so I buy what I think will work and do a lot of mixing. Hope this helps. :)

sahm4605

many places have "clip boards" where you can see all your fabric next to each other. this way you can tell if things are going to go or not.

sarge1

Thousands of Bolts is one of the places with the clipboard. In addition, when you select a fabric, you can do a search for coordinating fabrics, or see other fabrics in that line. You can also narrow your search by category, ie: historic, floral, patriotic, etc. Great site, easy to use, fabulous prices, quality fabric.
http://www.thousandsofbolts.com

Baysidegal

I love thousands of bolts. I buy frequently and have never been disapointed with the fabric.

oldswimmer

Me too! And the prices are always great!

Prissnboot

Finding colors that "go together" has always been my biggest challenge. I agree about sticking with fabrics in a particular collection - that is always guaranteed eye pleasing. However, speaking from experience, doing a scrappy quilt turns out better than you think it will. Good luck and enjoy the journey!

Sweeterthanwine

Because I love going to see the fabric in person, I don't buy that much online. I have bought already made items, such as Dresden Plate, from a place called Yardsellr. It is like an online ebay, except you don't bid on the item, you just buy it.

amma

Most fabrics are part of a collection. If you buy within the collection, even from multiple online stores, they will all match each other :D:D:D

ArtisticDesign

Along with all these great suggestions>

Some people hate studying color theory..For them my best advice would be to buy a little color wheel ( at a hobby store) and carry it with you.. You don't have to memorize the color combinatins that go together, if you have it with you...
However, I think memorizing the compliments ( the color thats straight across from another color on the wheel) is very nice to know...
Complimentary colors make each other pop..For example, Blue is straight across from Yellow...So say you picked 4 shades of blue and wanted something more, adding a "yellow" would compliment and make your blues pop.
Also knowing how to spot your values will really help...In short, If you want to put a blue and a green together..I'd choose either bright blue + bright green or muted blue + a muted green...As a general rule, you wouldn't pair up a bright with a muted color.

1) Know you color compliments
2) recognize color value (muted or bright)

I bought two color wheels..One for my purse and one that I taped on the wall right in front of my comp..You'll memorize it in no time lol

Other complimentary color combinations are usually printed somewhere on a good color wheel.