noveltyjunkie

Very good question. I struggle with this too. Athough I have not much clue what does go, I know pretty quickly when I look at something that doesn't. I do tend to pick all the same value colours though- looks nice close up but from far away the pattern is lost. Have to be brave and buy more dark fabric- I'm always afraid it will dominate too much.

tesspug

Go to a hardward store and get some of those paint strips. The kind with different shades of the same color. Pick several of your favorite colors and several of your least favorite. Then get cream, brown, gray and black. Take them home and play with them. Each time you're in the store get a few more. Keep color combinations you like together and take them to the fabric store. You'll be teaching yourself how to look at color with out having to buy expensive fabric.

nygal

If you check online at fat quarter bundles..the fabrics usually coordinate nicely. Even check out www.connectingthreads.com

If you look at their fabrics they have them all displayed in style "groups or themes" together and you can mix and match and choose that way. You will learn more by experience. There are quilt books for beginners too that would be a nice help for you too.

adamae

On line go to designseeds.com for helpful color matches.

susie-susie-susie

When I first started quilting I found that fabrics that looked good together didn't when I got them home. I think the lighting in the stores distorted the colors. Also, I found that I tended to pick all medium fabrics rather than lights and darks mixed in. If you use your printer and the black and white setting you will be able to tell the lights, darks, and mediums apart. Just remember, practice makes perfect.
Sue

Chasing Hawk

I have 4 "Take 5" quilts to make....

Here is my color schemes.

pmrosie

Okay, honestly, I wait for someone on the quilt board to have a fabric sale, find what I love, or in the case of my scrappy Irish chain, what they sent. If I go to Joann's, I am like a 10 year old with ADD. Too much choice for me.

alikat110

Another great idea is to go to store that sells paint. Pick up some of the paint chips that show you how to combine paint colors in a pleasing pallette...then head over to the fabric store and start shopping. Be careful not to get caught up in matching fabric to paint chips- remember they are just a guide!!!

alikat110

Sorry tessbug...missed your reply! Great minds think alike!!!!

MimiBug123

I figure if I like it, it goes together! I usually pick out a focus fabric, then choose colors from that to put with it. Sometime I go a couple of shades lighter or darker for the contrast, depending on the pattern. If it's a fabric I spot that just says, "take me home", I buy 3 or 5 yards. That way I have enough for whatever I need it for, plus some to go in the stash for the next project. I've always heard that if your fabric is still ugly, the pieces just aren't small enough.