I totally agree. That class sounds very informative. I use marbles and tone-on-tones, also; but, there are times when the pattern needs that extra crispness that a mottled or tone-on-tone fabric can't quite deliver.

I always use a least some solids in my quilts. My favorites are kona cottons. Blenders are pretty too.

I hate solids so naturally my daughter gave me three patterns for Mother's Day with a request for Christmas quilts...and since they are vintage video game screens, they have to be ONLY solids. I found all of the 37 colors/shades that I needed on Equilter.com.

I prefer marbles or fusions for the most part, but I have used kona black several times. A narrow sashing of black makes sharp colors really pop.

I love the tone on tone or splotchy fabrics, Love them, but yesterday was in Joanns and picked up some quilters solid, that was the name on them, apparently Joanns, I don't know. But I got a few yrds, on sale, that is why I bought them. Otherwise I am a toner gal.

Rita

Tone on tones and marbles are great, but when I want my hand quilting to really stand out, solids are what I use.

Janet

I use solids occasionally....I love the Kona Cotton too, especially when I have a JoAnnes 40 percent off coupon!

Don't you just love Gwen Marston? I love to use solids. I've seen a lot of people using Kona white and Kona ash for borders and basically they go with so many fabrics (of course). A clerk at one of my favorite quilt shops said she doesn't like Kona as much as P&B solids for applique because it frays (Kona has a lower thread count).

I was using a lot of black for awhile. I wish the special was still on I found a 5 yard bolt for 17.00. Wish I had bought more . I still have some 3 years later and its great quality. I have wandered away from solids too. Mostly because this year I am doing the "finish UFO" thingy. Need to get back to sewing. These 2 little foster chihuahua's take a lot of time. More than puppies. lol

I don;t use many solids bit keep a supply of JoAnn's synphony on hand at all times. They closed our store near me but I can always order it. Works great onbacking for kids donation quilts.