I don’t recall where I first heard the statement that titles this post but, when I ask Ms. Google, I find it a common saying on art teaching sites. It is certainly true in quilting.
The class I taught most recently was about learning to use color in quilts. We used Linda Hahn’s pattern Junk to Jems. I gave each student a handout with numerous ways to vary the blocks. Everyone brought scraps and we all worked on different ways to combine them. It was fun and we got some very interesting color combinations.
Here are some of the blocks made in the class:
And here are a couple of variations I made as class samples:
As with all Linda’s patterns, Junk to Jems was clearly written. I’ll probably use it again because so many variations can be made with this block.
And yes, I am using both cream and white backgrounds in the same quilt 🙂
Zippy Quilts 
Mixing cream with white is a big deal – I am looking forward to seeing how you pull it off!
It’s mainly a matter of chutzpah 🙂
A friend gave be the book by Christine E. Barnes, the Quilter’s Color Club. I am trying to get more of a background on how to choose and use color. I usually just choose fabric that catches my attention, without thought of the color, texture, or hue. After I piece something together, and it doesn’t look right, I realize that I need to put more thought into choosing fabric. Any suggestions or hints from you are welcomed. I love the examples you posted.
Thanks 😊 I’ll send you an email when I get to the desktop computer
I too have heard that expression and it is very true. Looks like your students had fun in your class.
Thanks. We all had fun.
Your blocks looks so well balanced…and I’m also anxious to see how mixing cream & white works out 🙂
Ha! I guess I’ll do a post on mixing cream and white when I have a quilt to show. It’s always good to get new ideas for posts 😁
Oooh the title of your post is spot on. We focus so much on color and then we have a muddy block/piece with all mediums and did not think about value in our design (been there!)
Yep! We’ve all been there 🙃