Another - Opinion Please?

What about black?

Personally, I am very fond of black and bright quilts. I think you will just have to go to your LQS with all your blocks and see what speaks to you.

Mary

I think I may really have to go lay some of the blocks out on a big piece of black fabric. I just can't picture it in my mind - but I bet with the bright colors of the blocks, it could be really pretty.

And being made for a guy - he would probably prefer black too eh?

Any recommendations on backing?

Thanks again, Tina

I also think black would make the colours stand out really well

Dee in Oz

What about joining the blocks in fours (to make pieced square shapes) and then adding wide black sashings? If you are worried about the black, dark navy blue is a "softer" alternative that still gives a good lift to brights. Ditto very dark green.

If you want to add size turn the blocks on point and use plain edge triangle inserts. I don't know how big the blocks are but 30 6" blocks on point (like chevrons) with plain alternate blocks is about 42" X 50". Add 1" sashing and the quilt area is about 50" X 60". If that's not big enough add a border.

If you use a dark green you can alway applique palm fronds or monsteria leaves just coming into the blocks as well. Just for a little something different. When is the next swap like this??? Love to join in I think. trish in Sydney :)

Definately black!

Suzie B

As there is black in the fabric you showed, I think black would be best. However, if you thought that might make it too dark, or whatever? I have seen a very pretty idea: put a narrow (half inch?) strip around two of the sides of each block, then use a bright or lighter colour for actual sashing. This makes it look as though the block is floating (the black strip looks like a shadow). . In message , Tina writes

I like the dark green suggestion. Black would be good but the green just seems to fit the theme a little better IMHO.

Rita L.

Pete 'n' Trish wrote:

Gosh this group has some wonderful ideas - who needs books when you have RCTQ!

Suzie B ("everything I need to know I learned from RCTQ..." - should be on a tee-shirt)

If you want the easy answer, go with black. If they were my blocks, I'd go to the store and try them out on different colors (textures, not prints or solids) and see what floats my boat and salts my glass.

The blocks look great, BTW.

I like Cheryl's idea of on-point, too. It's not as hard as it looks - I've done several and they really were easy, except for the tendency to tilt your head as you are working.

Thanks Wendy - and everyone!

Wendy, I just have to say, working with these materials the past few days - I am SOOOO glad I did this swap! These are the funnest fabrics I have ever had and now I'm wishing I had more of them!

The Christmas and Halloween swaps are fun too - but I hope you plan on doing a LOT more like the Margaritaville and I plan on participating in every one!

Thanks a million for helping to broaden my fabric horizons! Hugs, Tina

Patti - I love this idea also (the narrow dark strip)! May have to try it out a few different ways before I make a final decision.

I love all these ideas - the dark green (one of my favorites anyway) - black, which I thought was my best option before I thought about asking for opinions from those who have done this a lot more than me - just taking the squares and laying them on different textures and experimenting.....

decisions, decisions, decisions....... I am so grateful to have the input of all of you!

Hugs, Tina

This sounds very cool Cheryl - and I would love to see a finished product like that - but I keep looking at quilt patterns where the blocks are turned on point - and I just don't think my "skill level" is ready for that yet! LOL I know Wendy says it's not as hard as it looks, but trying to put this quilt together at the same time as working on the two houses, I think it might be best if I don't frustrate myself further by trying something new and challenging right now, that I have never done before.

I am going to hang on to your name though - so that when we are moved and things are calmer, I can contact you for tutorials on turning blocks on point and assembling them! LOL

Thanks for the great ideas! Tina

Hey - nice one Patti. I like the sound of this.

Love the blocks, Tina!! I vote for black, too.

It appears that each block has some blue in , so why not accentuate that by adding a bright blue sashing.

Denise

It really ain't any more work than setting them straight - but if you ever need help just holler! Good luck with whatever you decide on. The blocks are gorgeous and I'm sure the quilt will be too!