Design Assistance, Please

I don't know about the Kaffe Fasset fabrics; but even before looking at the fabrics, I though of 'oriental'. Many of those have black backgrounds, and they also have metallic embellishment which, I think with black would be gorgeous. Or, you could another way and use those metallic effect cottons (the cotton and nylon mix ones). They are shimmery with wonderful colours. I can't think of a better use than putting them with those lovely black tone on tones. You have to be a little careful with pressing - use a slightly lower temperature (and I also used a cloth), but they are so very pretty. . In message , joan8904 in Bellevue Nebraska writes

My muse must be out partying with yours Joan. Those fabrics are beautiful! I hope they are still around by the time I get out and about again. I can't wait to see what you come up with.

Joan, how about doing Hip to be Square, but making random pieces a contrasting fabric? By random pieces, I'm thinking of the smaller squares that appear to inset in the middle of a larger block. My first thought was jewel tones (probably marbled), but a colorful print with a black background would work too. In my mind, the black tone-on-tone is going to have a subtle movement to it as your eye travels from one design to the next, and I'm visualizing "jewels" being nestled in a luxurious black background for safekeeping.

I've got to get some of those blacks - I don't know if I could have stopped at half-yard cuts!

I'm sorry. I didn't mean Storm at Sea, I meant Oceans Waves. (Well, it's all about water, right?)

Japanese puzzle with some oriental florals to set off the black prints might look wonderful. Can't wait to see what you do. I enjoy all of your work. TAria

And I've got the template for that one! And it wouldn't involve any half-square triangles, which right now seems like a very good thing. joan

Beautiful fabrics, Joan! I love black. Personally, I'd go with jewel tones. They'd really pop on a black background.

I'm sorry. I didn't mean Storm at Sea, I meant Oceans Waves. (Well, it's all about water, right?)

That would be awesome!

I'm part of the fan club too, Joan. Just dying to see what you're going to do with that beautiful set of blacks. My 'different set of drummers' has gone to a Mardi Gras parade so I'm marching alone here - would jewel colors just be so popping that the lovely designs on the blacks will just fade into oblivion? Before you go to cutting, do audition something quietly contrasting - maybe a soft rosy sort of beige? or a gentle gold? IMHO of course, Polly

Or both of those luscious-sounding colours. Yummmmm. . In message , Polly Esther writes

Joan, everything you make is just gorgeous, so I can't wait to see what you do with these beautiful blacks! I'm not crazy about most of the Kaffe Fassett stuff (JMHO), but I'm with Pat -- oriental fabrics with their gorgeous colors and metallic accents would be gorgeous!

Here's something I did with a collection of blacks. No two blacks are the same. Basic 3-D bowtie block.

Let us know what you decide.

joan8904 > As I've recently lost my quilting muse, I was pleasantly surprised to

Joan -- those are simply gorgeous! I have a black, green and white quilt on my TO-DO list (for hubby's new office). I just have to have some of these. Are they all from the same line? Does your shop have an online store -- I'd be happy to support them!

On Jan 10, 7:08=EF=BF=BDpm, "Kate in MI" wrot= e:

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Yes, they are a Marcus fabrics line. We only have 8 of the fabrics. I'm not sure if our West Center location got more/all. I will check tomorrow when I work and get back to you. j

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Our other store has the same 8 bolts that we have. They also have some similar fabric from Marcus from last year that they say matches nicely. I haven't seen that, so I can't vouch for the opinion. joan

i'm actually doing an Ocean Waves for my DS and his fiance' for their wedding quilt. i love the pattern, but am doing white, never thought to do black...i'll have to do another one with blacks.

have fun!

amy in CNY