My block is named Four of a Kind. It's not hard to figure out why! I actually designed the single heart a long time ago and it has been waiting patiently for the right project to go into! I decided to make it into a group of 4 - 6" units rather than just on large 12" block. It's paper pieced because of the wonky nature of it - I'd rather paper piece than work with templates any day of the week!
Below is my EQ rendition of the block. I like to use EQ to experiment with color. As most quilters are, I'm very visual. I need to actually see the colors to know if I'm going to like them or not. For some reason, imagining them in my mind doesn't work well for me - I'm often left feeling like the version in my head is better than what I actually make! So if I can see it ahead of time, I know I'll love it!
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| Four of a Kind for Quiltmaker's 100 Block vol. 13 - EQ version |
Once I drew the block - in this case the group of 4 hearts, I start clicking on colors. Sometimes I stick to complementary colors (orange/blue, green/red, purple/yellow) and sometimes I go with warms and cools (red/orange/yellow being warms and blue/green/purple being cools). And sometimes I go random to see what unexpected combinations pop up that are pleasing. This time I decided to keep the heart in the traditional red as a starting point. My usual inclination is to go the unexpected route - making the heart in a color other than red - the unexpected. But, for some reason, this time I was feeling traditional!
Once that decision was made, I moved on to the background colors. Since the red, a warm color, is the dominant, I decided to go with cool colors in the background. Being that there are 3 cool colors - blue, green and purple (not counting indigo - I never know where to put indigo!), I had to decide which color to double up on.
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| Rejected Color Option |
Of course, my go-to color is blue! But this just didn't look quite right to me. It seems a bit bland. So I played with the warm colors. Adding in just one seemed to work. It made it much more interesting and somehow more pleasing to look at!
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| The finished Four of a Kind! |
If I were to make a baby quilt out of this block, which is a natural use for it, I think I'd forgo the bright, intense colors for softer pastels - pinks come to mind. And of course, adding in prints would always be a good option! Twelve blocks with a 2" sashing in a straight set and border would make a 44" x 58" baby quilt - quick and easy!
Now for what you are all waiting for - the giveaway! To win a coy of the magazine - Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks vol. 13 - leave a comment telling me if you like working with solids or prints in your quilts (or both!). I'll draw for the winner on Friday, May 6. And remember, in order to win, I have to know how to get ahold of you! If you don't have your email address in your profile or comment as anonymous, I won't be able to get the book to you, so please include your email with your comment if you think I won't be able to find it!
Good luck!
The contest is over and Judy V. is the winner! Congratulations Judy and thanks to all who entered!
A sweet block! Love it! I am not used to work with solids, but I just bought a bundle blues and i am eager to cut into it soon!
ReplyDeleteI agree, the first EQ image is better. Great colors!! I like working with solids and prints. Solids usually for the backgrounds.
ReplyDeleteLove your hearts! I like to work with prints, but I do throw in a solid or two on occasion. Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteI like the hearts and the bright colors are great. I like to work with both solids and prints! Right now the quilts that attract my eye are out of solids but I have always liked the variety of prints.
ReplyDeleteI love working with both prints and solids, sometimes both at the same time =)
ReplyDeleteI really like this heart block. I also think it would be great for a baby quilt. I need to make 2 baby quilts by September, & this looks like a great one. Thanks for the inspiration. cknapp3626(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
ReplyDeleteI have to admit I'm mostly into prints. I do have a lot of batiks as well but haven't really used many of them. I inherited a friends fabric collection and now have a large selection of solids so I'll start incorporating them with the prints. Funnylady93@comcast.net
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I am on a solid kick right now.
ReplyDeleteI really like using a combination of solids and prints. For some reason I like negative space on my quilts.
ReplyDeleteI like to work with both solids and prints. I think they can both add interest to any quilt.
ReplyDeleteI work with solids and prints--depends on what I'm making and what mood I'm in (modern vs. traditional).
ReplyDeletenkadenver at yahoo dot com
I like working with solids.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of solids, but I love tone on tone blenders instead.
ReplyDeleteHi...I love to paper piece and I luv your block!
ReplyDeletemaryannhertel@gmail.com
congratulations. such a fun block. i agree with you, i would put this cute block in pastels and prints.
ReplyDeletequilting dash lady at comcast dot net
I don't use solids very often; I prefer blenders.
ReplyDeleteCute block! I like to work mainly with prints, using solid as accent pieces.
ReplyDeleteI use everything, tho I am more likely to use prints and blenders than solids.
ReplyDeleteCute block! I like working with both prints and solids.
ReplyDeleteCute hearts block :-) I definitely lean towards prints with my quilts with solids added in where needed. I don't think i've made a quilt with just solids. Congrats for your continued blocks in Quiltmaker's 100!
ReplyDeleteI love all solid quilts..
ReplyDeleteI like your hearts and hearing how you auditioned the colors. I prefer to use tone-on-tone fabrics, but lately have been using more solid colors. Not too hard a shift.
ReplyDeleteI love heart blocks. I like to mike it up and use a combination of solids and small prints. Some quilts especially more modern designs just call out for solids though.
ReplyDeleteI love solids for their impact, but also enjoy fun prints. I love fussy cutting fun prints for childrens projects.
ReplyDeleteThank you for a chance to win. I usually use prints in my quilts, but I have not issue with solid colors. Your block looks like it would be fun to experiment with solid fabrics.
ReplyDeleteI usually work with prints and batiks, and often add a solid.
ReplyDeletecork@pa.rr.com
I use prints. If I need solids, I tend to use fabrics that reads as solids. e.g. white on white fabrics.
ReplyDeleteI like solids, and some quilts would not look good made with prints, but I prefer prints most of the time.
ReplyDeleteI use mostly prints. 24Tangent@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI rarely use solids. I thinks tone on tone prints work very well in the place of a solid.
ReplyDeletemarybnett@gmail.com
I like a mix, but usually prints.
ReplyDeleteUse both prints and solids. Really like your block!! It would make a really cute little quilt!! Thanks. Diane O
ReplyDeleteI like to use prints mainly with accents of solids.
ReplyDeleteI do both, but seem to work mostly with prints.
ReplyDeleteI like using both. But I tend to use more prints.
ReplyDeleteDmac5958ataoldotcom
I am always drawn to pretty prints xx
ReplyDeleteIain.ross30 at gmail dot com
I almost always work with prints; my few experiments with solids were very successful so I will definitely turn to them again.
ReplyDeleteI use most of the time prints, but now I am working in a solid quilt for my son. (yamparah@gmail.com)
ReplyDeleteI have a huge collection of prints and tone on tone. Adding solids in the way of marbly looking fabrics. rmgsummers@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI usually sew most often with print fabric. I am just starting to use more solids.
ReplyDeleteI tend to use both depending on what I'm working on.
ReplyDeleteMost of my quilting/sewing projects are for community service... I can see these hearts as a pillowcase cuff, the block would be great for teen quilts as well as baby items for the NICunit. thank you for the wonderful ideas...Kaylace@bellsouth.net
ReplyDeleteI use mostly prints--mainly because I have a huge accumulation (aka Stash) of them!
ReplyDeleteI like working solids into my prints. I think they work great to separate and highlight the prints.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy working with solids and prints. They just seem to go together. Love your block. Very cute and easy to make. Thank you for being a part of QM's 100 blocks and sharing your inspiration with all of us and the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteSandi Timmons
sandit1@sbcglobal.net
I do both solids and prints.. love this hearts.. drhodes9@cox.net
ReplyDeleteI have prints and no solids. Problem is I love the solid colors now, and I have a huge stash of prints to use before I can buy solids. Thanks for your block and giveaway.
ReplyDeletedjcutting2 at gmail dot com
I like to work with both solids and prints. Thank you for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteJan - vtcjan@yahoo.com
I love both but batiks are my go to for most things(no right or wrong side there!) mumbird3atgmaildotcom
ReplyDeleteI prefer prints or batiks to solids in my quilts. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI am not a big "solids" person - I pretty much only use prints in my quilts....except for Kona black when I want my prints and colors to really shine!
ReplyDeleteI am getting more comfortable with prints and using my red glasses to sort. crystalbluern at tds dot net
ReplyDeleteFriday is my birthday! I like to work with both solids and prints.
ReplyDeleteThanks
lwmorris1@gmail.com
I am one of those quilters who is always saying, "All of the above". I am currently working on an all solids mini quilt, a quilt that mixes prints and solids, and quilt that swirls with fun prints.
ReplyDeleteGreat block! I love solids and prints!
ReplyDeleteI use both, but I use prints much more.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your lovely block and thank you for the chance to win! After using prints almost exclusively for the last decade, I've started playing with just solids and find them to be very striking when the right colors are used.
ReplyDeleteI love to use both prints and solids. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of 100 Blocks.
ReplyDeleteI mostly use prints, in fact I really like novelty prints. Your block is fun. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI like using both solids and prints.Your block is very nice and can be used in different ways. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteFirst it was solids, bright ones. The last 3 years batiks only-they play well together. For the last 3 months, solids-especially after Quiltcon West!
ReplyDeleteI really love prints, but support American Made Brand fabric which I have in solids and like the results I have with it. Right now I'm making a quilt that uses both. Very pretty block.
ReplyDeleteI have a lot more experience working with prints, but I like them both. Sometimes the prints I use read as solids.
ReplyDeleteIt all depends on the look you are going for.. I sometimes do solid alone, or prints alone, or I mix it up with both..
ReplyDeleteI love solids and prints. I love the look of a solids only quilt and I like to have fun mixing prints. It all depends on my mood. Thank you for sharing your blocks!
ReplyDeletedebbygrawn at yahoo dot com
I favor prints but usually have to add solids for the eye to rest.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy working with prints best. There have been a few solids quilts that I like and have started planning to make one or two but prints are in my heart.
ReplyDeletetushay3 (at) yahoo (dot) com
I like mixing both prints and solids!
ReplyDeleteI mostly use prints but lately I've been buying solids to use. Lovely block! Thanks for a chance to win a copy of the magazine.
ReplyDeleteI usually choose a print or a tone on tone over a solid. Very interesting to hear about your design process.
ReplyDeleteI usually work with prints. I find them more interesting than solids.
ReplyDeleteI love paper-piecing. I'm like you--I see a block I like, and I like to play with my own fabrics and color arrangements, before I cut. And I like to do that on my computer in Quilt-Pro. I like solids, tone_on-tone blenders/marbles/simple prints. I don't like large prints or florals. I like prints that are small enough to cut into pieces and not disguise the block design pieced together. I like clear contrast.
ReplyDeletereillyr2(at)hotmail(dot)com
I usually prefer to work with print fabric. Think it adds to movement in the quilt. Maybe it is time to try something new---solids
ReplyDeleteelliepaq@hotmail.com
Definitely both, although I have made two quilts with all solids and plan on making two more soon.
ReplyDeleteI like your idea of using your block for a baby quilt. I really enjoy using prints but am seeing more and more solid quilts that I would like to try one.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great block! I have a lovely collection of prints and use them in my quilts. bhometchko(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteIt must be prints because I don't use too many solids!
ReplyDeleteI work with both all the time but I do like the looks of an all solid quilt.
ReplyDeleteAm starting to use Solids more..usually use Tone on Tones with my prints. Thank you for chance to win your Give-a-way!
ReplyDeleteLove you block. I prefer working with prints, and fabrics that read as solids though aren't. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI like to work with prints, or a combination of both. I've never yet used all solids. But there's always a first time!
ReplyDeletekakingsbury at verizon dot net
I use lots of prints, but you need the solids to ground them sometimes. Judy V. judyv1954@sbcglobal.net
ReplyDeleteI usually work with prints and tone on tone, but I am currently working on increasing my solid stash.
ReplyDeleteI like to work with mini prints.
ReplyDeletesolids! love it now that I found some solids in batiks!
ReplyDeleteWhat sweet hearts! I don't like all solid quilts but most of my projects have a solid or a couple of near solid blenders.
ReplyDeleteI use solids, but generally just for backgrounds, I prefer subtle prints that read as one colour.
ReplyDeletejen dot barnard at btinternet dot com
I love to work with both
ReplyDeleteI rarely use solids, my quilts are slightly scrappy and I love batiks!
ReplyDeleteI rarely use solids, my quilts are slightly scrappy and I love batiks!
ReplyDeleteI mostly use prints, especially tone-on-tone.
ReplyDeleteI like prints, unless I can manage fabulous quilting in the solids!
ReplyDeleteI mostly use prints, with a variety of beige prints for background. Cmpschmidt@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteSometimes it's prints. sometimes solids and often a combo, just let it be fabric. Kathy in colo repzjratplainsdotnet
ReplyDeleteI like to use both solids and prints when making quilts.
ReplyDeleteI like working with both solids and prints, but there's something lovely and satisfying when you use just solids!
ReplyDeleteI really am a big fan of prints..... happyness04431@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteDarling block! Right now I'm mostly working with prints. One day I'd love to make a quilt only using solids.
ReplyDeleteThanks for a chance to win.
usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com
So far I have always made quilts with solids and prints although some day I do want to make a quilt with just solids.
ReplyDeleteUsually prints, but I like solids or almost solids for sashings and narrow borders sometimes.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
joyecox@yahoo.com
Really a sweet block! My block, Flowers for the Cabin, is also in Vol. 13 and I just love to follow along with the blog hop and read about all the other designers!
ReplyDeleteI tend to use prints on solids, but am fascinated by the possibility of using prints on prints.
ReplyDeleteI like to work with tonals (tone-on-tone, reads as solid) and batiks. I'm currently doing a quilt using Suedes from P&B Textiles and I think they're very, very pretty.
ReplyDeleteI use "solids" most when I use my own hand dyes; otherwise I tend to use "read solid" tonals. pjrquilter (at) msn(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI like working with prints. Very seldom do I through in a solid. But I've been thinking of doing a whole quilt in solids. Congratulations on publication! kthurn(at)bektel(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI use prints because it can hide some quilting errors as I am a beginner! tljeo@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I love your Four of a Kind block...hearts are my favorite! I like to use both prints and solids.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun block and also paper pieced! All of my favorite things. Now to figure out how to find enough time to make all these wonderful paper pieced blocks. I like to use prints for most of my blocks, altho some times a piece of plain material makes everything pop! Thanks so much for sharing all your blocks.
ReplyDeleteI use prints a lot as I try to hide my flaws, or at least I'm thinking that I'm hiding them. (Visualize a child hiding behind a daisy, thinking it's a tree!)
ReplyDeleteI work with both solids and prints, but my favorite is batiks, thanks for the giveaway
ReplyDeletesewernancy@gmail.com
You have such a cute block! Love it!! I like working with both solids and prints - each provide so many options for lots of creativity!
ReplyDeleteI prefer prints. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI use both solids and prints in my quilts. But I prefer prints.
ReplyDeleteI love both,
ReplyDeleteThank you.
I like using both solids and prints. I love Quiltmaker's 100 blocks.
ReplyDeleteI'm a print lover. paradise1400@aol.com
ReplyDeleteI love working mostly with prints. They add so much interest.
ReplyDeletebella.harriger@yahoo.com
I like prints so I can hide my quilting glitches. Making the hearts in pastels is a good idea for sweet baby quilts.--swalker287 (at) aol (dot) com.
ReplyDeleteI like a combination of prints and solids.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this book
Thank you
My email: bfdomal@gmail.omc