Amy Ellis has written her third book, Modern Neutrals and it's on tour this week. I'm
not sure when that girl sleeps! I think
most of you know I love a neutral. For
me, they are calming and sophisticated, but even if you’re a wild color
obsessed quilter, as I am on certain days, I'm sure you will find a design in
this book that you could paint in your own way.
That's the great thing about good design and the quilts in
this book rely on good design. Amy has
done a great job designing a set of block-based quilts that effectively use
value, which is essential when you're not leaning on color.
My favorite quilt in the book is Slice.
As some of you know, I love to cut things up and this quilt
feeds that urge. I always wonder what
would happen if things were cut apart and put back together and that's just
what Amy does in this quilt. I think the
on point setting takes this quilt to the next level as well. I need to let Amy know that I might have to cut it
a couple more times to see what happens?
I think she'd be OK with that!
I also love quilts that create illusions and the Placid
Curves quilt does that beautifully.
Don't you love when simple squares and rectangles create
curves? It's beautiful!
There are 15 projects to choose from in Modern
Neutrals. They're all simple to piece
and this book is an 80+ page lesson in using value.
Head here to answer a few questions that may help you win a
hard copy of the book and some extras from Amy.
Be sure to read my post carefully and follow along on the rest of the tour.
You'll need some information from the post and the others to answer the questions.
I'll draw one winner to receive a pdf copy of the book. Just leave a comment and answer the question,
how are you at using value in your quilts?
Comments will close Sunday midnight. Winner on Monday if all goes well! Comments are now closed!
Comments will close Sunday midnight. Winner on Monday if all goes well! Comments are now closed!
Wow - love both of those quilts! I think I am okay at using value - not great, but have done alright.
ReplyDeleteI rely on value for choosing fabrics for most of my quilts. I am working on a quilt right now that is all about value. I love both of the quilts you featured!!
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ReplyDeleteThe Slice is lovely and I do love the curved appearance from the Placid Curves.
ReplyDeleteI am getting better at the values, but I still have a ways to go with mine.
A newbie here, so value is difficult at this stage. Thanks for a chance at this book. I really like Placid Curves. The illusion of curves is wonderful (without sewing curves) :)
ReplyDeleteI think I'm pretty lame at using value, but I've only been quilting for about a year, and I'm learning! LOVE the quilts in this book!
ReplyDeleteI am pretty good with value, but I like to break the or stretch the concept somewhat,
ReplyDeleteGreat Quilts. I'm starting to be more aware of value especially when using scraps. These neutrals really show off how value works.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm still learning about values when choosing colors...most of the time I wind up with everything medium.
ReplyDeleteEver since I learned to turn my color pics of fabrics I want to use into b/w pics and use that for the values, I've done much better; especially with the close ones.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty amateurish when it comes to fabric choices but I do know the trick of taking a digital photo of the fabrics and filtering it to black & white. If it still looks good there, I'm ready to go!
ReplyDeleteI'm not good at values at all but I'm trying to improve. Both of the quilts you show in your post today are great, but Placid Curves is just downright awesome. I'm going to have to get that book!!
ReplyDeleteI'm with Rebecca and Pat, value is a bit of a challenge for me because I am so attracted to patterns and prints. But I'm learning that they look better on stage with lots of supporting neutrals, negative space, or quieter values. I tend to choose a palette and work with a range of values within it.
ReplyDeleteI'm getting better! I used to use a lot of medium values, so very little definition, then I went high contrast - over compensation, although sometimes very effective, now I'm finally feeling more comfortable!
ReplyDeleteLove those two quilts you've showcased!
I think I do okay. I haven't made that many quilts yet. I use what I like to see together and none has ever said it is blah. Of course, no one has ever said WOW either.
ReplyDeletesenstrings (@) yahoo (dot) com
I like Placid Curves - the illusion of curves appeals to me!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I'm especially confident with value!
I have only been seriously quilting for about 6 months, so I am still trying to learn value in the variety of colors I use. I've always considered myself an artist, but just haven't been able to find my true medium. When I discovered quilting, I discovered my medium! And now I can't stop!
ReplyDeleteI like a lot of contrast when choosing fabrics for my quilts, especially if there is a definite pattern. Thanks for the chance to win this great book.
ReplyDeletek.castanette@hotmail.com
Value is a challenge for me. I am very aware of it, but often struggle to achieve the look I want - sigh....
ReplyDeletebut, I keep trying!
Thanks for the chance to win!
Elizabeth
boltonia55@yahoo.com
I think that I am okay at using value in a quilt but definietly have room to grow
ReplyDeleteI'm still working on that, but I am getting better.
ReplyDeleteI think I am getting better with value but I would not say I am totally confident about it yet!
ReplyDeletewith thanks, Rachael
Value is something continue to work on. Love the quilts you talked about today.
ReplyDeleteNot very good at all I'm afraid. I didn't notice that my medium was actually a dark until I had finished binding in my most recent quilt.
ReplyDeleteI'm terrible at value - seems I mostly work in the middle - but I'm trying to work on that!
ReplyDeleteI guess I'm not very good at using value. I've never made anything "low volume only." I tend to make things with lots of color and lots of white/cream.
ReplyDeleteI am 'OK' at using value but definitely getting better. It has been hard to 'move' from mostly medium...I think a lot of it are the 'rules'. No beige and white together. Use the same types of fabrics. I'm definitely getting better at throwing the whole thing at the wall and seeing if I like it...regardless.
ReplyDeleteLike a lot of others I could use some practice with value. Doing something all in neutrals would definitely require practice with it! The quilts in this book look fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI think I'm pretty good with using value in my quilts....though it really depends on my mood! But, there's always room in my wee brain to learn more!
ReplyDeleteThanks for a chance at the give-away. Awesome book!
Maureen
mgw070 at shaw dot ca
i'm still learning how with quilting, but i do tend to let the fabrics tell my eye and i take black and white photos too, that helps, but the more i have to learn the more i get to make quilts;)
ReplyDeleteIt's so comforting to read all these comments from people who are learning/growing in quilting and choosing fabrics and using value. I too am new - and have a great time trying ideas I find in blogs. I've tried the photos in black and white - and that helps. I've tried using 2 strong colours together - and the jury is still out.
ReplyDeleteThese are fantastic quilts. I have to confess I have a few too many projects with too much "medium" value.
ReplyDeleteMy sister taught me quilting and one of the first things she taught me was value, value, value. It has served me well.
ReplyDeleteI know the importance of value in my quilts and I'm trying to get better at it. Proper use makes a huge difference.
ReplyDeleteI'm just okay with it. I have saved a tutorial on creating a shattered looking block with values to get better at putting it together.
ReplyDeleteI'm good at value, but I'd like to incorporate more variety into my low value selections, rather than always using Know snow or white.
ReplyDeleteI try my hardest, but when I finish a quilt, I always seem to see where I could have used value to better enhance the design. It is very important.
ReplyDeleteI'm sort of a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants type of quilt planner. Good value is often a happy accident. I really should pay closer attention! :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for giving us some insight into the wonderful book. I think there is much I can learn and hope to soon have it in my library...appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteI'm doing good these days with using values. It is surprising, sometimes, when you think you've 'got it' only to realize when you see the finished block that you didn't. Everyday is a another day to learn something new or improve on something you already do or know.
ReplyDeleteI love Placid Curves - what a fabulous pattern! I'm just learning about using value in my quilts, as I haven't done much quilting yet and am still learning. :)
ReplyDeleteLove the first pattern. I am a novice at using value.
ReplyDeleteI'm terrible at value...I see color. I need the 80+ page lesson this book provides!
ReplyDeleteI can handle value when the spirit moves me. I am a person of extremes and but that can be tiring. Must be why I am drawn to the neutrals in both patterns- simplicity
ReplyDeleteI'm not too bad at selecting value. I didn't realize the Placid Curves quilt has no curved pieces the first time I saw it. It's great!
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to become more aware of how different values can change a quilt. When I do "it" right, the quilt will really sing.
ReplyDeleteGreat quilts.
ReplyDeleteI squint a lot in selecting fabric to get the value differences I am looking for that will help a design or secondary pattern show up in my quilt.
I'm not great at using value, but I'm getting better. I know some tricks, but I don't take them time to use them!
ReplyDeleteI have done a couple quilts where I have focused on value. It is always a good lesson. Love the quilts from the book. Thanks
ReplyDeleteIn the Placid quilt, is the illusion of curves created by the value of fabric choices or from the piecing?
ReplyDeleteI have lots to learn!
I think I'm pretty good at using and manipulating values, but I have not had much experience with using a monochromatic color palette.
ReplyDeleteamazing book! I try to use value in my quilts but am not always successful! I am in love with the placid curves quilt and would love to attempt it - thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteLove, love these quilts!
ReplyDeleteI've made a lot of mistakes over the years regarding value. Now If I'm unsure , I use the ruby beholder--it's saved me many times!
ReplyDelete