Winners + Value

I'm so glad it's Monday again because that means I'm here, I'm home and things can (hopefully) go back to normal again soon.  I feel like I need a vacation from our vacation.  You all know how that goes.  Of course, we did have fun.  But, it was also the most stressful vacation ever due to last-minute planning.  That's just not how I roll, folks!  A learning experience for sure.

I'm so glad to have made it to the end of our day.  Our morning was anything but normal (the washer is apparently broken on this laundry day and school didn't happen until the afternoon), but I'm determined, really determined to get some sewing time in today.  I have two exciting ideas for my values quilt.  The only way to choose between them, methinks, is to make a sample of each.  Or, just don't choose and make both (I know you were thinking that!).  Perhaps a reversible quilt?  Well, we'll see.

Meanwhile, I get to announce the winners of the Softly Against Black mosaic contest.  With over 550 votes the top two mosaics are....


Softly Against Black in Berry by Annabelle Gardner.  My interested was immediately piqued by the combo of smokey grays and berry purples.  Plum is one of my favorite colors, especially in the fall and winter seasons.

Softly Against Black Contest Entry
 

Our second winner is Softly Against Black in Peach by Kristan Kremer at Doodledodesigns.  Don't you adore the fluttering pink tones, hint of warm melon and that romantic Venice print?  The combination is ultra-feminine and ultra-lovely.

Congratulations to our winners who will receive their bundles in fresh, delicious cotton real soon!  A great big thanks to Fresh Modern Fabric for sponsoring our fun.  If you need some Softly Against Black in your life, both these bundles are available for purchase now.  Limited quantities available!

And, you know, if you're thinking about joining us for the values quilt-along, either of these bundles are a good starting point.  Each one has dark and light values, which are the ones probably lacking in your stash or in your shopping cart.  Most of us are drawn to medium-value prints (like Kona Melon in the peach mosaic).   Also, many fun collections contain lots of large-scale and/or multi-colored prints which are difficult to work with value-wise.  For a values quilt you'll want prints that read all one value - either mostly dark (like the Venice print or black), mostly medium (like Kona Melon or medium gray) or mostly light (like Pearl Bracelet in peach or pale gray).

Chicopee by Value... with a skill assignment for you

You could have a very colorful array of fabrics for your quilt, like my stacks here.  Or you could choose to use 1-2 main colors plus neutrals, as demonstrated in these Softly Against Black mosaics. 

Time for a little shopping?