Picking the right colors and values of fabric to make a quilt is a skill that for most of us takes some time develop. (Perhaps, that is why buying “quilt kits” of pre-selected fabrics from your favorite quilt shop are so popular!)
I recently learned quite a bit about color when I got my hands on an advance copy of a new book. (I got one copy for me and another for you! Make a comment for your chance to win it!)
I had the chance to review a book on mastering color written by author and quilter, Maria Paegler, who is also a blogger at "Quilts and Creativity". I agreed to host her blogger’s book tour on Quilter’s Buzz and she agreed to donate an autographed copy of the book. Make a comment and be entered to win the book!
Here is Maria:
Gina, thanks for hosting me at QuiltersBuzz for the third stop on my two-week "Color Mastery Blog Tour". I'm excited to introduce my revolutionary new way of approaching color in quilting. I wrote my new book, Color Mastery: 10 Principles for Creating Stunning Quilts, after my local shop owner, Jeanne at Sew Memorable, asked me to develop a color class. I was thrilled! I looked for books I could use in class, and soon found many gorgeous books on color, but none were suitable for classroom use, because the projects were too time-consuming. The color classes would have become more about the quilt construction than on getting the color right, and that wouldn't work.
So, I developed my own class exercises and projects that got my students working with the colors in their own stash right away. And it worked. I saw women who had been thoroughly intimidated by color theory forget all about their fears and delight in making color wheels, creating color journals, developing color palettes, and experiment with color in an entirely new way.
I designed quilts that were sophisticated but quick and easy to make, so students could focus on getting the color relationships right and have a finished quilt top after only one class.
The projects in Color Mastery can be made in one day, and are color workouts that don't look like color exercise quilts: they are wall quilts, lap quilts, table runners, and doll quilts, in a range of styles from funky to feminine, to masculine.
ED note: Maria walks you through the use of the color wheel, creating color palettes and color journals and has projects illustrating the principles you learn.
Maria even has a color mastery tutorial posted on YouTube.
You can email Maria at maria@colormastery.com
Color Mastery is available at quilt shops, AtlasBooks (my secure distributor website), and Amazon. Retailing at about $27.
Make a comment and be entered to win a copy of Color Mastery. Make a comment by Feb 12 at
comments
Really interesting!
Please, enter me to the draw.
Veronica
Posted by: Veronica | February 5, 2009 1:22 AM
This looks like an essential book for every quilter's library!. Please enter me in the draw.
Cathy
Posted by: Cathy | February 5, 2009 1:39 AM
Please enter me in the drawing. I like to make quilts, but choosing the colors is always the hardest part for me.
Posted by: Martha B | February 5, 2009 3:32 AM
The thirst for knowledge describes me. My collection of books and magazines is nearly as big as my fabric stash. (not quite) but being able to master the color thing on my own just hasn't happened yet. I am looking forward to learning Marie's techniques.
Posted by: Connie H. | February 5, 2009 3:50 AM
What an EXCELLENT resource to have in our quilter's library! ; )
Posted by: sewpam63 | February 5, 2009 4:05 AM
Putting the colors together to start a project is one of my favorites steps in the process. Please enter me to win this book!
Posted by: Patty | February 5, 2009 4:19 AM
Yes, I need help with color. I am sure this book would do me a world of good. I would love to add this to my library
Posted by: Charlie | February 5, 2009 5:08 AM
I am just making my first quilted cushion and yes I agreem picking the colours is so hard, Margaret
Posted by: Margaret | February 5, 2009 5:24 AM
I always struggle with choosing colors. Looks like this book would be a ton of help!
Posted by: Emily S. | February 5, 2009 5:39 AM
I always struggle with color choices- this book would be a ton of help!
Posted by: Emily S. | February 5, 2009 5:41 AM
I'd really like to take her class, but her book would be the next best thing. I am so intimidated by color, and when I try to experiment with just a block, I flop. Oh, help me!
Lynn
Posted by: Lynn Damewood | February 5, 2009 5:57 AM
I'm always reading as much as I can to become more confident in my quilting. This could be a great help!
Posted by: Maribeth | February 5, 2009 5:59 AM
Looks like this book would be a wonderful addition to my quilting library. I would love to win it!
Karen
Posted by: Karen Holland | February 5, 2009 6:17 AM
Yes! This is just the kind of book I've been looking for but not found (until now, that is!)
I have made a few quilts where both piecing and quilting were just as I wanted it, but then I've realized that the fabrics didn't work together, although they seemed perfect - one by one ...
Please sign me up for this give away!!
Agneta in SWEDEN
Posted by: Agneta Ekholm | February 5, 2009 6:20 AM
I agree with everyone, this looks like a GREAT book! And thanks for sharing a chapter online for us. Got to go now and read Maria's blog.
Cheers!
Posted by: Phyllis in Sonoma | February 5, 2009 6:22 AM
I would love to win this book, thank you for offering this to us, I am off to check out the links you posted Kathyinozarks
Posted by: Kathy | February 5, 2009 6:24 AM
The first chapter gives a good taste of what is to come.
Posted by: Chris | February 5, 2009 6:25 AM
Looks like a great book. I know I could use some help with choosing fabric colors.
Posted by: Carrie P. | February 5, 2009 6:29 AM
I love trying new exciting colorways in quilts, but sometimes I can't quite get them right. This sounds like a great book to practice color skills!
Posted by: Sheri | February 5, 2009 6:37 AM
This is exactly what I need to break away from the kits. Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Dana | February 5, 2009 6:41 AM
I would love to learn more about color and applying the new knowledge for new quilts!
Posted by: Anita | February 5, 2009 6:43 AM
No matter how proficient we, as quilters, may be, the colors we use will give our work that extra "pow." Please enter me into the drawing.
Posted by: Jane S. | February 5, 2009 6:50 AM
As a beginning quilter in a group of beginning quilters, this sounds like the perfect book for me. Please enter me in the drawing as well.
Posted by: Angela McL. | February 5, 2009 7:09 AM
very interesting- she probably teaches a phenomenal class!
Posted by: Carrie Mc W | February 5, 2009 7:47 AM
Gina, I read your blog and promptly ordered this from Amazon. (its under $20.) I neeeed something cheerful to browse through on my 12 hour flight next week. If I win, then someone is going to receive a great gift.
Posted by: MargaretK | February 5, 2009 8:05 AM
I would love to be entered in the drawing. I seem to spend almost as much time picking fabrics as I do piecing the quilt so I think this is a very good topic for me to read.
Thanks for the info!
Posted by: Ferne | February 5, 2009 8:10 AM
Wow, this looks like a great book. Thanks for the link.
Posted by: Sue | February 5, 2009 8:28 AM
I have always used quilt kits because the daunting task of choosing my own fabrics and color combinations was beyond what I felt I was able to accommplish. This book sounds perfect. Please enter my in the drawing.
Posted by: Gayle B | February 5, 2009 8:52 AM
I would love to see that book!
Please coount me in :)
Posted by: Rita | February 5, 2009 8:57 AM
Looks like an interesting book - would love to have a copy!
Posted by: Michelle | February 5, 2009 9:01 AM
i am one of those people who are color challenged and like to buy kits...plz enter me in the drawing
Posted by: susan | February 5, 2009 9:21 AM
What a wonderful book. I wish I had a copy.
Posted by: Cindy | February 5, 2009 9:50 AM
I downloaded the sample chapter and it looks like a book packed with so much to learn! I'd love to win it.
Posted by: Debbie | February 5, 2009 11:08 AM
This book is definitely on my wish list!
Posted by: SarahB | February 5, 2009 12:57 PM
I think Maria is doing an excellent job promoting an awesome book! I would love to give an autographed copy to my sis! I'll probably get one for me too!
Posted by: Sarah Vee | February 5, 2009 1:53 PM
I think Maria is doing an excellent job promoting an awesome book! I would love to give an autographed copy to my sis! I'll probably get one for me too!
Posted by: Sarah Vee | February 5, 2009 2:00 PM
How exciting...just the cover makes you want to dive in, doesn't it? Thanks for offering to share :)
Posted by: Lisa C. | February 5, 2009 2:52 PM
Color mastery is most likely the weakest skill of many quilters. I see many quilts crafted of top-quality fabrics, masterfully pieced but the fabrics do not work together to make a work of art. I've always tended to keep to 1-2 fabric lines in a quilt as a safety net. I've just started to look for books on this subject and will certainly be over at Amazon to add it to my Wish List!
Posted by: Shari | February 5, 2009 2:57 PM
This looks like a must have. I think we all struggle with color from time to time. Please enter me in your drawing.
Posted by: Myra | February 5, 2009 3:05 PM
I watched the youtube video yesterday. Just that few minutes was surprisingly helpful! I've already added it to my wishlist. ;-)
Posted by: Collette | February 5, 2009 3:27 PM
An intriguing book! The projects sound like great excercises to develop our color sense. Looking forward to finding the book in my favorite book store/quilt shop.
Posted by: Becky | February 5, 2009 4:44 PM
This is one thing I struggle with when putting together a quilt. I am very excited to read this new book. I'm crossing my fingers on winning.
Posted by: Joni | February 5, 2009 5:20 PM
The book sounds great! I love the color aspects of quilting. Please enter me in the drawing.
Phyllis
Posted by: Phyllis O'Connor | February 5, 2009 5:23 PM
Using projects is a great way to learn colour theory. I would enjoy seeing how Maria applies the theory to quilting.
Jean
Posted by: Jean | February 5, 2009 7:12 PM
I could certainly use some color help!
Posted by: Ruth C. | February 5, 2009 8:58 PM
This is an opportunity of applying the
books' contents in my class and really
could help me a lot. Please enter me in
your draw. Thanks in advance.
Posted by: DiahRothman | February 5, 2009 9:00 PM
I'm eager to see this new book. Will have to get a copy at my LQS (unless I'm lucky enough to win one here).
Posted by: DebrafromMD | February 6, 2009 5:29 AM
I love color, but shy away from really bright hues! I need help!!
Posted by: grammie2maddie | February 6, 2009 6:53 AM
GOod morning. I think this book is essential to quilting.
Posted by: Yolanda | February 6, 2009 8:12 AM
You know I've ignored any color instruction for so long, really just using others' color schemes for inspiration. But lately I've been wanting to branch out on my own. I would love to read this book.
Posted by: Kelli | February 6, 2009 8:21 AM
Not only do I want this book, I NEED this book! Thx so much for the free chapter.
Posted by: Sequana | February 6, 2009 9:26 AM
I've put the book on my amazon wish list. Looks very interesting. Please enter me in the drawing! Thanks!
Posted by: Pam Butler | February 6, 2009 1:17 PM
I have never been able to work with that darn color wheel! This looks like a book that could really help me. Thanks for letting us peek at the first chapter.
Posted by: Beverly | February 6, 2009 4:54 PM
I love your use of the web for marketing. Awesome work! my book should be arriving next week.
Posted by: Maggie | February 7, 2009 6:16 AM
I would love to get a better handle on color and spend less time agonizing over my fabric choices. This book looks great.
Posted by: Shelly | February 7, 2009 9:40 AM
Wow! Sounds like an awesome book! Can't wait to have my own copy!!
Posted by: quinta da quilter | February 7, 2009 11:58 AM
Okay--so now I'll know how to use all of the color wheels I have from painting and new ones I bought just for quilting!!
thanks, Gina!
Denise
Posted by: denise clason | February 7, 2009 12:06 PM
Thanks for the great blog and great book offer! Please add me to the drawing. :o)
Posted by: Laurie Menke | February 8, 2009 1:03 AM
I would {heart} to have a copy of Maria Paegler's new book! Congrats on your new shop! See ya at the grand opening!!
Posted by: Kelly | February 8, 2009 7:45 AM
Just had a look at the free first chapter of Maria's book on color. Wow! That's a book I need !
Posted by: Elisabeth in France | February 8, 2009 11:18 AM
Oh, just what I need right now! I'm trying to decide on value and and the color I like for a quilt pattern. I hope I win! But will be happy for anyone that does. Cindy B
Posted by: Anonymous | February 8, 2009 5:04 PM
Like other quilters who started out as sewers this is one skill I need to develop. Please pick me!
Posted by: Mary Ann | February 9, 2009 7:41 AM
The idea of working on just color and doing it in achievable tutorials via a book is so grand I can't think why it hasn't been done before! May it sell well and add to quilters' understanding,
beate
Posted by: Beate Teale | February 9, 2009 6:29 PM
Yes, Yes, Yes!!! Can you help me with selecting colors?? Oh, I spend (or waste) so much time deciding on colors! Can you enter me in the book giveaway?
Thanks so much!
Tin H
Posted by: Tin H | February 10, 2009 8:15 AM
I am so excited about this book on color. It seems that I can only pull one look when it comes to color and that it BRIGHT! BOLD! ALMOST SHOCKING! I've bought books on color for years but never seem to graduate to "able to select a different look". I am going to see if I can find this book! Her lessons sounds great!
Thanks for being there Gina
Susan
Posted by: susan isaacson | February 10, 2009 8:15 AM
Oh I could really use this. Every time I think I'm being bold in my fabric choices I end up laying them out only to discover they are all in the same value and are washing each other out or they just don't go together at all. I tend to stick with simple 2-color quilts or all scrappy quilts so I could definitely use some help in the color area!
Posted by: TheGreenCat | February 10, 2009 11:16 AM
I love playing with color in my quilts. I look forward to seeing the book. Please enter my name in the drawing. Peggy
Posted by: Peggy O'Connor | February 11, 2009 10:38 AM
Very interesting, I just looked at the Video. Please enter me in the drawing
Angelika from Germany
Posted by: Angelika | February 11, 2009 1:39 PM
This looks like a great book. Please enter me in the drawing!
Posted by: TexasRed | February 11, 2009 6:04 PM
Please, is it too late? Would love to enter. Expectant mother wishes to make a quilt. XOX
Posted by: Kim | February 13, 2009 2:48 PM
Great subject choice! So many of us are very unsure when it comes putting colors together. Thanks.
Posted by: Mary | February 13, 2009 5:43 PM
I would love a technique book on color, as it could push me to use a wider variety of colors in my quilts. Would love to win this book!
Posted by: Penny | February 14, 2009 4:00 PM