Sister's Choice Quilts

My interests are quilting, reading, cooking, family, decorating, and matters of style. I post regular quilting tutorials and book reviews of current fiction.

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Purple

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I am so in the mood to make a purple quilt.  I think every five to ten years a person needs to explore the purple side of their personality.  I have made several purple quilts in my life, and I love them all dearly.  If you haven't embraced purple, you surely must consider it.  Here is one of my purple quilts.

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So, this is what I am thinking of doing.  I have a pattern by Miss Rosie's Quilt Company called Ashcombe.

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So, here are two questions–Assuming that I go with doing an all purple quilt, which version is best?  The larger squares that show off the individual fabrics, or the pieced block version?  Would the blocks with more piecing be interesting, or distracting from the fabric?

90 responses to “Purple”

  1. Well I dont think you can go wrong either way. I love purple. I have not made an all purple quilt but love what you have pulled. Your purples are not what we would call big prints so you I think I would go with the pieced version.

  2. Well I dont think you can go wrong either way. I love purple. I have not made an all purple quilt but love what you have pulled. Your purples are not what we would call big prints so you I think I would go with the pieced version.

  5. Oh boy. We are all going to have a different opinion and you still will make the director’s choice. I just read the comment above me and laughed because I was just going to say the opposite. Since the fabrics are prints already, I would go with the larger pieces. That’s the beauty of creating. We all get to do it our way.

  6. Oh boy. We are all going to have a different opinion and you still will make the director’s choice. I just read the comment above me and laughed because I was just going to say the opposite. Since the fabrics are prints already, I would go with the larger pieces. That’s the beauty of creating. We all get to do it our way.

  11. Purple is my favorite color. I would use the smaller and try to create an all-over pattern using the color as another element. Two for the price of one!

  12. Purple is my favorite color. I would use the smaller and try to create an all-over pattern using the color as another element. Two for the price of one!

  13. I made a small purple quilt and now in the midst of a bigger quilt – both using the disappearing 9-patch.
    For you, I would prefer the bigger squares. I like to show off the fabric.

  14. I made a small purple quilt and now in the midst of a bigger quilt – both using the disappearing 9-patch.
    For you, I would prefer the bigger squares. I like to show off the fabric.

  15. I have never made a purple anything! LOL! I don’t think I have a purple side to my personality, explored OR unexplored! Interesting thought, though…I may have to ponder on whether there is a color lurking beneath the others waiting to come out. I like the pattern with the larger pieces…I mean, if you’re gonna do something different, you may as well make it noticeable! LOL

  16. I have never made a purple anything! LOL! I don’t think I have a purple side to my personality, explored OR unexplored! Interesting thought, though…I may have to ponder on whether there is a color lurking beneath the others waiting to come out. I like the pattern with the larger pieces…I mean, if you’re gonna do something different, you may as well make it noticeable! LOL

  17. I seem to like purple more and more. Could be that we are big LSU fans:) I even have some purple shoes. I have purple in several quilts, but have not made a completely purple quilt. I like the quilt on the left with the larger blocks, but it depends on the mood or look you want to achieve. Either version will be gorgeous. You have great fabrics:)

  18. I seem to like purple more and more. Could be that we are big LSU fans:) I even have some purple shoes. I have purple in several quilts, but have not made a completely purple quilt. I like the quilt on the left with the larger blocks, but it depends on the mood or look you want to achieve. Either version will be gorgeous. You have great fabrics:)

  19. I would go with the larger blocks. I think your beautiful fabrics would get lost in the smaller pieces.

  20. I would go with the larger blocks. I think your beautiful fabrics would get lost in the smaller pieces.

  21. I went to Miss Rosie’s Quilts and looked a larger picture of the quilts in question. Although your selection of purple fabrics is wonderful, I’m not sure you have enough different prints to do justice to version 2. Version 1 is somehow more soothing in appearance and will look awesome done up in purple.
    I am a huge fan of purple, even for clothing. I just finished two purple and gold quilts for two special people in my life who attend LSU. I have so many scraps left over I may have to join you in a quilt along! Have fun, whichever version you choose!

  22. I went to Miss Rosie’s Quilts and looked a larger picture of the quilts in question. Although your selection of purple fabrics is wonderful, I’m not sure you have enough different prints to do justice to version 2. Version 1 is somehow more soothing in appearance and will look awesome done up in purple.
    I am a huge fan of purple, even for clothing. I just finished two purple and gold quilts for two special people in my life who attend LSU. I have so many scraps left over I may have to join you in a quilt along! Have fun, whichever version you choose!

  23. Combine the two patterns, show off your favorite fabrics with the larger, not strip pieced blocks. Then use the other fabrics for the stripped pieced blocks, to add interest!

  24. Combine the two patterns, show off your favorite fabrics with the larger, not strip pieced blocks. Then use the other fabrics for the stripped pieced blocks, to add interest!

  25. I think I’m siding with the bigger block pieces. It just might be too busy and distracting. I love the color choice though and your completed purple quilt is gorgeous!!!

  26. I think I’m siding with the bigger block pieces. It just might be too busy and distracting. I love the color choice though and your completed purple quilt is gorgeous!!!

  29. You are the perfect spokesperson for Carrie because I haven’t seen that pattern in any of my LQS and now that I have seen it I really want it! I just made a purple quilt and I have been wanting to try orange and the solid block version is calling to me!! Either one would be beautiful but I am a lazy quilter and the strip version would kill me… :o) Although I MUST make her “Heartland” even though it’s a bazillion half-square triangles!

  30. You are the perfect spokesperson for Carrie because I haven’t seen that pattern in any of my LQS and now that I have seen it I really want it! I just made a purple quilt and I have been wanting to try orange and the solid block version is calling to me!! Either one would be beautiful but I am a lazy quilter and the strip version would kill me… :o) Although I MUST make her “Heartland” even though it’s a bazillion half-square triangles!

  31. It really depends on the fabric and if you want to showcase it.
    Both versions are wonderful and yet with the great fabric that is out there, I would probably go with the larger squares. If I was focusing more on value, then the pieced version would be the choice.
    Good luck on your new project!!

  32. It really depends on the fabric and if you want to showcase it.
    Both versions are wonderful and yet with the great fabric that is out there, I would probably go with the larger squares. If I was focusing more on value, then the pieced version would be the choice.
    Good luck on your new project!!

  33. I’m liking the larger square better – the other one looks to busy to me for such pretty fabrics.

  34. I’m liking the larger square better – the other one looks to busy to me for such pretty fabrics.

  35. I’d make the larger block version so the fabrics have a chance to shine.
    The pattern in the foreground looks too chopped up to me. I’m sure it would be perfect for other fabrics.
    Enjoy the process!
    Hugs!

  36. I’d make the larger block version so the fabrics have a chance to shine.
    The pattern in the foreground looks too chopped up to me. I’m sure it would be perfect for other fabrics.
    Enjoy the process!
    Hugs!

  37. To really blend all of your purples and have a really scrappy look, maybe the pieced blocks? But either way, cool pattern!!!

  38. To really blend all of your purples and have a really scrappy look, maybe the pieced blocks? But either way, cool pattern!!!

  39. What happened to the blue/yellow beach quilt project you promised to get back to?
    I love your purple quilt shown on the bed, but doubt I’d need more than one purple quilt!

  40. What happened to the blue/yellow beach quilt project you promised to get back to?
    I love your purple quilt shown on the bed, but doubt I’d need more than one purple quilt!

  43. You know… you could do both. Mix them up. Maybe add some four-patches or other kinds of units.
    Oh wait… I think that sort of thing is going to be mentioned/discussed in class… never mind. (Channeling Emily Litella.)
    There are three things I would consider. First, you’ve got a big range of values (love that, by the way) but some of the darker purples are really going to stand out in the larger squares ~ the 5″ finished squares. Second, what is your background fabric going to be? If it’s a print of some kind, then plain squares might be best. If it’s a very plain neutral, then the pieced squares would probably be a little more interesting. And third, the prints you’re showing are all relatively small scale. They are going to “read” almost like solids from a few feet away. Do you have any larger scale prints to keep things moving? If you’re planning to use just these, then I think I would do the strip-pieced blocks.
    Then again, you could just mix the two. 😉

  44. You know… you could do both. Mix them up. Maybe add some four-patches or other kinds of units.
    Oh wait… I think that sort of thing is going to be mentioned/discussed in class… never mind. (Channeling Emily Litella.)
    There are three things I would consider. First, you’ve got a big range of values (love that, by the way) but some of the darker purples are really going to stand out in the larger squares ~ the 5″ finished squares. Second, what is your background fabric going to be? If it’s a print of some kind, then plain squares might be best. If it’s a very plain neutral, then the pieced squares would probably be a little more interesting. And third, the prints you’re showing are all relatively small scale. They are going to “read” almost like solids from a few feet away. Do you have any larger scale prints to keep things moving? If you’re planning to use just these, then I think I would do the strip-pieced blocks.
    Then again, you could just mix the two. 😉

  45. We all know that whatever you choose to do, it will be gorgeous! I’m leaning toward the larger block, tho the combination design that Thelma suggested sounds interesting.
    My niece came to me about 10 years ago with a pattern and a bag filled with purple prints she had bought at her local JoAnn’s and Wal-Mart. The pattern had purple going from lights to dark across the quilt, with large white stars over all. I made the quilt…without any prewashing of the fabric…and the purples faded all over the white stars. FORTUNATELY, it did so evenly, and the white stars were the palest of lavender in color. It was really quite pretty. I learned a lesson there, but have not attempted another purple quilt. And if I did, it would definitely be with better fabrics!

  46. We all know that whatever you choose to do, it will be gorgeous! I’m leaning toward the larger block, tho the combination design that Thelma suggested sounds interesting.
    My niece came to me about 10 years ago with a pattern and a bag filled with purple prints she had bought at her local JoAnn’s and Wal-Mart. The pattern had purple going from lights to dark across the quilt, with large white stars over all. I made the quilt…without any prewashing of the fabric…and the purples faded all over the white stars. FORTUNATELY, it did so evenly, and the white stars were the palest of lavender in color. It was really quite pretty. I learned a lesson there, but have not attempted another purple quilt. And if I did, it would definitely be with better fabrics!

  49. Both are pretty – and the purple fabric is pretty. So, you can’t lose either way. What does your gut say you want to do?

  50. Both are pretty – and the purple fabric is pretty. So, you can’t lose either way. What does your gut say you want to do?

  51. My first impulse was to say the large block version. Then I looked at your fabrics again. If you had a large floral print it would work with the large blocks. But you don’t and I love your collection of small “background” prints. I think the pieced block version would show off these fabrics better. Besides, the pieced version is more intricate, and we all know that our Nicole loves a challenge! Whatever you make is going to be beautiful1!!

  52. My first impulse was to say the large block version. Then I looked at your fabrics again. If you had a large floral print it would work with the large blocks. But you don’t and I love your collection of small “background” prints. I think the pieced block version would show off these fabrics better. Besides, the pieced version is more intricate, and we all know that our Nicole loves a challenge! Whatever you make is going to be beautiful1!!

  55. The 9 patch purple quilt you made is GORGEOUS. So simple and lovely.
    I personally think the smaller pieced one is terribly terribly busy already and would choose the larger block one. However, since you are only using one color, that would cut down on the busy-ness, so either one would work well. It’s a 50-50 all the way!

  56. The 9 patch purple quilt you made is GORGEOUS. So simple and lovely.
    I personally think the smaller pieced one is terribly terribly busy already and would choose the larger block one. However, since you are only using one color, that would cut down on the busy-ness, so either one would work well. It’s a 50-50 all the way!

  57. I was SO happy to see your purple and green quilt again. I have been collecting those colors ever since I saw it on your blog the first time and now I’m really pumped up!!! Nancy in WI

  58. I was SO happy to see your purple and green quilt again. I have been collecting those colors ever since I saw it on your blog the first time and now I’m really pumped up!!! Nancy in WI

  61. I am a big fan of purple. I think you should make the larger quilt; you have a gorgeous variety of fabrics which might show better in larger pieces.

  62. I am a big fan of purple. I think you should make the larger quilt; you have a gorgeous variety of fabrics which might show better in larger pieces.

  63. On a quilt with fabrics like this the value will do all the work. Either one will be nice. I’m working on an all green quilt right now, doing some appliuqe to cover some issues and it’s all about the value.

  64. On a quilt with fabrics like this the value will do all the work. Either one will be nice. I’m working on an all green quilt right now, doing some appliuqe to cover some issues and it’s all about the value.

  67. I’m planning a purple quilt too. I’m going to use Miss Rosie’s True Blue. It’s on the cover of of her book ‘Spice of Life Quilts.’

  68. I’m planning a purple quilt too. I’m going to use Miss Rosie’s True Blue. It’s on the cover of of her book ‘Spice of Life Quilts.’

  69. I love the color! I think the smaller pieced blocks might be better because it appears from your picture that most of the fabrics are small scale and sort of tone-on-tone. That’s my opinion for what its worth!
    Barbara

  70. I love the color! I think the smaller pieced blocks might be better because it appears from your picture that most of the fabrics are small scale and sort of tone-on-tone. That’s my opinion for what its worth!
    Barbara

  71. I have a purple quilt in progress too.
    I would choose the larger block pattern to show off the patterns.
    Have fun and give us progress reports.

  72. I have a purple quilt in progress too.
    I would choose the larger block pattern to show off the patterns.
    Have fun and give us progress reports.

  73. I am working on a purple quilt too!
    I would choose the larger block pattern.
    Can’t wait to see the progress reports/pictures. Have fun.

  74. I am working on a purple quilt too!
    I would choose the larger block pattern.
    Can’t wait to see the progress reports/pictures. Have fun.

  77. I like them both – but if I really liked the patterns in the fabric, I would do the larger square…you can’t go wrong with purple – my sewing studio is lilac walls, deeper shade for the carpet – white eyelet curtians and hopefully some day a cool purple (with white accent) quilt on the bed that is in that room.

  78. I like them both – but if I really liked the patterns in the fabric, I would do the larger square…you can’t go wrong with purple – my sewing studio is lilac walls, deeper shade for the carpet – white eyelet curtians and hopefully some day a cool purple (with white accent) quilt on the bed that is in that room.

  79. Love, love, love purple — always have, always will! The first quilt I actually made to keep (just for ME!!!) was purple — and had some of the same fabrics you’ve included. I don’t think can go wrong with either pattern. 🙂 Will wait patiently to see your purple creation!

  80. Love, love, love purple — always have, always will! The first quilt I actually made to keep (just for ME!!!) was purple — and had some of the same fabrics you’ve included. I don’t think can go wrong with either pattern. 🙂 Will wait patiently to see your purple creation!

  83. If you wanted to feature a few of the fabrics I would choose the one with large blocks..if you want them all to be equal then the second one.

  84. If you wanted to feature a few of the fabrics I would choose the one with large blocks..if you want them all to be equal then the second one.

  85. I can’t wait to see what you do with this! I say that I love purple, but I can’t wear it, and I don’t decorate with it, so why do I say that I love it?? Ha! I look at all the fabrics in your picture, and think, “OOoo pretty!” But then I’d NEVER be able to make them work in a quilt. Why is that? …I’d probably choose the quilt with the smaller pieces. (Probably because I have a knack for biting off more than I can chew.) I think the mixup of all the different shades of purple would be really nice. Again, REALLY excited to see this one! 🙂

  86. I can’t wait to see what you do with this! I say that I love purple, but I can’t wear it, and I don’t decorate with it, so why do I say that I love it?? Ha! I look at all the fabrics in your picture, and think, “OOoo pretty!” But then I’d NEVER be able to make them work in a quilt. Why is that? …I’d probably choose the quilt with the smaller pieces. (Probably because I have a knack for biting off more than I can chew.) I think the mixup of all the different shades of purple would be really nice. Again, REALLY excited to see this one! 🙂

  87. Nicole I am in love With your purple Quilt It is so yummy I like the larger blocks But then again I am just A voice in the Far distance LOL.
    Hugs Mary.

  88. Nicole I am in love With your purple Quilt It is so yummy I like the larger blocks But then again I am just A voice in the Far distance LOL.
    Hugs Mary.