As much as I try to be very "relaxed" in laying out colours, I find that it is too hard and then I give myself grief in trying to just let it go. I can't put two like fabrics together in the scrap quilt I am working on now so it takes much longer to do a block. But I am getting there.

Like your samples.

Theresa

Very striking use of color in both of your quilts, Heather. It sounds as if you, Theresa and I all have the same dilemma - randomness is hard for us. No matter how scrappy my quilts may look, they are not totally random. If I have two blocks alike, I try to make sure one is in each half of the quilt. I try to evenly divide the number of lights and darks, colors, etc. I don't think the day will ever come that I just dig into a bag and use whatever fabric comes up. I figure that we work too hard and long on a quilt to leave it to chance.

Very nice!

Funny. When I was buying fabric for my very first quilt, the shop clerk recommended the square in a square block. I took one look at it and declined knowing I don't do well with random.

Your quilts are looking great. Please post more pictures when they are complete.

Oh yes I don't do well with random at all!! Seems we are all alike! I can't stand to have the same colors side by side at all. There are lots of patterns that I see and the only way I think I could do some of them is to get colors alike or close to the ones used and place them the same. I don't have the ability to come up with a quilt that has multi colors and then come up with it looking so perfect. There's this one quilt on Moda's site and oh man is it beautiful but I have no clue how the people come up with the placement of colors. It's definitely a skill I don't possess. Soon as I find it I'll post it on here.

Controlled random/scrappy. That's for me. ☺

Finally I found it...I wanted to make this quilt but I couldn't decide on my own colors and I doubt mine would look anything like I would think...

I absolutely love modaBakeshop.com they have some really great quilt patterns!

I like your blocks - I also have a problem with random placements. I like "Controlled" scrappy and am usually happy when I have some control. I will be anxious to see your finished quilts!

Sue/polardreams

Oh I never thought about the black and white photo!! That's an awesome piece of advice...I must try that. Thanks everyone for the lovely comments!

I love using grayscale viewing for checking value.

I know the feeling. I keep backing myself into a corner and being unable to decide.