When I start a quilt, three things need to happen;

The first thing that needs to happen is that I decide on the technique I want to use such as piecing or applique? Next I choose my block pattern. For example, if I had decided to do applique then I may choose to do the Rose of Sharon design. My third step is to choose a fabric pallet.

Once those three steps are completed I start making blocks and put them up on my design wall. As the blocks become neighbors, they direct the subsequent decisions. For example, do I vary the background fabric? Do I change the block size? Do I introduce another block?

All of this is a part of listening to your quilt as it takes form. That is perhaps the best part of making a quilt.