Turn That Thing Down! – Low Volume Fabric & Invitation

This was fun to make!

What did you think when you first heard the words “low volume” used as a way to describe fabric? The first time I heard that phrase, it left me puzzled.  After a little more thought, it struck me as the perfect metaphor, because the first thing that came to my mind was "volume" as it relates to sound.  It is interesting how the word "tone" is also used to describe both color and sound.  Fabrics categorized as low volume usually have a more muted tone and therefore seem quieter.  When used in groups in a background, our eyes simply read them as solids, and we tend not to notice all the designs in the prints until we look closely. (Unless we are low volume fabric collectors, in which case we are eager to see what prints were used to create the effect.)

Even though the term “low volume” has come into use for quilting in recent years, quilters have always used softer prints in contrast with other fabrics.  So what do you think makes it so different nowadays?  After the last year of looking around Blogland and Pinterest at low volume quilts, I have come to the conclusion that the way low volume fabrics are used today really is something new under the sun.  I am no quilt historian though and welcome your thoughts on this. 

There seem to be two main ways low volume quilts are created:  
     Sometimes whole quilts are made in quiet colors, with no strong contrasts.  The effect is very soft and beautiful.  These quilts look quite different from the pastel quilts of the 80's and 90's. (See my Edit below.)
     The other way low volume quilts are made is to use these fabrics as a background, with bolder, more vivid fabrics taking center stage.  Often, today’s quilters are after almost a mixed media, collage type like look and they are very adventurous in their choices of what “goes” with other fabrics.  It’s really very exciting to see the artistic effect that using low volume fabrics gives to quilts. 

Manufacturers and retailers have recognized the trend and that is something to be delighted about!  I would like to give low volume quilting a try, so last autumn I began catching sales and building a stash.  There were too many great fabrics to choose from and I was not sure which way I wanted to take it.  I decided to make a quilt in vivid colors, with these fabrics used as a scrappy, collaged background.  (Is it still scrappy if the fabric doesn't come from scraps?) 

Here is what I've collected so far.  You can see that I started a bit dark and was restricting myself to creams and greys with black print.  Then, both literally and figuratively, my choices lightened up as I got more adventurous.  Now I need ideas for what to do with this stash.  

From left to right:  

Molly B's Studio Branches Cream - Marcus Brothers

Flutter - Leaves Silver Yardage by Alex Anderson for RJR Fabrics

3 Sisters Moda Etchings - Etched Scrolls in Slate

Tim Holtz Eclectic Elements Dictionary Neutral

Tim Holtz Eclectic Elements Symphony Neutral

Chantilly by Timeless Treasures - Medallion Geo Cream

Old Script Black - Michael Miller

Twilight Blooms by Wilmington Prints - Leaves All Over – Ivory

Baby Jane - Grey by Cosmo Cricket for Moda

From left to right:

Small daisies on grey – JoAnn Fabrics

Birds of a Feather Tossed Combs Grey by Kaye England for Wilmington Studios

Birds of a Feather Crescent Swirl Light Grey by Kaye England for Wilmington Studios

Camelot Cottons Day at the Zoo 31409 01 Cream Bark

Around Town by Terri Degenkolb of Whimsicals for Red Rooster Style 4383
Trail Mix Leaves in Cream by Bo Bunny for Riley Blake Designs

Moda Sweetwater - Boo Crew Monsters on Cream

Timeless Treasures Tres Jolie C2815 Cream Antique Safety Pins

Gatsby Tonal Swing Roaring 20' in Cream from Andover Fabrics

Sweet Life Fresh Linen Grey by Pat Sloan for Moda

Sugar Berry Dimity Dot by Eleanor Burns for Benartex

Minny Muu Fall 2014 Lecien - Caterpillars with words

Daysail tiny script white green text word by Bonnie and Camille for Moda

Winged - Flyaway Petalums in Sky by Bonnie Christine for Art Gallery Fabrics

Maker Makes - Draft Paper - Art Gallery Fabrics

Fun and Games Orange Maze for Riley Blake

Good Natured Dandelion by Marrin Sutton for Riley Blake

Maker Make the Cut Sharp Art Gallery Fabric

Ivory Kitten and Notes by Quilt Gate Dear Little World Collection

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~The Invitation~

To collect ideas, I've started a Low Volume Quilt board on Pinterest, called "Turn That Thing Down"   If you would like to become a co-pinner and join me, we could make it a group board and share low volume quilts we love. Group boards are also a great way to get your pins seen by a lot more people and grow your own following.  I would love to send you an invite!   All you need to do is follow the TTTD board or follow me and then let me know you would like to play.  Go take a peek and let me know what you think. 

If you do become a co-pinner on this board, by all means invite other Quilty Pinners to pin too. As long as your friend follows either you or the board, you will be able to send them an invitation to join. Together we might create a great source of Low Volume inspiration!  

(Edit 5/9: Christine - of Quilting Stories - just pinned the most lovely antique quilt made roughly 100 years ago.  It shows us a perfect example of a low volume quilt in all soft and muted shades, and is made with shirtings.  Any modern quilter would be proud to have made it.  I look forward to seeing a lot more wonderful examples, both new and old.  Thank you to all the pinners for the great quilts you have shared so far!)

What are some of your favorite low volume quilt designs?  Feel free to link to your own website in these comments if you would like to share a project or your own stash of low volume fabrics.

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Today is Sandra's day for Creative Space Tag! Make sure to go and visit Sandra's Diamond in the Rough - her space where she creates so much Quilty Wonderfulness!  

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