"Visual Coloring, a Foolproof Approach to Color-Rich Quilts" - by Joen Wolfrom

Ah, color, it's the one quilt ingredient we all seem to stress about, and no wonder, because a quilt stitched in colors that don't quite click rarely makes it to our list of favorites. Not to worry though, because Joen Wolfrom's Visual Coloring will erase any anxieties you might have about choosing colors for your quilts.

There are several excellent color books out there, including other texts by this author, but none of those books approaches the subject in such an easy to understand manner.

Ms. Wolfram explains how to use Visual Coloring techniques to find and explore the colors that move you. She shows you how to use photographs to translate the colors you see in nature to fabric. Numerous two-page spreads put her methods into practice by displaying a collage of illustrations: a photograph, swatches of fabric chosen from colors portrayed in the photo, and an example of a quilt made by combining the selected fabrics.

Don't be fooled into thinking that the techniques are meant to help you choose colors and fabrics for landscape quilts -- they teach you how to design any quilt by encouraging you to expand your color horizons and helping you see color combinations in a different way.

Visual Coloring includes five quilt patterns, all designed by using the colors in nature photographs. The patterns provide a wonderful exercise to help you put the book's methods into practice.

If you can only buy one book about color, put Visual Coloring at the top of the list of texts to explore. You needn't have any color experience at all to be successful, but this book isn't just for novices -- even experienced quilters will benefit from the techniques used in Visual Color.

Don't limit yourself to coloring quilts, because the techniques in this book appear to be perfect for converting your entire home's decor into any type of setting you can imagine.

Empowerment is a strong strong word, but I wholeheartedly believe this book provides it. Following the author's advice will eliminate your color woes and increase your confidence by leaps and bounds.