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When making a "scrap" type quilt where the same shapes are repeated over and over, such as the "Thousand Pyramids" which is the pattern for May 1997, I like to create a "unit" for sewing as shown above. When complete, the units fit together to form the entire quilt. Within each unit, I try to achieve a balance not only of all the colors that will be in the quilt, but also of the wide variety of sizes and types of prints that I have selected. I always try to include one fabric that is a little darker than all the others, and one that is a little brighter. When completed, each unit should reflect a good balance between strong and muted, and grayed and bold colors. If you have a good balance between all of these elements within the individual units, then there should be an overall balance when the units are fitted together to create the finished quilt. For more information on working with units and quilts made with single shapes see The Scrap Look by Jinny Beyer.