When I start a new quilt, do I think: SHAPE, LINE, VALUE, CONTRAST? (Not very often! I am usually working intuitively, following the urge simply to create.)
But then, as I take the first steps, I realize, OMG, I do say these things to myself! Maybe not all at once, but as I am pulling fabrics, I evaluate them according to value, and look at the contrast between each new piece.
I examine the values in several ways — by using a red screen, by taking a photo and turning it black and white, or the quick and dirty way, by squinting!
Sharon Casey 