Latest project..... need suggestions

[ladyquilter5589]

This is my last cross stitch quilt that I will make. I need some advice. I was not pleased with the joining seams of the other two cross stitch quilts I made. Can you iron the quilt before you sandwich it? Do you press the joining seam open or to one side. Since this is my last cross stitch, I would like to do it correctly.



I wanted you to see the side. It goes almost to the floor. You don't need a dust ruffle.



I tried to photograph the stitches up close.





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Since I always use dark backs, I'm thinking forest green would go with this. What do you think? I value you opinions. Thanks, Sue

[donnacrazylady]

I can't imagine how many hours it must have taken to make this beautiful quilt top!!! It is just lovely!

As far as backs go, I think a dark blue (or even a deep purple) might be pretty. If you want to use green, I think you should use something close to the green embroidery thread. It doesn't really look forest green in the picture to me.

[jeri1950]

No advice to give you but I want to say.....that is an amazing quilt.


jeri

[Stargatefan]

First off it is absolutely beautiful! I've always wanted to do something like this! I know it takes a lot of work but still!
Second, I made a quilt similar to this color wise - brights with whites and put on an orange back and the orange showed through some. Of course, my whites was white on white a a little on the thin side - yours seems thicker than that.
Otherwise - it is gorgeous! How long did it take you?

[FarmChick]

That is a stunning quilt! I saw one at the quilt show I went to in September. A real show stopper!!! Just amazing that you did ALL of it!!! NICE WORK!!!

As for advice, I'll just tell you what I would do, so don't call it advice--opinion only -- I think I would block it --iron it face down on a terrycloth towel to keep the cross-stitch standing up and to press out any draw up or puckers from the stitching. (We press regular blocks, right?) There are a lot of quilts now that are made with the seams pressed open. It might lay flatter. Also, again press face down on the terry towel.

I'd go with a multicolored floral on the back--using as many of the colors from the front as I could get. (Again, just my opinion, for what it's worth.)

Your quilt is a work of art!!! I commend you for FINISHING it, too!!!

Sorry for all the yada-yada--don't say you didn't ask for opinions/advice! LOL

[purrfect-lady]

Sue, you said you value our opinions, and my opinion is that this is a fabulous work of art!! I'm curious to how long it took you to stitch and was that consistant, or a month here and a month there?

Advice? I think you've gotten some of the best advice here already. I agree to pressing it, but face down on a towel as Farmchick suggested. My preference, when backing a quilt that will be used (as opposed to displayed), is usually flannel, to make it cozier and snugglier. The color/pattern depends on several things - first, the taste of the person it's going to. Second, the decor of the room I anticipate it will go into. Third, the fabric that I find. Also, I don't always worry about the back matching the front, as long as it coordinates with the binding. Usually the back and the front don't show together. If it's totally different, rather than matching the front, it's like two different quilts. If you choose a dark colored backing, remember to give it a good washing (or two!) so it doesn't bleed onto your white fabric later. I know this seems obvious, but a bad experience brought this home to me. But only once. Now I WASH.

I hope you'll show us again when you finish this! it's truly a work of love for some lucky person.
mary

[ladyquilter5589]

Thanks for asking!! It took about six years lol. I liked to have projects that I could take places and work on while waiting. My mother was in a personal care home and in and out of the hospital. Then when I retired, I worked on it steadily. I can't stand to be idle so that kept me busy. Now I will hand quilt it when I get someone to help me sandwich it.

Thanks for all the great tips!! I would never have thought of using a towel to press it. I always wash the backing once but now I will do this one 2 times. I also add salt to the water. I've been told that helps prevent bleeding. Is that true?

Thanks again for your help, opinions, and comments. I value them greatly. Sue

[Irishgram]

WOW, that is gorgeous....I also cross stitch and know how long it takes, that is amazing.....
I agree with Farmchick, I'd go with a flowered back, one using all or most of the colors from the front....

[Kittyquilt9292]

WOW, that is gorgeous. I, too have done cross stitch, but not that much and know the tremendous patience and work it takes. Yours is a real work of art. I'm not good at choosing colors, etc, whatever you choose from the suggestions of everyone will be great.............carol/kittyquilt

[zfatcat]

That is beautiful. That's a lot of cross stitches. I think it look fine. Lori