What do I use?

wacqltr · Post by **wacqltr** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 3:15 am

I bought some embroidered quilt blocks and want to put them into a quilt, but don't know what kind of fabric to use for sashings and borders. Alot of new fabric is too bright and makes the old blocks really stand out. Any hints on what to do? I'm new to this forum and just recently getting into QIAD. Thanks for your help

WeSignificant · Post by **WeSignificant** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 3:50 am

Would 1930's reproductions work? From what era are the blocks?

gardenquilter · Post by **gardenquilter** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 3:55 am

I would take the blocks to your local quilt shop and audition fabrics against them. It is really the best way to find the best complimentary match. I would love to suggest something specific but since I cant see the blocks it is hard. Your local quilt shop will be happy to help. Let us know how it turns out and post pictures.

grammy65 · Post by **grammy65** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 4:07 am

Yes, I think the 30's reproduction fabric would be great. Any pastels would be good too. I put this together for a friend who had embroidered the blocks. The quilt was for a little girl, but a pale blue would have worked as well. It's nothing fancy, but it can give you an idea of how it might look completed.

Is it a baby quilt or something else. I think as long as the fabric does not overpower the blocks you will be just fine. Take the blocks to the quilt store and audition fabrics. You will find something perfect I'm sure.

Like I said....it was nothing fancy.

vagrandma · Post by **vagrandma** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 4:30 am

Grammy65 that's an adorable quilt. Great job.

CaroleJ · Post by **CaroleJ** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 5:01 am

Are the embroidered blocks kinda yellowed? There might be a way of brightening them a bit if you need to, or you could just select fabric that plays off that older look. It all depends on the final effect you are going after. Just a thought, could you "distress" or fade some new fabric to age it so as to better blend with your blocks? I would be willing to bet the farm that *someone* on this forum knows how to fade fabrics! Ya never know, it might work!

I agree with taking the blocks to the fabric store with you. Take your time, lay the blocks on several fabrics, maybe even on the cutting table so you can walk away for a few minutes to rest your brain. If a fabric is a questionable choice, I find if I come back to it later, it really pops out at me.

Have fun with your project! You have me wanting to hunt around antique stores for ideas and pieces!

Carole

quilterbee · Post by **quilterbee** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 6:43 am

I am doing 6 customer quilts now, been working on them for a while. She gave me 36 hand embroidered quilt blocks- 18" squares!! OK, I used all Kona in the "old" line. I found exact matches at Hobby Lobby. I did insert a few scraps into it to wake it up a bit. I alternated her block with my block, hop-scotch pattern. I did 18" Ohio Stars on point. Used Kona for borders(inner and outer). One is on the frame now. Looks really good. I did use sizing on the backs of her blocks to help stablize. I did not try to wash or change the color of her blocks. I explained that I would work with what she gave me in the original condition. If she wants to wash or brighten them, that's fine. But, I'm not taking any chances. These blocks were pieced in the 1920's, the thread she used to embroider may or may not be color fast.

It's stressful working with someone else's blocks anyway, but when they are old, it's really nerve wrecking.lol! It' taken me a year to get ONE done, ha! Took me several months to even decide on a suitable alternate block. Good luck and try to have fun, Amie :oD

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