This was my original idea for the center background squares, but I think it looks too busy.
So then I tried a red on white background fabric, but I'm not sure if it works or not?
And then I tried a plain muslin background, and it was much calmer.
But is it too boring?
Too dull?
Just right?
Do you have a preference or suggestion?
Here I am sewing more heart blocks on my Featherweight.
Of course I had to put on my red shirt to sew my red blocks! My friend Diane loaned me her Featherweight book to read and I found a picture of my Sweet Baby Jayne in this resource book. It was very interesting to read about the history of these machines.
Guess how many finished heart blocks are in that bag?!
There are exactly as many as I need to finish this quilt!
I just need to decide on the background fabric. What's your vote?
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33 comments:
Do you have a stronger red Kathy? The polka dots are too pale, and the blocks are lost in them. I am thinking of more contrast.
Kathy, I love your heart blocks! The fabric you chose is wonderful. I agree that the first centre blocks are too strong, but I think either of your choices would be fine. You could always appliqué a little something in the muslin centres if you found it too plain, but I like the way the hearts pop on the neutral background. Maybe using a variety of neutrals would work well? Your quilts are always gorgeous so whatever you decide will work!
I like the top photo but with only red stripe or black check picture.
Gives a big more life
I prefer the muslin. The hearts pop ... the busier prints compete with the hearts too much, IMHO. I can't wait to see whatever you decide. ;-)
from these I'd pick the red/white, unless you outline each block in maybe solid red or black and then multi squares like #1
Pretty, pretty, pretty!
I like the second choice - just the right amount of red on that white
I was going to go with the plain muslin. That would give it a modern look and the original fabric is pretty modern. If you did that you could do a red inner border. But then I read Jo's comments above and I think her points are valid.
Plain muslin with some cool quilting in those blocks!
I like that black houndstooth set in the center with a solid black or solid red for the outer setting triangles.
Cute! I like the plain muslin cuz I know you could quilt something great in those squares. Have fun!
I like the red on white. I think it adds just enough spark!
I like the red on white. It has enough colour to add some character, without overpowering the other elements.
I think the muslin would work...IF... you then quilted in red in the "Plain" blocks.
Agree..muslin is boring. I think it should be a colour..I really like the red check on the left side of the first pic. It is plain enough to not be overpowering and colourful enough to add something. Very fun looking blocks!
I like the plain one ( third pic )
Cute blocks and you look so cute with your Featherweight. I think I would make red & white hourglass blocks to go with the blocks.
I like the plain muslin with some awesome quilting in red thread in those blocks. What ever you choose will be wonderful, as always. What is the quilt wanting for a background? They are always right, you know =).
I like the red/white fabric. the idea to put some black around each block is interesting too. Maybe a darker red would work though. Choices, Choices! Congrats on having fun and learning more about your Sweet Baby Jayne.
I like the red/white fabric. the idea to put some black around each block is interesting too. Maybe a darker red would work though. Choices, Choices! Congrats on having fun and learning more about your Sweet Baby Jayne.
Personally I like the top fabrics. I love the colors you went with. Be careful on those borders. Mine ended up a little wonky because of the bias edges?
I vote for the plain muslin...although I would use white on white blocks and make them all as different as I could, I think your plain muslin will be a good "eye rest".
Hugs
I love the plain background. Great place for some fancy quilting!
Oh!! I like the second presentation for your heart quilt!! And what a cute picture!!! :)
What sweet little hearts! I like the second option : )
Kathy, whatever you decide will look great. My personal preference is your first option but without the fabric with the circular bits. The character of that one is not right but I really like the others. I made a tulip quilt and each of the tulip blocks had a flange around it. What about a red flange around the "plain" blocks?
I think I prefer the muslin - or a plain white Kona? Then you can give it a little more personality with some border treatments maybe? And what about some big stitching with perle cotton in the white blocks as you quilt it?
What a lovely little FW! I really like the color :)
I vote red on white.
:)
I can see the muslin blocks in between the pieced blocks. But I also see some beautiful hand quilted wreaths in there too! Love the featherweight. Did it come in that color or has it been reprinted?
I LOVE the pic of you with your featherweight... I LOVE VINTAGE machines as you know!! lol I would go with the red fabric in the middle and the setting /border triangles in the muslin... gives a place of rest but keeps the blocks all interesting! I can't wait to see what you decide... or what the quilt top tells you if it is talking! lol Kathi
I love your blocks, and personally I prefer them set on the plain white, as the blocks are so lovely in their own right, but that's just my opinion! Would love to see what you choose to do! Decisions, decisions! xCathy
If you're still looking for input, I like the red/white fabric as the background fabric.
Very pretty blocks. Hope you've found the right background, I liked the red and white the best.
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