1. Springtime:
The first yellow is the block background
The second milky white fabric is a contrast trim
The brown is a frame
The print is sashing and borders
This fabric option would be perfect to light up a wall, is feminine and cheerful, it would be a real delight to make this background.
Yellow & Yellow Flower Print- Basic Grey Curio range by Moda
Milky White and Brown is my stash
2. Polka Dot & Rouenneries:
The first red print with Fleur De Lis is the block background
The second pearl Fleur De Lis fabric is a contrast trim
The turkey red tournesal is a frame
The polka 'dobby dot' print is sashing and borders
I like these reds so much, they really speak to me. Another consideration is that blues, pinks, white and greens come alive on this red background and any floral applique will be very striking. It will dominate and make a statement of my wall and I am drawn to that. It's very tempting. And most of you know, I do have a thing for reds.....
All the fabrics in this range are
Rouenneries Deux by French General for Moda
Note that the 'dobby dot' polka dot fabric is a heavier fabric than usual.
I was not aware of this heavier weight when I purchased it.
3. Classic Neutral:
The first beige print is the block background
The second dull brown is a contrast trim
The third print is a frame
The stripe print is sashing and borders
Neutral is not boring! If you want your wall quilt to blend into your surroundings, this range is classic, sophisticated and balances the floral applique beautifully. If I was making a wall quilt for our sitting room where we have chesterfield sofas, this would win hands down.
All the fabrics in this range are
Rouenneries Deux by French General for Moda
Except for the dull brown which is from my stash
Choosing your background colours: will depend on the wall where you will be hanging this quilt. You may want to go with colours that suit your home design. All three options below accommodate lots of styles. The yellow is very feminine and french provincial, the red is classic and opens a living space, and the neutral is a sophisticated formal look.
Personally I could use all three colours on my own walls, but whether you want a more provincial, more classic look, will depend on your own taste and surroundings.
If you are thinking, how will my florals work on these fabrics? The aim of the quilt design is to allow the flowers to shine through. These fabrics are the background - the floral applique is the feature of the quilt. If you opt for a dark background for applique blocks, your floral applique will be dramatic.
If you opt for a neutral background, you may decided to select floral applique fabrics in muted tones to match the tone of the quilt. In nature there are many floral variations, even within a species. You may for instance, create, say a rose in a striking pink, a soft cream or a deep red. These are choices you will make as you create your floral blocks.
All three options listed above could work and work very well in my living area where the quilt is going to hang. I am torn between which one to opt for. The reds are very predictable for me and I do love them, but I also am taken by the idea of a glowing quilt that the first yellow option would allow. Then of course, classic, monochromatic sophisticated beige, where all emphasis would be on the flowers. But can I resist colour to allow it to work at it's best?
You will decide on your own background based on your own taste, and colour preferences.
You now have a good idea of what the background is going to do on this quilt top - and how your fabric choices will direct that. And how your own own fabric selection must 'zing' in the combination above of: background, trim, frame and borders / sashing.
As for me, I am still deciding...
