Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Workshop in progress: Scruffily quilt backing suggestions?

I finished up this quilt top tonight, using the Scruffily Pattern from Moda Bake Shop (designed by Rachel at P.S. I Quilt).

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It's a really fun and easy pattern. Perfect for a beginner.

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The fabric is Simple Abundance, which I love.

So, here's my question: What should I do for the backing? I could easily use yardage from one of my favorite Simple Abundance prints (it would be hard to pick a favorite, but I think I could rise to the challenge). I'd definitely be interested in a less pricey option. I have quite a few squares left over (both the charm squares and some layer cake squares), so I could do something scrappy in combination with a solid. I'm planning on using the leftover jellyroll strips (of which I have lots) for a scrappy binding, but I could be talked out of that if they'd be better used in the backing. Thoughts? Suggestions? I'd love to hear what you think.


P.S. I love the way Liz quilted this. I'm planning on copying this for my version. Her backing is awesome too...

For more Workshop in Progress, check out Naptime Quilter.

15 comments:

Leah said...

I definitely vote for a solid back. Is this quilt for you?

Tracey Jacobsen said...

The quilt looks great! That fabric is so beautiful arranged like this.

For the back:
You can get great deals on kona solids at fabricshack.com... I say use those leftover blocks and do a pieced row with solids all around.

Something like this maybe?
http://www.filminthefridge.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/spotted-squres-back2.jpg

Kris said...

I think using the leftover squares in combination with a solid would look great. I recently discovered that some of the Kona Cottons come in 60" wide at only 5.95/yrd, so it'd be an economical option if you went with one of those colors (mainly white and black)

elle said...

You are already helping me with my question, Katie! 8^)
Perhaps you could put each of the leftover blocks into solid strips of backing fabric and then stagger their placement so they move in a diagonal row across the backing.

Claire said...

I would suggect a solid back, with a few squares sprinkled in....use some of charms,a few large from the layer cake, & maybe just a couple cut from two or three of the jelly roll strips.

Andrea said...

In Canada we have Winners/Homesense which is like the US version of TJMaxx/Homegoods...check the linens there and get a nice flat sheet to back it with. The prices are excellent. Then, you can chop it and put a few scruffy squares on the back as well!
Ikea has decent flat sheets too...

Lora said...

so beautiful!! i love the colors.

Eric, Marilyn, and Elliott said...

I have no idea what you're talking about, but the quilt top is gorgeous. You know my birthday's coming up, right? :) --Marilyn

Alicia said...

I did the scruffily quilt in the same fabrics. I used the extra layer cakes/ wtih charms and 2.5 in squares to do a strip of scruffily squares on the back, and I used the yardage of the pink bandana print for the rest. I used some jelly roll strips for the binding.

http://alimaui.blogspot.com/2010/01/scruffily-quilt-finished.html

Robin said...

this is beautiful. I can't wait to see it done.

Cheryl Arkison said...

What about using your leftover charms to create the center of a large block, to mimic the shape of the blocks on the front? Then use solids, or yardage if you want, to complete the block. So, one giant block on the back.

Lesly said...

Yardage for the back adds up, pricewise. I like the idea of using some extra blocks surrounded with a coordinating solid. I love Simple Abundance - am currently hoarding a layer cake!

The Bakers said...

Gorgeous! My birthday is before Marilyn's. Besides, if it's so easy, I'm sure you could whip up another one for her too.

susan@tickledpaisley said...

Katie - the quilt looks great! I love the simple abundance fabrics too. I'm in agreement with the folks who say solid backing (and sprinkle in some of the leftover squares). Another option might be a sheet? Not sure - I'm not a quilter but it may be more economical. In any case, I sure could have used that quilt today - it was one of those days where I just couldn't get warm!

Anonymous said...

Katie, I am sure that whatever you decide will be wonderful but I like the large block layer cake or the 1 inch diagonal strips. I don't think you have to have a solid on the back. It is new school time. MM