Friday, August 13, 2010

i'm still stuck

When shopping for fabric, I find something I like, (preferably on sale) then I stock up for future quilts. Then, when I make my quilts, they are usually comprised of between 75% to 100% of stash. It is a process that works well for me. I like the challenge of using fabrics on hand and working them together like a puzzle to come up with a complete quilt.

When I saw this fabric at Gruber's, I loved it. It was on sale ($4.50/yard!) and since it is smack dab in the middle my color comfort zone, I bought 5 yards of it, knowing it would make a lovely backing for some quilt someday.

I put it together with my spiderweb quilt top and thought, "THIS IS IT!!" I like how the shapes of the backing fabric have angles that somewhat mimic the spiderweb shape. The colors are pretty close to what is in the front. Plus, it would camouflage my quilting lines.

I even found binding fabric in my stash to match, because that is the last piece of the puzzle. It would look good, don't you think?

This is where the indecision came in.

I put the backing next to my quilt along quilt. Could there BE a better match? (said in my best Chandler voice.) I don't think so.

Even the binding works with this version. (Although I just may pick something else if I go this route.)

What would you do?

This is what really gets me...for all the fabrics in the spiderweb quilt, you would think picking a backing would be easy peasy. Not so much. I've been struggling with what to back it with for a ridiculous length of time. About a year now, I guess. Help!

197 comments:

A.J. Dub. (Amy) said...

I like it with the spiderweb quilt much better than the new quilt.

Christina said...

It really is to perfect for the quilt-along quilt. I'd have to go with that.

Tonya said...

I have to say I do like it better on the quilt-along quilt!!!

HeatherBC said...

Quilt-a-long for me!

Anonymous said...

Better with the quilt-a-long.

HI ALL, said...

Like you said the angles go so well with the spider quilt, I think you could find another backing to go with the quilt-a-long easier then the spider web. They both look great.

Live a Colorful Life said...

I'm voting for the spider web. It is perfect for that. And there are probably a lot more options for the quilt-a-long.

Sherry said...

I like it on both so I'm no help to you. Sorry hopeyou can decide what one.

Brenda said...

from waaaaay over here it looks better on the quiltalong quilt. I think the spider web needs a bigger, more dramatic print. good luck!

pigbook1 said...

I don't think you can go wrong with either choice, but I like the quilt along quilt better. I think it's because of the white tones. I like the binding fabric better on the spiderweb quilt though. At least you know you can't make a mistake with either choice!

Crys said...

I think it looks best with the spider web quilt. When I quilt though, I like to "follow a pattern"... if my front is pretty basic, I go with a crazy pattern back, if my front is crazy, I keep the back calmer. As far as Binding goes, I prefer to use a solid color if I use a print on the back and a pattern if I use a Solid. Just my preference. I'm sure whatever you decide to do will be beautiful though!

Amy Sp said...

I think it looks best with the new quilt, but I think the new one needs a different binding. Save the red binding for the spiderweb. :)

Joan said...

It looks much better with the quilt-a-long quilt with a different binding choice than the one shown.

Tivoli West said...

I think the backing looks better with the new quilt, not the spiderweb. Although I do agree the binding might need to be changed. How about a pieced backing for the spiderweb? Large pieces, not small.

JacquieLH said...

I like it better with the quilt along quilt. I think it's perfect with it actually. In my opinion, I think something with a bigger print or something less color-busy would go well with the spiderweb quilt top. Good luck! :)

sewmuchfun4 said...

I like it better with the quilt along quilt. Could it BE more perfect? (I type Bing too) I find it a little too pastel for the spiderweb.

I actually think a fabric like the red you chose for binding would look better for the spiderweb quilt. The colors in that quilt seem to be richer and deeper and I think they need something stronger like the red.

Both tops are GREAT, but I really LOVE the spiderweb top and can understand it taking a while to land on the right backing.

:) Ann

Stray Stitches (Linda G) said...

My vote is for the quilt along quilt!

dutchcomfort said...

The backing works with both quilts. I’m not too thrilled about the binding... LOL!

How much do you need for the backing of each quilt, because you could consider a pieced backing and add some other fabric, so the backing can be uesed for both quilts.

Jennifer said...

I say use it with the spiderweb quilt. It looks fantastic with it. And you might find the perfect sale fabric for the QA quilt later, especially since you used fabric from a brand-new line for the QA quilt.

Unknown said...

I like it much better with the quilt along quilt.

I would go with your gut, though. Whichever one you think it goes best with, go with that!

Robyn said...

spider web for sure! I love the angles. And though the colors go with the quilt a long quilt very well, actually don't love the way the funny angles clash with the little squares.

Karen L R said...

without a doubt, the spider quilt.

Sally said...

I vote for the quilt along quilt (so sorry about the spider web dilemma!).

Princess and the Pea said...

It looks great with both but I think the quilt along suits it best as the colours are bit more pastelly. However, if you're fer up of wondering what to back the spider web with then you could just go for that and find something else for the quilt along.... or... is there not enough to back both quilts? Even if you pieced it?

winceycottagegirl said...

I think the quilt a long quilt is the better match, but I have to say I LOVE the spider web quilt!

Terry said...

I like it better with the quilt-along quilt. I think the spider web quilt actually needs a less busy fabric for the backing. Just my opinion! :0)

Alissa said...

My vote is that fabric with the quilt along quilt and a solid with the spider web! Can't ever go wrong with a solid...

Jovita said...

That's a great chunk of fabric! I'd say, go with your first gut. It reads just a tad too bright for your quilt-along quilt. And it's funky and colorful and looks like a perfect match in style and colors for your spiderweb quilt. And I'd love to see a beautiful floral on the back of your quilt-a-long. Good luck!

Anita said...

I love that fabric with your quilt-along quilt! It's too perfect. As for the spiderweb... I'm feeling the need for something big... big and maybe flowery. Got anything like that in your stash? :P

Herding Grasshoppers said...

Oooooo, the spider web, for sure!

I think the quilt-along needs something more modern and... well... ordered, if that makes sense.

The spider web quilt is more of a free-for-all, like the backing.

Julie

This Mommy Made It said...

I think it is totally perfect for the quilt along guilt! But the binding fabric I think is better for the other quilt. Good luck!

Katie @SwimBikeQuilt said...

I would back spiderweb (beautiful!) with a jewel tone solid. Featured fabric is beautiful with quilt along quilt!

Kelly said...

I prefer it with the quilt-a-long. The spiderweb quilt has so much going on in the front, I find that backing is a bit too busy for it. Just my opinion! All your work is beautiful and if you end up using it for the spiderweb quilt I'm sure I'll adore the results. I'm not sure if there is a bad decision! :)

FrancisMoore said...

I like it with both; just flip a coin and then don't change your mind. Francis

Meredith said...

I vote for the quilt a long quilt - seems like a bolder back would work for the spiderweb quilt. good luck!

Meredith said...

I vote for the quilt a long quilt - seems like a bolder back would work for the spiderweb quilt. good luck!

Fran said...

Spiderweb definitely!! For me, some thing more subtle for the quilt a long...

Stine said...

Definitely better with the quilt-a-long quilt (but not the red binding). The spider web needs something with more bold colors...maybe with green.

Di~ said...

I like it better with the spider web, I would definately do it there. I would go with something a little more subdued for the quilt a long. Both tops are fabulous!

Beth said...

Spiderweb quilt, and I like the binding too. I think since you have been looking so long for a backing for the web you should use this one.

Linda Lee said...

It is a must to use it for the backing of the Quilt-A-Long quilt!

Mary Lou said...

I like the backing fabric on the QAL quilt better than the spider web quilt but I like the binding fabric the opposite. But you can't go wrong either way. I'm almost done with the QAL, one more strip to go. Then I have to find a backing fabric. I think I already have a binding fabric.

Elena said...

I vote for the quilt along quilt. It's a spot-on match and looks so fluid! It does go well with the spiderweb, but not as perfectly.

Erin @ Why Not Sew? Quilts said...

I really think it looks best with the spiderweb quilt. The binding and all, it looks perfect! I always loved Chandler best!

Amy said...

My vote is to use it for the quilt along quilt, but maybe use a different binding fabric. Either way could it BE any cuter?!

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

One more vote to use that backing for the quilt-along quilt! It's perfect! Yes, different binding.
Did they have any more at Gruber's? I could get some for you the next time I'm there.

Janet said...

Backing for the quilt along quilt. Binding for the spider web. A blue/green backing would go well with the spider web. Hard choices!

Anonymous said...

I like it much better with the quilt along, although at first I thought I would like it better with the Spiderweb. Somehow, it's not quite vibrant enough for the Spiderweb. Have you thought of maybe a solid backing for the Spiderweb, since it has so much color on the front? Definitely a very bold, vibrant color though. Just my thoughts. ;)

Both amazing, beautiful quilts!!!

badlandsquilts said...

My vote is definately for the spider quilt... I have a problem with the random shapes in the backing fabric paired with the squareness/precision of the QA quilt that for no logical reason makes it seem like not a match?! Both are lovely quilts, tho.

kait. said...

I say definitely go with the quilt along quilt! You really couldn't find a better match. I think there's a much better option out there for the spiderweb.

Jen said...

My vote is for the spider quilt. I think the style of the fabric matches that quilt better than the quilt along quilt.

Elizabeth said...

My vote is for quilt-a-long, and a solid for the spiderweb.

Kelly said...

definitely quilt along. for some reason, when it's next to the spiderweb quilt, my eyes don't see it going together. but with the quilt along quilt, it looks beyond perfect.

Trudi said...

Oh darn, what a canumdrum! Which one excites you more that you want to quilt it right now? I'd go for that one! and just to be different, I love the quilt along, it's just that little bit more right to my eye :)

Jantine said...

I agree that the backing fabric goes great with both quilt tops. But as it would be much easier to find the quit-a-long another baking fabric I think you should use it for the spiderweb!

Anonymous said...

Love it with the quilt along!! And play with some different binding options. FUN!

Stephanie said...

I think the color tones are perfect together on the QAQ, although as soon as I saw the fabric I too noticed that the angles were a perfect match to the spiderweb quilt. I think what would be perfect is if you used this for the QAQ and then check and see if you can find more of this fabric in a darker color palate for the Spider web quilt, it would also be perfect! The red binding I prefer with the SW quilt.

Stephanie said...

I think the color tones are perfect together on the QAQ, although as soon as I saw the fabric I too noticed that the angles were a perfect match to the spiderweb quilt. I think what would be perfect is if you used this for the QAQ and then check and see if you can find more of this fabric in a darker color palate for the Spider web quilt, it would also be perfect! The red binding I prefer with the SW quilt.

Blogful said...

back the spiderweb in a white sheet. You need something calm with all that color. Although, you could bind it with the left overs?

KulaMom said...

I personally like it with the spiderweb quilt the best, the angles just work for me too. :) good luck!

Suzanne said...

It's tough but I think I like it with the quilt along better. HOWEVER if you hadn't shown us the options we all probably would have loved it with whichever quilt top you chose. So the bottom line is that you win no matter what.

Patty said...

I personally like the Gruber’s fabric better with your quilt-a-long top; the softness of this fabric works well with the softer colors used in the quilt-a-long top. Because the colors in your spider web quilt lean toward the dark richer side I would look for a backing that is a bit darker in color. As for the binding fabric, I think it works best with the spider web top. Good luck on your decision, it’s so hard sometimes making the right choice.

Jeannie said...

It's so good to have you back at blogging! My vote goes for matching it to your quilt-along quilt. It reminds me of the scene in "Six Degrees of Separation" where they hold up the two-sided Kandinsky painting... Chaos/Control...

Beth said...

I'm chiming in, but am worried that so many opinions will make it even harder for you to decide. But here goes: my feeling is that the softness of the backing fabric is a better match for your quilt-along quilt. The spiderweb fabric includes many stronger colors, and I think if I were you I would go with a fabric that incorporates those tones. I'm thinking of something by American Jane, maybe something polka dotted, to echo the circular spiderwebs rather than the angular aspects. Either way, though, the quilts are going to be splendid. Won't you be happy to have them finished?

MWalker said...

Love it for the quilt-along-quilt more than the spider web. Thinking a different binding though.(I like that binding more for the Spider Web).

Amy from Our Dish said...

Spider web - ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!! The quilt-a-long has a much "softer" vibe to me. The bright reds in your backing and binding don't seem to go. Just me?

beth said...

no wonder your quilts are always so pretty...you make thoughtful decisions! Great job.

Unknown said...

I was going to say the Quilt-A-Long quilt until you mentioned that you have been struggling to back the Spiderweb for a while. I think the backing would work well with both but use it to back the Spiderweb.

Cindy said...

My vote would be the quilt along quilt. Those colors are a PERFECT match! But good luck making the decision. Thankfully it looks great with either top so it is really win-win right!?

Anne D said...

I like it as a backing for the quilt along quilt. Sorry

Jenny Young said...

Spider Web. Because of the angles you mentioned!

Mary said...

Both quilts are fabulous, but I like it better with the spider web.

Jan said...

It really is perfect for the quilt-along quilt. Much better match, to me. It's all so subjective, and I'm sure anything you do will be wonderful.

Wendy P said...

I think the print is much too small to back the spider web quilt. It is perfect for the quilt along though!

Look for either a large print or a solid for the backing to the spider web quilt.

That's what I would do.

Anonymous said...

The quilt aong quilt - no doubt about it. I think it is just too busy for the already busy spider quilt. Not sure about the binding, the color hue seems off to me.

Laura

Kari said...

Since you asked . . . I like the backing for the quilt-along squares--it's perfect. Binding too. It's only so-so for me on the spiderweb quilt. And I'll go one further--I think the back of the spiderweb should be dark. A navy blue with a bold pattern. (For the record, I'm horribly indecisive. But that one is a no-brainer for me.)

Wonky Girl said...

Maybe you could find a spiderweb fabric for the borders? I have started a spiderweb quilt myself and already have the border fabric-white spiderwebs on purple. My blocks will have lots of purple strips too.
Something to think about. LOL

Lisa Bee said...

I like it better with the quilt-a-long quilt.. it does match with the spider web quilt, but it's PERFECT with the squares.

Anonymous said...

I vote quilt along. :)

Frogdancer said...

Quilt along!

Michelle said...

i like it for the spider web quilt!

Megan said...

Guess I'm bucking the trend here because I'd definitely go with the spiderweb quilt, hands down. Of course, the color on my monitor might be a bit "off" but the blue in the backing seems much too bright for the QAQ. Plus, I love the scale of the larger spiderwebs and the smaller print. And the dots on the binding go so well with the webs. But hey, that's just me ;-)

Val Miller said...

ack - I can see why you are stuck!! My knee jerk reaction was that I liked it better with the quilt along quilt, but then, the more I looked, I liked it better with the spiderweb. GOOD LUCK choosing!! At least it looks great with both of them : )

Anne at Film and Thread said...

It looks so good with the quilt-along quilt, but obviously, you can't go wrong either way and you can see that your readers are pretty evenly divided!

Mama Urchin said...

I think it goes well with both but I think you'll have a much easier time finding a different back for the quiltalong quilt and it really looks great with the spiderweb quilt.

Diane said...

It could be the colors on my screen, but, I like it with the QAL much better because, again on my screen, it apears to have more pink/aqua similar to the QAL, where the spider web speaks primary colors to me.

Lindsey F. said...

Boy everybody has an opinion! My immedidate blink reaction was for the spider web quilt but I think only you can judge how the colors look in person. The colors on the computer can be deceiving.

Thimbleanna said...

So fun to read your comments -- I'd already decided on the quilt along quilt and it looks like that's the majority vote, oddly. I do think I'd like a little less red binding though -- having compared that color to my still waiting tower of those Anna Griffin fabrics ;-)!

Princess Martha said...

Spiderweb Quilt. I did hesitate for a minute though, like you. But then I had a closer look at the last photo, and I think the shapes of the backing with the Spiderweb quilt win against the colouring of the quilt-a-long quilt. But, in the end, you have to love it, not us. Either will look good.

mariarrosa said...

Spider web. No doubt.

Lexi said...

I prefer it with the new quilt. I think the spider web needs something spotty on the back :) Black with white polkas or green with white polka ... droool.

Princess Martha said...

I just need to add, if you use it for the quilt-a-long, I would save the red for the spiderweb, and get a different fabric for the bind. The red goes soooo well with the spiderweb :-)

Paula H. said...

I don't think you could go wrong either way. Is there enough to use as binding for one of them? At first, I thought the fabric would make a fantastic border. I had to re-read to know that you were looking at it for your back. Hmmm... If there's some left over, a binding with it would really pop. Just my $.02

jabeybaby said...

I think it should go with the quilt along quilt, it is just too perfect!

Carrie Haughey said...

I like it a lot better with the Quilt along Quilt!

Bellgirl said...

Actually I think it belongs with the spiderweb quilt, it's those angles, it's like it was meant to be!

Candace said...

I'm an oddball, so since I like it on both, I'd probably use half on each and throw something else into the mix to go along.

Annie H said...

I really like it with the Spider quilt. It fits just perfectly to my eye.

:-)Annie

Mimi-n-Moe's Mom said...

Either works, but I prefer it with the spiderweb. Both are beautiful!

Adele said...

My vote would be to use your backing fabric (which is fabulous!) with the Quilt a Long quilt. I would back the Spiderweb quilt with a gorgeous coloured solid. Can't wait to see what you finally decide!

Kari V. said...

Go ahead and put it on the quilt a long quilt. If the spiderweb has been sitting for a year, another month or so of searching for the right fabric can't hurt. Right? :)

JenR said...

oooo... tough one! My first reaction is to go with the spider web quilt. While the colors are perfect for the QAL quilt, the "mood" of it just does NOT match... and I think that would bother me.

Anonymous said...

Your backing fabric matches the quilt along quilt perfectly! I would go with that, but would choose a different binding.
Although your fabric goes with the spider web quilt, it doesn't have that punch. I'm sure you'll find a great backing fabric for the spider web quilt soon :-) I'd suggest something less busy, or even a nice solid, or shot cotton.
Fara (long time subscriber; first time commentor!)

Care said...

NO CONTEST -- The quilt-along quilt wins the backing!! :o)

The spiderweb quilt is begging for -- dare I say -- a solid backing. (Did I really just say that??)

qltmom9 said...

I like it for the QAL. And, I think I'd like a more solid bright for the back of the spiderweb. Maybe like the piece you have for binding?

VERY pretty.
L~

Annie said...

At 4.50 a yd, I would say, go and buy another 5 yds and do both. Is that an option?? Other wise, go with the spiderwebs 'cause that's been waiting longest and I think they both look good.

Anonymous said...

I vote for the quilt a long. The spider web needs (IMO)a dark (navy?)backing.

chris

Leah said...

If you had enough it would work with either quilt, but since you've been hunting for something for the spider web quilt, I'd say got with that...

But either would be great!

Peggi said...

Another vote for the quilt-along quilt. I went "meh" when I saw it with the spiderweb quilt, but "WOW!" when I saw it with the quilt-along quilt. What's the name of that quilt, anyway?

Unknown said...

How can you lose??? It works with both. Make a decision and stop waffling. Years from now you will laugh!

Anonymous said...

I say for you to go buy five more yards of the fabric so you can use it on both! They both look great with it.

jeri

shellysquilts said...

Hey Amanda Jean, You could piece your back. (or maybe not.)
I have something for you I just haven't been able to get to the post office. I will go in the morning so be on the look out, next week, for something from Texas. Take care my friend and happy sewing!!!

Munaiba said...

Personally I think the backing will work well with either quilt but I'm not keen on your choice of border. It's not quite the right red for that backing. I say back the spider quilt and find a new border - maybe the turquoise that's in both the backing and the front.

Karen said...

I think the fabric would be great on the quilt along quilt. I think a black and white print of some kind would be really dramatic on the spiderweb quilt with a red print binding of some sort. My two cents... thanks for the opp to give input!

Carla said...

Are you really going to go with the majority?! I'm chiming in for the QAQ. Up close you might see the little triangle shapes but from a distance it's just blendy. A strong polka dot or a solid would be my choice for the spinder web.

Miss Hillbilly said...

QAQ for me! But maybe not the binding...

Dolly said...

I had one answer and after reading the other comments, I changed my mind !

So I would suggest a little trick that I like to do.

I lay out the proposed backing fabric wrongside up, then lay the quilt top on it right side up (with or without batting, doesn't matter........then I turn up the corner, as if it's already a quilt, and it's folded back on itself. Then I walk away and everytime I pass it, I notice whether I LOVE IT or it's 'eh'. (my poorer version of Chandler Bing).

Anyway, that's what works for me. I get serious because I have a quilt that I really like that has a back that I really DON'T like........and it has bothered me for over 10 years !

Metanoia said...

My opinion is that while the fabrics match perfectly with both, the spider web would be harder to find something else to match, whereas the squares could have a backing that matches just one or two of the colours as the colour blocks are more seperate. I think you should use your stash with the spiderweb one.

Donna said...

My opinion is the quilt-along with different binding. Both quilts are lovely.

Leslie said...

oh wow, i think it is so perfectly suited to your spiderweb quilt....it is amazing.

Amy W said...

This is my first comment- LOVE your blog. I love that fabric with your QAL quilt the best. But when I look at that spiderweb quilt I totally see a chambray blue back and a black with white small polka dot binding- Perfect

Sarah Craig said...

Wow! I bet you didn't know you were going to open up a can of worms with that simple question!! I'm not sure you need any more opinions, but just in case, I like the backing with the quilt-along quilt, but I'd put a yellow binding on it. Use the red binding for the spiderweb quilt, and I'd think about using a solid for the backing, and use a quilting pattern that will echo the spiderwebs onto the back of the quilt. Good luck, and I'm sure they'll both be lovely whatever you decide!!

Dan Rouse said...

quilt-a-long!

lera said...

Oooh. That's a tough one. I like both and can't decide.

(Oh, btw, I think it was Ross, not Chandler.)

WendyLou said...

I think it needs to go with the quilt along quilt. I think the spiderweb quilt needs something a little brighter or bolder? I do think the binding should stay with the spiderweb - it's too bold for the quilt along quilt. Happy choosing :)

Lisa said...

No doubt for me - that backing fabric is great with the spiderweb quilt. I love the angles like you mentioned in your post. Also, you have been looking for a great back for the spiderweb quilt for a while and now you have one. Further, I agree with a previous post that the quilt along quilt can easily be paired with so many fabrics.

Cheryl Arkison said...

I'd keep it with the spiderweb quilt. You're right, it could with either, but with so much white in the quilt along quilt my tendency would be to pick a simpler fabric, and perhaps a larger scale print to contrast the front.

Deb said...

I think it goes perfectly with the spider web quilt and I love it with that one!

Anonymous said...

the quilt along quilt definitely the colors go much better...the spiderweb quilt has much stronger colors in it. like the binding fabric for either one...

eva said...

is it possible to split the 5 yards and use it for both quilts? you have in the past used patches or something to fit in... in this case a couple of spiderweb blocks... then for the other... a couple of quilt along pieces .... and of course your usual white...and voila, i think you could use this perfect fabric for both quilt backs... and do them both equal justice.

either way - you always do the right thing and make an absolute treasure for all of us to oggle!!!

xo
eva

Anonymous said...

i love it on the quilt-along quilt. can you save a bit of it for backing on the spiderweb and go with a solid for the rest? that binding fabric may even be a good backing for the spiderweb!
seems like you can't go wrong either way though :o)

Jenny said...

Spiderweb needs a red with white polka dot backing. Your fabric looks great with the quilt along top.

danielle said...

qal for sure- but with different binding...they look great together :)

Coloradolady said...

I love it with the quilt along quilt...made for that quilt I'd say....I like the idea of a polka dot fabric on the spider web quilt.

But I really am no expert.

Anonymous said...

Quilt-a-long, for sure, but without the red binding. I would do a simple pieced binding for the spiderweb...big strips, mostly solids?

Rachel said...

The quilt along quilt. :)

Linda said...

I like it with the spiderweb. I like how the randomness of the pattern goes with the scrappiness of the spiderweb, as well as the angles. Plus... I am just dying to see the spiderweb finished, LOL :)

Eco Warrior said...

My first instinct is the quilt along quilt. I really like how the colors work together for that one. (I could see changing the binding color a bit though) For the spiderweb quilt I like the idea of a solid for the backing.

PunkiePie (Jen) said...

quilt along is my vote! But either way you go, it's a perfect match!

Denise in PA said...

Aww man, you should have bought 10 yeards - LOL! Sorry you can't use it for both, but isn't it great when you have the perfect fabric in your stash for something. I do a happy dance every time!

Anonymous said...

LOVE it with the quilt-a-long quilt. It's perfect! But maybe with a turquoise or yellow binding rather than the red. As a few others have suggested, I think the spider web quilt needs a brighter backing with a bolder design.

Contented Caroline said...

Why don't you go back to the store - buy more - back them both - I do prefer it more with the spider-web quilt. Maybe you have to wait a bit longer to meet the perfect piece for quilt-along-quilt (hopefully not as long as a year).

Anonymous said...

I like the backing with your quilt along quilt. For your spider web quilt, I would use the red binding and a backing that matches the lovely blues on the front. There's my 2 cents!

Anonymous said...

Use the backing for whichever quilt you'd like to have finished and on display. If you choose the quilt-along-quilt, I'd not use red for the binding - I think a soft green, aqua or blue would be better.

Denice said...

spiderweb quilt!

Jeanette said...

I like it with the quilt along quilt the best because the colors are more pastel. There is a lot of what looks to be pink in the backing fabric and the spider web is more red.

If the backing fabric was in primary colors it would be perfect for the spider web, but as it is, I think it suits the quilt along much better!

Anonymous said...

Haven't read many of the other comments, but I like it best with the quilt-along!! But you know what--it's your choice.
By the by--started following your blog before I was a quilter. This week I just finished piecing my first quilt--full sized. Kind took a class to get motivated. Earlier I had picked out fabric to make your filmstrip quilt. Can't wait to get started!!
Thanks for all your inspiration and tutorials.
Kalamazoo Sue

Mrsblocko said...

my vote is for the spiderweb.

Kim said...

Well it would work on either but the quilt along seems to be calling out for it more.

How about a nice plaid for the backing of the spider web? Have any on hand?
Like you I have large stash....I like to think of it as a palate.....I pull from it and mix and match until I find whatever pleases me :0)...its fun huh?

Happy sewing

Anonymous said...

Quilt-along-quilt, for sure! It is the perfect foil for the light, white feel of the top and all the diamondy (is this a word?) shapes go nicely against the squareness of the top. You will find something more perfect for the spider web quilt, in due time. This is one of those process vs. product moments. 'Nuff said.
Love your blog, BTW,
Greta

zarina said...

I guess with the comments you would still be stuck. if the store has more of the backing, get some more (heck its on sale right). The binding - well I guess it could go for a solid or whatever you have in your stash. that is my goal too - to use whatever fabric I have in my stash. Good luck!

mandbrid said...

I think the binding fabric would look great on the back of the spiderweb quilt and the other fabric looks fantastic with the quiltalong quilt. Although I don't suppose you have yards and yards of the binding fabric....

Ania said...

spiderweb quilt!

Krafty Kyzer said...

The reds in both fabrics look much better in the spider web quilt! Find something else for the quilt along. It looks geometrical and safe!

Quilting Memories said...

My vote is for the spiderweb also. Like another said you could find many to go with the quilt along quitl and the angles and colors do so much more for the spiderweb i think.

Katherine said...

I choose the quilt a long quilt - but change the binding. The colours in the backing seem too pale for the spiderweb quilt (even though I do like how all those angles go together).

Jody said...

My vote is for the quilt a long quilt....the colours in your backing match perfectly!

pklaw said...

My vote is for the quilt along quilt. I feel the print is too small for the spiderweb quilt. I love your binding choice as well.

Stephanie said...

I LOVE it with the quilt a long. I think you should wait and find something perfect for the spiderweb. :0)

Anonymous said...

I vote for the spiderweb. Looks good with both though.

Shev said...

Quiltalong quilt! It looks pale compared to the deeper colours on the spiderweb quilt, and suits the look of the quiltalong beautifully. Happy hunting for the spiderweb backing!

Kelly said...

I'm gonna second this comment.....

I think the binding fabric would look great on the back of the spiderweb quilt and the other fabric looks fantastic with the quiltalong quilt. Although I don't suppose you have yards and yards of the binding fabric....

Jessica Christensen said...

As if you need one more opinion on this subject . . . and we are probably split so that your decision isn't going to be any easier, but I think it needs to go with the quilt-along quilt, but yean, I'd do something different -- softer -- for the binding if you do that. Good luck!

Anonymous said...

I vote for using it and the binding you chose with the spiderweb quilt. It looks nice with the quilt along quilt, but I think it will be much easier to find something that looks as good or better with the quilt-along quilt. I even think a vintage sheet would be lovely with the quilt-along quilt.
Besides- when I'm working through my unfinished quilt projects, the deciding factor for me is which quilt has been waiting longer- so based on that, the spiderweb quilt wins! :)
-Ellie

Karen said...

I know this may sound strange but sometimes I am undecided about backings but end up just going with what I have but not necessarily sold on. Its funny but even though I haven't loved some of my backings I do now and can't imagine those quilts with any other backing.

Erin Morehouse said...

looks like you don't need another opinion to confuse you, but I love the fabric with the quilt-a-long quilt! you need something in the denim-y blues backing that spiderweb quilt...this from the woman who abandoned her quilting 4 years ago for scrapbooking...I'll keep living vicariously through you okay?

Kristen W said...

I like it so much with the spiderweb quilt! It's really pretty with either, but it seems at home with the spiderweb one.

BJ said...

I would definitely use it for the quilt-along quilt.

Anonymous said...

I like it with the squares quilt best!!

Lisa H. said...

My vote is for the spiderweb quilt. (But it looks really terrific with both!)

Coffeebean's Dailies said...

At first I liked it with the Spiderweb bc I did not see it with the other one. Then, I liked the other one more! Now, a few days later, I was popping in to see what your'e up to and looked again and I like it with the SW again because it pulls the blues out. The second top doesn't have blues!!

Coffeebean's Dailies said...

At first I liked it with the Spiderweb bc I did not see it with the other one. Then, I liked the other one more! Now, a few days later, I was popping in to see what your'e up to and looked again and I like it with the SW again because it pulls the blues out. The second top doesn't have blues!!

Coffeebean's Dailies said...

Oops, double post! No wait! READ THIS! This is my third post but just wanted to confirm...

SHAZAM! I LOVE it with the Spiderweb! I like all the color!

I backed my SW with a white and tiny blue squares because I was hanging it up on the wall. I used some leftover (from my pillows) yellow for the binding!

It depends how you use it. If it is a quilt; I love all that color. But that is me!

I can't wait to see what you decide! It'll be great!!

Shannon said...

Gotta use it on the quilt along quilt - it's too perfect not to! Why not do a pieced back for the spiderweb quilt so you don't have to decide on just one fabric? :)

Susan K in Canada said...

I love the selected backing and binding for the quilt along quilt - yup that's the one - thanks for asking - waiting to see what happens.

Edna said...

My vote, for what its worth, is to go with the spider web quilt. The QA would be much easier to find a backing for. Also, love the binding with the spider web.

April (Polkadot Sparrow) said...

I don't want to be in your shoes. Why did you put that fabric with more than one quilt?? haha.

But my first instinct is the squares quilt. Love how the binding would really pop on it.

Either one is fine, though. Perhaps you should just close your eyes and pick one.

The Gaertegang Homestead said...

I love it with the quilt along quilt for the backing...but I would use the binding with the spiderweb quilt...Just food for thought.

Tine said...

I think it looks wonderful with both quilts, but since you are having trouble finding a backing for the spiderweb, I would probably go with that. But I don't think I would use it on either quilt before I had backing for both. That way you won't end up being disappointed if you find another perfect backing for the quilt you have used this fabric to back - did that even make sense??

anne said...

I love it on both but which quilt has been waiting for a backing the longest....spiderweb so I think you should use it on that one and do one of your great pieced backing for the quiltalong quilt. Enjoy!

Terriaw said...

Hey, I don't remember you buying that fabric at our retreat! I love that fabric!!! (what is it?) I really love how it looks with the quilt-along quilt and the red binding you set out. I actually think a solid might look cool on the back of the spiderweb quilt because there will be so much going on on the front. I'm sure whatever you pick will be fabulous!

Lisa said...

You could always try to find more of it to do both, but I think it looks best with the spiderweb quilt- the angles are fitting. Then maybe some striped binding!

Jacky O said...

The Spider Web Quilt already!! They are so meant for each other that I want to start one now!!!!

Sara said...

I say quilt-a-long but then I have been slowly working on mine and have no idea what I am going to back it in!!

Andrea, the little collector said...

Quilt a long. Honey, you need one of those little poll tabs...it looks like the voting's pretty mixed. We're not helping you at all!

Good luck, chica!

Bingaling said...

I love Gruber's...but I only get there once in a great while when I drive home to visit my parents.

I like the backing fabric with your quilt along quilt. But that's just me...
Chanda

Rachel said...

What a dilemma! My vote goes for the quilt-a-long quilt, but it would work with either.

Hannah said...

Looks like the rest of us aren't helping much!
I like the backing with the quilt-along best, but prefer the binding with the spider web. Maybe it's just the photos, but the backing seems softer looking, while the binding seems deeper/richer.

Lisa S. said...

I think that I like it better with the spider web quilt.

shelia said...

like it with the quilt along quilt better. :)

Nichole said...

In light of the fact that you've been looking for a backing for so long, I would use it for the spider web quilt. While it looks great with both, you can probably find another back for the quilt a long quilt since it is not as scrappy and has a more controlled palette.

Anonymous said...

I like the backing fabric with the quilt-a-long quilt and the binding with the spiderweb quilt

Diane said...

I much prefer the backing with the quilt along quilt. I think the complement each other in color and drama. The spider web quilt is very beautiful--it is one pattern I very much want to make--but I think it needs stronger colors and maybe a more dramatic large print for the backing. IMHO.
Diane

Neese Family said...

I am throwing my vote for the spiderweb quilt. I can't wait to see that one finished!
Good luck deciding!

Shanley said...

Quilt along quilt is my vote!

I also sent another email with my address. Thanks again for so generously sharing your pattern and fabrics!

Aviva said...

I vote for the quilt along quilt. Good luck.

Unknown said...

hi there,
i think you have fabulous color sense!!! trust your instincts! i like the confetti backing with the spiderweb quilt much better than the polka dot fabric. i also love your binding choice!
julie
(friend of 'rene creates' in orlando that made her the quilt kit for the retreat)