Boy, do I relate to other comments about vintage! I loved those little calicoes of the past and wish I could find them again to finish some projects handed down to me. They were so sweet and very appropriate for baby quilts. Yes, the white backing was characteristic of the quilts of that era. What about a white on white if the moms don't want just a plain white--or even an off-white on off-white? Or, keep the backing that your mother had purchased and let your quilting be the design of the backing. I love the whole cloth look and it would be consistent with what your mother began. I assume these quilts are to be keepsakes not drag-around so white will not be a problem. Perhaps these quilts will become wall hangings so they will be preserved somewhat and the back won't matter anyhow. Putting colors or prints on the backs of quilts is "new".
PS--To be consistent with the time period, I hope these will be hand quilted to make these truly keepsakes!
Last edited by illinois; 01-31-2016 at 03:51 AM.