Originally Posted by sandyl
Just wondering what/if any criteria do you use when making this decision. I am stumped!
First of all, FABULOUS quilt.
It that were my quilt - this is the way I would make the decision:
This quilt is not about the quilting, it's about the fabulous lines and the collection of tan/reds that make it up.
So, right off the bat, in this case, I wouldn't need/have to have a solid/TOT fabric on the back to showcase intense detailed quilting - which isn't really called for here.
I like to have a surprise on the back. I normally piece the backs from, admittedly a huge stash. I like the variety. I try to do something interesting for the top 20 inches of the back - what I call the "turn-down." Especially if it's a bed quilt, even for a guest room. That's the only part of the back that's really ever going to be seen. Then the rest of the back can be yardage or more piecing. I'm rarely concerned about it. Of course, all fabric is LQS quality.
When I do got out and actually buy specific yardage for a quilt, it's usually because it's a great fit. Which for means a great contrast. IOW, I've already got a great front with great fabrics - why do I have to repeat that on the back?
In the case of your quilt, it has a real vintage feel to it (at least to me).
If I were going to buy fabric, I'd get something like these (hard to match up exactly so it's more the idea than the exact fabric):
http://www.cowgirl-upquilts.com/cgi-...&pid=1#2630_13
http://www.quiltexpressions.com/cgi-...&pid=1#1354711
http://www.penningtonquilts.com/cgi-...&pid=1#10-4366
The larger scale of these prints contrast nicely (to me) with the repeated angle geometric shapes on the front.
Sort of like you might do in your living room - different fabrics for the sofa and chair, with a little zing here and there. If you bothered with that sort of stuff.
If you go the "turn-down" route, an interesting option would be make a panel across the top of the back of TAN stars with a RED background. That would also look great.
And the rest of the backing can be whatever you got.
It's a great quilt no matter what you put on the back.
Edited to add after reading the previous post by EIQuilter:
A toile would be awesome. :thumbup:
http://www.cindysquiltshop.com/cgi-b...ldn13530-26-nt
http://www.lotsofabric.com/cgi-bin/S...8&pid=1#img128