I would like linen as a backing, I think. It usually has a loose enough weave to be quilted easily.
I purchased some linen napkins that were on clearance at Williams Sonoma. After I washed them, they had the most wonderful drape and hand, soft and lovely. I went back and purchased a matching tablecloth that was also on clearance, and am planning to make a blouse out of it. I've purchased linen blouses before and have always been disappointed with how scratchy or stiff they are, even after washing. I hated linen until I met those napkins.
