Choosing the background fabric ???
 

I am trying to get this last gift done for an older friend who loves reproductions:
https://www.anniescatalog.com/detail...prod_id=124831
I decided not to piece squares for the center but to use a whole piece of fabric. But when I put the letters on Kona Snow, it looked blah. So then I was able to pull a pastel pink calico but the letters seem to blend. I am planing to use a black thread buttonhole stitch. I will be sewing the rectangles as the border but which background should I choose?? Thanks for your suggestions.

I like a soft white for my 30's backgrounds. Snow is too stark. Kona has another white that has a softer beige tone. Give that a try. Or you could make a small test out of a scrap to see if your black thread makes it pop.

What is her favorite color? Either one will look good once you add a heavy blanket stitch. I used Paint to add a black line around the word Love and both look equally good.

..remember gray..it's the new beige!

I personally wouldn't use the stark white. In my mind's eye it doesn't "go" with 30's fabric.

I like the white even though it probably doesn't go with the '30's fabric. BUT, I like Geri B's idea of trying gray. Not sure that works w/ the 30's fabric either but think it would look nice.

How about Royal Blue? (kind of like the "e" color...you could always replace that "e" if it doesn't show well against it. I think that might show off the pale 30's colors well.

i like the fist one

Black would make your words pop!

ME TOO! or even another deep color for the stitching -- remember that if it really was as old as the fabrics pretend, black thread would have faded.

I was thinking the same thing.

I would use a cream and beige assorted plaid.

I would probably go for a 'softer' white as well. I also think the 'snow' is too stark with the repro fabrics.

Why did you decide not to piece the background? I think a pieced background (like in the pattern) is more in keeping with "stash" and would solve the problem of the background being too stark or boring.

I really like the white. It makes the lettering really stand out is easy on the eye. I would use a fabric that matched one of the letters for the binding. Great job on cutting out your letters.

I love it with the Kona Snow. It's my "go to" fabric for 30's repro. If you want something a bit creamier, you could go with Moda Bella Solids in Snow, but I love it as is once the black satin stitching is added. I think the black will be strong enough to separate the applique fabrics from the background. The only other option I could think of that could work would be one of the antiqued muslins (in the beige family) because you would have both a difference of color & texture.

Really, though, any option is really beautiful with those fabrics. :cool: