fabrics for shabby chic quilt??
 

I have to make a couple of shabby chic quilts....both females...one baby and one adult. I've never done shabby chic before......just wondering what colors and types of fabrics are supposed to be used? I've tried to google to look...didn't quite get much to look at. But, from what I have found, it seems to be light pastels, in florals in both small and large designs, polka dots, almost tone on tone, etc. Suggestions, please. If anyone knows of a good tutorial, please let me know, also. thanks.

my suggestion is to look to the new "modern quilts" and the fabric being printed for the style. My reading indicates the words "shabby chic" is a design style using vintage and refinished furniture and items as the theme.
So larger geometric designs and fabrics toward the pastel is the way I would go. I have watched closely the develpment of modern fabric designs and have not seen any specifically identified as "shabby chic".

Google Laura Ashley. She supposedly coined the term Shabby Chic as a home decorating style. Soft florals in pink with lots of white and ruffles. Was never my style!

Go to Shabbyfabrics.com for some ideas as to what fabric to use. They have some great fabric. Also look up shabby chic quilts on Google and see what you get. Some really pretty quilts.

What about some rag quilts? You can go to the Accuquilt.com site to look at examples. I use the die-cutting system (I have a SizzixPro machine) & I can use Accuquilt dies and the rag dies are great. The problem with flannel (for baby) is after they're washed, they tend to pile or pill (sp?). The colors you've mentioned sound right. Accuquilt is also having a contest, so they have a site up of customers quilts. It may give you some ideas.

I agree with Holice.....I have seen the shabby chic element in refinished furniture, etc. I think I probably should try to go with finding "Romantic Vintage" or something of that nature....maybe Victorian, etc.

Here is a picture of a string quilt made in shabby chic fabrics... hope it helps! These kinds of fabrics are a personal favorite of mine.

And a closeup! Lots of florals and paisleys in soft colors.

Muted colors, like sage green, soft rose, a muted sunny yellow, baby blues, etc -- florals, soft plaids, dots, soft stripes. Think soft Depression colors with more beachy tones and you've got it.

OH, that is beautiful!! Just what I had envisioned! Those types/colors of fabrics are my favorites, too. And, I LOVE the string quilt design. I just finished a string quilt, but I alternated lights blocks and dark blocks. I think you just may have solved my problems....unless someone else posts pictures, too. Thank you soo much!!

Robin Pandolph fabrics make me think of shabby chic.

I love Shabby Chic! My whole house is Shabby Chic. mauve, pink, cream and sage green, with just a touch of berry. You will love the Shabby fabrics web site. Hope you will post pictures of your quilts. I know they will be gorgeous!!

When I see the quilts on this blog http://miaslandliv.blogspot.ca/

http://miaslandliv.blogspot.ca/search?q=quilts ( I hope this takes you to her quilts, if not search in the upper left corner)

I think of shabby chic, I love her quilts.

Thanks, everyone....I'm checking out all of your responses.

I enjoyed her blog so much! Just awesome! Thanks so much for telling me about it. Love her 9 patch quilts and color/texture choices!

Yes, Mias Landiv has a wonderful blog, I love her photos and quilts, unfortunately she is thinking of quitting writing her blog but I hope she can leave the archives up for people to look at.

I love the colors used in the shabby chic designs. I am looking forward to seeng posts of your quilts.

Two of the fabric collections I have used for Shabby Chic are Paris Flea Market and Seaside Rose. I know they reprinted Paris Flea Market recently but you'll probably only find a bolt here and there at the most of Seaside Rose.

Check over at Shabbyfabrics.com. They just got a new collection of Mary Rose fabrics in called Amelia, and they are very pretty! Several manufacturers have lovely shabby type fabrics such as Lecien, Quilt Gate, Moda, and others. Brenda Riddle has had a few collections from awhile ago that you might still be able to get if you do a search. I love the soft shabby look! You can also add bits of lace, eyelet, and embroidery to make it special too.

I see that someone else mentioned the Paris Flea Market line...that is the one I was going to mention...very shabby chic and vintage looking.

Love the quilt, asimplelife. Looking forward to seeing the quilts you make, Misoop.

I love shabby chic and I think they look best if the fabrics are the same tone. I think florals, simple plaids, narrow stripes, and small dots all in the same color and tone make a very pretty shabby chic quilt.

Think pastels, cabbage roses and soft and lovely feminine designs. Fabric designers that come to mind are Robin Pandolph for RJR, 3 Sisters for Moda (Paris Flea Market is my all-time favorite), Laura Ashley, etc. Go to shabbyfabrics.com which specializes in shabby chic fabrics and quilt patterns (many designed by the owner Jennifer Bosworth) to get a better idea of this style and the types of fabrics that are appropriate for this type of quilt.

Joyce, that's what I was thinking....mostly fabrics that are the same tones. The quilts I've seen have been that way. Thanks.

Thanks for the shabby fabrics website from several of you....I will check that one out, too.

I used French Roses Quilt Pattern and fabrics from Paris Flea Market by 3 Sisters for Moda.