Hey Scrappy Quilters...
 

I am in the process of making a postage stamp scrappy quilt and believe me this is a totally new thing for me because I'm almost to anal to just grab any square of any color and add it to another square of any color. I have posted a picture of the pattern that I'm going to use. I'm planning on the diamonds being any and all color squares but what would you do for the white around the diamond. Would you use just white and white on white color squares and maybe cream colored? If you had a print that was predominately white maybe has some flowers or something on it would you use them in the borders? I know everyone says it is your quilt do it the way you want to but I need a little feedback. Also what kind of borders would you put on this? Right now it is 99 x 105. Would a simple 2" white border on the outside be enough or would it need more?

I probably wouldn't do borders. However, I'd wait until the top was done before making that final decision.

The white parts depend on what kinds of colors I'm using. If my scraps were brights, I'd go with white or WOW prints. If my scraps were darker, more in the style of civil war repros, I'd use naturals or tans to soften it.

Are you using scraps or yardage? I take it the diamonds are made up of your "stamps"? That will be so neat!

Your design reminded me of an antique quilt I saw at a show a year or so ago - hope it gives you inspiration!
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You are very ambitious! Hats off to you, this is to tackle. Now that you said this, maybe I should be saving my small pieces for this...hmmmm

What is that background? Are you fusing to that?

I agree with what Peckish said - on a tiny piece "masterpiece" the borders will just distract IMHO.

It adds a lot to a Postage Stamp quilt to add "paths" going through it - here is one we made. The "paths" were navy-white-navy.

All I can add is WOW!!! The antique one is breath-taking. Thanks for the photos Peckish. And ptquilts, I love the stripe in yours. They give my eyes a chance to rest. Good luck with your quilt Mobridge Mom.

I love the paths .So how do you go about getting them where they need to be? I am useless without a pattern ofr instructions :(

I would definitely go with black and not white.

If you are planning to use the diamond pattern in your posting, how will you fit squares into the diamond shape, or will you just put them on point?

Fun idea for your postage stamp scrappy! I'd go for using white-JMHO. For collecting more postage stamp squares, there is usually a swap of them here on the board. :)

If you are going for a vintage look , pick white or white on white or natural on natural for the accent. If you are looking for a more modern look pick black. Personally I am not a fan of black , in a quilt that will be used . Just my thoughts but black darkens the room. I know everyone thinks it ( black) makes colors "pop", but I think its becoming overused, and is most complimentary when all strong colors are used.
As for using a white/natural with some colors , it would depend on the scale of the print. If you are cutting small squares , will some have more colors than background? If so don't use. I would use a mixture of white on white and cream on cream to give just a hint of dimension in this accent area and be consitant with a scrap design.

If it reads white or cream from 5-10 feet away, I would say use it. If you are cutting up larger pieces, check each cut square. Some might actually have more colour that background. The picture in my mind is with each block having similar coloured squares. For example; a square with mostly reds, a square with mostly yellows, etc.

I love the antique quilt with the black borders. Barb, yours is amazing. Can't imagine how much time went into planing and sewing that!

I love the look of this one :thumbup:

I would do black instead of white. Have you thought about that?

Have to tip my thimble to you! I admire anyone that tries a project of this size, small pieces, it will be beautiful! The antique one that was posted is a really good inspiration. Good Luck and keep posting as you go along the journey.

Yes, do keep posting, it will inspire us to keep working.

Scrappy means scrappy. Be free..

I think I'd go with something darker, maybe not black, but an almost black, dark gray. I like your layout design. I think having a color run through like that really makes a quilt pop. (As we can see in the pictures others posted.)

Thanks Peckish for the antique quilt, esp. the close-up pic. Wonderful inspiration, another to add to the 'bucket list'.Mobridge Mom, try out both dark and light or white and stand back from the fabric to see wwhich You like best. Good luck on your quilting adventure.

I saw what you want to do in a book from Australia.The borders were white and the diamond shapes were all a floral print very dense so the white was not a problem.They used a white muslin.

I see your point about borders and now I have one less thing to worry about.

I like this design too...crap might have to do another one.

I would use no borders. Just bind it off.

Very inspiring thread!

I think your sashings or "paths" between the diamonds need to be a solid or a blender fabric so the eyes have a place to rest. Also it will make the colorful diamonds pop. What color you choose will be up to you. Black or navy would be good. Or a light color like white, cream or yellow. I would probably choose black. It will be beautiful whatever you choose. It seems like a daunting project to me so kudos to you for starting it!

I would probably wait until I got the stamps together to see what color and the intensity it calls for the sashing. Just my opinion. Barny

I agree with Barny i would wait to see how light/dark the finished top is be4 making that decision i sure would not go out and buy fabric for it now. have fun

I like the one that Peckish posted with the black sashing, but instead of piecing the black, I would make them solid giving the whole thing a stained glass look!

Peckish - That is an amazing quilt!!

Mobridge Mom - I'm sure your quilt will be just as wonderful. I just participated in a workshop with Edyta Sitar and she creates wonderful scrappy quilts. The pictures in her books and patterns really don't do her quilts justice because when you see them in person the colours sparkle and are absolutely beautiful! She gave all kinds of tips on making scrappys with lots of options.

it is helpful to have a light and dark bag and grab one at a time this way, at the end of the bags you will find that lights also become darks.

This incredible - I love the decorative stitching uniting the blocks. Thanks for photographing and posting the card to the quilt - this kind of info is rarely provided but often desired.

Point well made - if I ever do a postage stamp quilt, I'll keep this in mind - since quilting is as much an exercise in VALUE as well as color.