I like the four blocks together but I would point the butterflies outward instead of inward then I would use a 30's era fabric probably a solid or two color (not a multi-color fabric) for a sashing.

If you want the quilt bigger I would still put the four blocks together to make a big block and alternate with a large solid block of 30's fabric then use a multi-color 30's print for the sashing. In the big solid blocks I would have my quilter sew a beautiful butterfly design.

Can wait to see what you decide to do with your friend's blocks!

Angie

Not to mention that this is an heirloom quilt to be and many blacks will fade, some more than others. Just saying, black fabrics often don't age gracefully.

If it was me I would set the butterflies on point and use 30's reproduction fabrics as the sashing. There are some absolutely
beautiful reproduction fabric out there. It would be keeping with the time period of the blocks.

I think I would like it with a black/white floral for the sashing, and a solid black binding. That would set off the colors in the butterflies.

Oh how funny, after my Grandmother passed my Mom found 16 of the same butterflies in her things. She gave them to me as I am the only quilter in the family. They are not sewen onto blocks yet but I am putting them on musslin and using 1930's repro. fabric for the sashing. Good luck with your project.

First I might ask the question of how large you want it and how many blocks you have. I think many of the ideas are good but would stay away from black to honor the era of the quilt. I think the solids and some 30's repo's would be good. I have made sashing that introduces a blending of colors diagonally across the quilt and I think that would be a good way to have both the yellow and aqua. I would experiment with a double sashing (not cornerstones) with both the solids and the reproduction calico prints. You would get a slight log cabin feel and a secondary pattern that would be subtle enough to blend not overwhelm the butterflies. Good luck and enjoy!!

Kona has some 30's solid colors.

Personaly I think a nutural soft color would be best. Never know what colors any one would be using with it. I have a problem with pink as I use lots of red. Don't like blue but so many don't like green. Beauty is in the eye..... so I'd use something that isn't a real definate color that would clash a room decore.
She did such a great job on these little butterflies that it needs to be a joy for whom ever gets it. Other wise find out who she plans to give it to and what colors they like.

Try Keepsake Quilting for the '30's fabric reproductions. They have quite a selection of prints and solids that would work well with what you have.

Pick a couple of the colors that are used in the quilt, and use one for sashings and the other for cornerstones. I did one with 30s repros and used a simple yellow print for sashings and a lighter solid green for the cornerstones.