I agree with nanaquilts44, I think the black would look cool.

I took your picture and inverted the colours. The colours would be a lot brighter than what is showing in the picture.

I don't think I would like a light grey as a background, because the 30's colors were all clear (not greyed) colors, usually paired with some white in the prints. Grey was used in the 30's prints, though. I just don't think a grey background would look like a typical 30's quilt. JMHO. It's your quilt. You can do whatever blows your skirt up.:p

My two cents here --- my family has one or two of the original feedsack quilts running around --- the white fabric was from flour sacks in our case --- sometimes it came in printed fabric most of the time in white. Over the years it has held up well color wise. Yellowing tends to happen if around smoke or not cleaned as often as it should've been. These are utilitarian quilts made to be used. So, I would opt for a natural cream tone on the lightest side if not using the white. If going for a color, go with the palest tint available. We are so fortunate to have fabric choices available and the $$$ to spend on our hobbies.

I love that pattern! I vote for the paler green as well.

thanks for sharing this experience. it's nice to know.

Kona makes a wonderful muslin, in white and cream. I have used it and I love it.

I have to agree with the muslin suggestion - something that would definitely be used in the 30's and a good, sturdy
fabric. I think this would make a better background than any of the colors.

This is striking but doesn't say 1930 to me. However, I really do like it!

If you really like the 30's look, stick with the white or a pale cream. I've recently seen a small mottle in very pale cream and white and thought it would be perfect for 30's or Civil War background fabric. To me, "the look" is more important than the fact that it might need more frequent washing. JMO, of course. :)

I like mixing the white on white or white on natural or white on tan prints with 30's repro's. The WOW is such a subtle print that you don't even really notice that it's a print. The white on natural might be your favorite because there's variation to hide smudges of this or that, but it's light-colored enough to pass for a traditional muslin. Be careful buying this type of print if the design is dense, because it can be a bear to quilt through, even by machine. If you go with the prints made of fine lines and tiny designs, you can't tell the difference when you're quilting.

I hand-appliqued 36 Sunbonnet Sues and Sam's on the WOW backgrounds once for a swap - the densely printed ones made me absolutely crazy. When quilting them, you might get a lot of skipped stitches.

Beautiful quilt - now I have to get that book! ;)

I agree!! I'm doing a Dear Jane using natural muslin and love the "authentic" look! It was my first thought when I saw your pattern.