my grandma was in Ireland and picked up her family tartan while she was there. I was wanting to use it as the backing of a wall quilt that I am making for her. Only it feels kinda like a wool. I have mostly cotton fabric on the front. I don't know how they will stitch together. Any one know how it would work out? Or if you are Irish do you know much about tartan fabrics and if they are good to use as a backing? any help would be great.

I wouldn't reccommend it. I think you should use the plaid with a woolen fabric top. Or hey... how about a wonderful coat scarf or pleated skirt for her? By the way I am irish too.

I wouldn't use it for a backing, simply because it wouldn't be seen. Most tartans are wool...and they're incredibly expensive! I know that many years ago, my mom bought one yard of her beloved MacKenzie tartan...for $23.00 a yard! *flinch* I agree with Garnet...the scarf is a great idea!
I'm sad that I have no idea what happened to the piece of fabric...I know she never used it...

That is the same with my grandma. It looks like she had two yards or more of the fabric. I wouldn't want to attempt a skirt for her because my sewing skills are not that great yet. Its the Kennedy Tartan. not to be exactly confused with THE Kennedy family of Washington. At least I don't think so. She is also in a wheel chair now and so it wouldn't be worn. She doesn't do skirts anymore anyways. I will have to try and find something to make for her out of it. She gave me the fabric when she moved out here from Ohio. told me to make something for my kids.

How about a shawl lined with light weight polar fleece in a color of the fabric. Not really a quilted item but I bet she would love having that nice warm snuggly over her shoulders and love telling her neighbors about tjhe plaid...

If it's your grandma's fabric and she wants it on the back, put it on the back. I'd also do a border of it on the front or make a new wall hanging with some of it in the blocks. You could get some other wool fabric to go with it.

You mentioned that she was in a wheelchair. How about a lap quilt with the front showcasing the tartan fabric?

I like the lap quilt idea too, something she could use and enjoy all of the time.

yes i agree

I, also, like the lap quilt idea.

Check out Sue Spargo at suepargo.com. She has done some lovly quilts using wool. I have seen a couple of quilts done with tarten in the Quiltmania magazine as well a 2 done at a quilt show here in Ontario.

That is what I was going to suggest. That way she can really use it and show it off :thumbup:

she has two lap quilts already. one of fleece and another one that a lady from church has made her. I don't think that she has ever used either. the shawl idea is a good one. she might use that. maybe but probably not. maybe I will ask her if she would like something made from the tartan fabric. it is a lovely fabric.

I can't tell you exactly where I saw it, but it was a pattern for a bag that attaches to a wheelchair. I thought it seemed like a very useful item. Maybe try Googling it?

I'd go with the shawl. Lap pads have a habit of sliding off, not good if you are in a wheelchair, but, older people get chilly, and a shawl to wrap around the shoulders is bound to feel good. Plus, if she doesn"t use the shawl, or even if she does, the same wool can later be made into something else as a warm memory.

why don't you make a lap quilt out of it

I got a double post, hummm

have fun with it, would be cool for a lap quilt