I am doing a gift for a neighbor. She is currently undergoing Chemo and is soon to have surgery.

Her dining room is all Primitive antiques and her napkins and table clothes are red and white. I decided to do a quilted table topper for her antique dining room table and thought that Eleanor Burns "Day/Night" would be great in red and white.

Here is my first block. I am not displeased with it but think now that it is constructed, that it looks very Modern. Most primitives are simplistic (squares etc). I wonder if an Irish Chain might be better . . ?

Or do any of you have and other suggestions? Thanks!!

I think it looks wonderful. I am sure she will appreciate it.

wait until it's finised to decide. it's wonderful so far.

make a different block you think might be more appropriate for the other side.

she'll have a reversible topper. ;-)

Good idea!!!

I love it and Patrice had a great idea as usual!!

I love that block pattern and it is very striking in the red/white combo.

As usual - you have a great idea!! I was concerned that with all the angles it was clearly not "in period" with all her antiques. I will have to think about this for a while . . . but I could do both and quilt it in white.

Also - just a note to anyone else that is interested in doing one of these. I used fabric out of my stash. Neither piece was of good quality fabric. Every seam in this is on the bias or completely off grain in some way. Next time I do one of these, I will use good quality fabric or at least one that has a good "hand".

I love it - it is hypnotic, and would be a good place to lose myself if I was having chemo.

Thanks for the tip on fab. Bought the book when it first came out on sale at Hobby Lobby and still haven't make a quilt from it. Just found yardage in my stash, wow, so now have to find two more fab and away I go...maybe.

I love it so far!

I love the block! Maybe just change the color a little instead of using WHITE use a tan or cream. I love white because it makes everything look clean and new but when you are wanting something to go with old, I think a light tan or cream would look good!

What a wonderful idea Patrice! I think the block is beautiful, but if you are concerned, I would follow Patrice's idea.

I love Patrice's idea as well. I have a lot of antiques in my home and make all kinds of quilts. I don't always stick to traditional styles even though they seem to be my favs. It's fun to go outside the box sometimes. :D
I love your blocks!!!

You know the little green aliens on Toy Story? Where they are all impressed and go "Oooooooo......Aaaaaaaahhhhhh"

Yeah. Um....I just did that. :oops:

It's awesome. And, I agree w/the reversible idea.

Yes, creme or muslin?

incredible block.

Beautiful blocks! I agree that using a tan or cream--or maybe tea dying the blocks--would make it look more antique.

Yeah to Patrice for the suggestion! It is a perfect one - I DO like the pattern ALOT, but - you are right - it is too "modern". It would be a perfect change to have her flip-flip it over - these colors are good, right? So--now-----which pattern are you planning to use for the reverse?? Log cabin?? hmmmmmm

Betty,
I love the block and the way that they look when they go together....BEAUTIFUL!!!!

Yes she has true white and red in her room. I like the idea of cream or ivory but that would not go. Her walls, woodwork and accents are clear white as well as her China.

Now for the back -> now that I am thinking two - for - one . . . Maybe I might do a Christmas Double Irish Chhain with a solid red, solid white and a one of the Maywood Christmas greens from last year that I have in my stash.

I agree with Patrice. It looks wonderful.

It is spectacularly beautiful - stay with it

It is a beautiful block and I love the secondary pattern when you put them together. Keep it up.

though "tea" dying or creamy white would look more vintage, if it is not inkeeping with her current color scheme, you have to stick with the pure white and red. Batting and quilting will warm it up a bit.

I'm wondering if maybe the red is a little bright. Is everyting in her room the "true" red, or is it a bit creamier? what would happen with a small red and white print with a red background?

I think your blocks are beautiful!!!

One thought about making it reversible (which I think is a great idea) is to keep the pattern the same on the back, just use different fabrics.
If you change the pattern then you are limiting yourself to quilting an all-over. If you want to play up the quilting in your red and white blocks, the pattern on the osther side must relate to the quilting.
(ASK ME HOW I KNOW!!)

Good luck!

A plain/solid backing would show off the quilting and still be attractive and reversible.

it looks nice!

good idea too!!

If she has primitive in her room then all you have to do is tea dye it when you are done and it will come out just fine. I love the pattern, it is beautiful. Rit also sells a tea dye if you are not comfortable with using tea.

Thanks wishiwerequilting I had already thought about that and although it would be a neat idea - I would be concerned about lining everything up. An all over that was simple would look fine I think.

That's beautiful!!! :) :thumbup:

It's a gorgeous block and you did a great job on it. I'm with you, though. It looks pretty modern. It sounds like she enjoys traditional things if she furnishes her home with antiques. While I'm CERTAIN that she will be happy with anything you make for her, a more traditional block might fit better with her decor.

:thumbup: I agree...finish it before you decide...I think it will be sweet!!

I am sure she will apperciate and love it,

She'll be happy to have it. I like the block a lot and the finished table topper will be great. Our prayers are with your neighbor during this trying time.

It's beautiful!

Great I'm sure she will love the bright happy colors....prayers for her.

Beautiful

I think it's awesome! I have that book, just need to finish some UFOs before I can make one. But I love the red & white!

I think it's beautiful. Maybe a traditional-looking border will make it look a little more traditional. I can't imagine anyone not liking it!

When all the blocks are put together, it will be so beautiful.