I'm sure you experienced quilters will think these are dumb questions, but:

1. If you have a quilt of several colors, can you hand quilt just certain things on the top. What color would you use? White?

2. When you are basting a quilt together, do you start from the middle and work toward the outside?

Thanks ever so much.

These aren't dumb questions at all!!!

The answer to 1 depends on the colors of the quilt. I like to use contrasting thread, but some quilters prefer a color that will blend in. You can "audition" threads and see which one makes you happiest. You can quilt certain things, but make sure you quilt as much as your batting requires - some battings need more quilting than others.

As for 2, I start from the middle and work out. That way I don't have a bubble in the middle.

Thank you, thank you, Janet. I'm glad you didn't say one color thread for each color of fabric.

You're welcome! Remember, it's your quilt - you can pick whatever thread you want.

If you have a lot of colours in your quilt you could try a varied thread that can look great and should blend in well.

you certainly can pick different things to quilt and use different designs across your quilt, quilt each block individually if you want, and a verigated thread or a medium gray will blend in well.
and yes, baste from the center out...
the only dumb question is the one you didn't ask...:)

I use what ever color thread I think would look good, if I want the quilting pattern to show, I use something stands out; on a sampler I did WAAAAYYYY back I wanted the stiches to show , so I used green , not sure if you can see the stiching w/this photo....if I want the fabric to be the focus I usually use white or off white, like the pink baby quilt.
As far a s basting goes.... I used to start at the middle & work out; now I use a technique I saw on You tube, by Char .... ( starts with a C, I think)someone; search for hand basting videos you'll bump into it. she uses rails, you start from the end, and work your way across the quilt, sitting down, comfortable... not on your knees. Good luck

I would use a light gray for hand quilting it sort of blends in with all colors. Just my opinion. And I start in the middle too.

A varigated thread sounds as good as light grey. I would like both.
When basting I often spread out the quilt layers on our dining table and I start at one edge with basting, cross the center towards the opposite edge. It works fine!

There are no dumb questions.

I ususally use neutral colors for thread such as white or cream or if a dark quilt a black or brown. My hand stitches are not very good so I don't want to focus on them yet.

But make sure you quilt density is what is required by the batting used. I also want a design that is about the same density across the quilt.

I baste from the center out. I will have to look for the method on the bars.