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quilt fabric
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Patchwork Quilts are a glorious means of self expression. They personify both the art and the artist. The quilt pattern and the quilt fabric are the key factors that decide the end product. A good pattern with bad fabric can be an eyesore. Choosing the fabric depends on what you want to create. Solids add depth, prints add color, and a mixture of both intricacy. Generally cotton is used as a background but there is nothing to prevent you form using silk, linen or even velvet. Remember however, cotton drapes well, needles well and working with it is a pleasure. Never compromise on quality! The fabric should not be too stiff or too loosely woven. Cotton colors are resplendent and the designs equally glorious. Reproduction fabrics, batiks, and hand dyed fabrics are wonderful to use and look great. Laser printed fabrics have opened up a new era in quilting. Cotton does shrink and the color does run, so check for both these factors before you start. Fabric for backing should be larger than the patchwork on the top. You could go in for colors that blend with the top or something that is in contrast. For the top there is a whole lot to choose from. Batiks, which are essentially hand dyed fabrics, are available in many colors. They range from soft pastels to dark hues .A disadvantage with batiks is that the colors vary when taken from different bolts. So if you do work with batiks, ensure that you buy enough from the same bolt. Fruits, flowers and foliage have always been favorites and used judiciously do look luscious. Solids, whether velvet or wool, when used against a mottled background look terrific. The contrast that is available within the same color adds light and shade. For warmth and softness there is always the good old flannel. You want to do it in style, and then mix the fabrics and the colors and you really have a vivid patchwork quilt. Blended or reproduction quilts are classic and sophisticated light florals, small prints and tone-on-tone prints are sheer vintage. The oriental fabrics deserve mention. Japanese fabrics are great options. . When you shop, ensure that you pick up fabrics from each color. Yellows and gold fit in anywhere, for they add a sparkle to the quilt. Buy light and dark shades of every color. You just do not know when it will come in handy. Be sure to have a variety of fabric designs also. Pick up stripes, checks, polka dots, plaids and small prints. They will spice up your quilt. One last word, since the fabric may have to be straightened out, you may lose some yardage. See that you compensate for that. Quilting could be tough, but the finished product is worth all the trouble. Recommended resource : http://texmin.nic.in/aptcf/ - Ministry of Textiles India, Office of Textile Commissioner.
~ author Mini Swamy. copyright data 2004 Indianchild.com
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