oldquilter

This is antique quilt top # 5 I'm doing for my client. The piecing is just beautiful.... But it was like Swiss cheese, just full of holes, with triangles dangling loose in the borders. I convinced her to let me cut it down and try to preserve enough for a table topper. I have mended holes, and mended, and mended, using the extra fabric. She is very sentimental about the old quilts, and I want to try to make it look as nice as I can. Would you all suggest some ideas on methods and patterns to quilt it, and the best way to mark the dark fabric. Thanks.....Oh, I decided to try to finish it while sitting on the deck this summer, then I can be ready to do my own stuff

Tartan

Are you hand quilting? I always like feathered wreaths in large open blocks. I would use painters tape to quilt along in the dark squares in simple straight lines. Quilt as much as possible to help stabilize the fabrics.

Nammie to 7

I think the feathered wreath idea is great. It would provide a very traditional look to an antique quilt.

Jingle

I would just do a large stipple or meander. This is my favorite and mostly what I do.

alleyoop1

I vote for feathered wreaths in the light areas. If you are hand quilting you might use chalk to mark the dark areas or even just outline or stitch in the ditch. Perhaps stitch an X at each intersection.

soccertxi

Feathered wreath was the 1st thing I thought of too! I did a green Double Irish chain for a friend. I used a celtic knot in the open areas and continuous curve in the squares.

nativetexan

you might mark the darker fabrics with chalk or soapstone. if you have any cut off, test on it first. good luck.