Ioftheneedle

I recently purchased a set of generous sized hemstitched, damask, linen napkins in a thrift store. I have plenty of my own but these were too beautiful to pass up. Could these be used in a quilt along with quilting fabric. My though was to use them as plain squares along with color blocks of quilting fabric.
Would this work?
The design woven in them is floral/leafy.
Thanks

quiltsRfun

Is the fabric of similar weight (thickness) as your quilting fabric?

Barb in Louisiana

The damask is so elegant, that I wonder if you will really like the look of cotton fabric with the beautiful linen. Maybe if you used a washable satin or another fabric with more of an upscale look. Think Shabby Chic.

Fairy Frost is one of those fabrics with an extra sheen. I would find a store that stocks Fairy Frost and take the Damask in and see how you like it with the other fabrics. I think it might look very good.

Annaquilts

I think it is a great idea. As long as you like it then you are fine.

QuiltnNan

i love the idea... just have to pick the right color for the alternate blocks

MadQuilter

Check out Cindy Needham - she is the queen of quilting with linen.

quiltingshorttimer

absolutely! check out Kelly Cline's website (sorry, not sure of name but just google her name) she's using all sorts of old linen in quilts and it's gorgeous.

Irishrose2

Has anyone had a problem with Fairy Frost not retaining its finish?

I would use pretty cottons - a vintage rose print, maybe. The napkins sound lovely. I have a granddaughter who wants an all white quilt. Maybe I should look for some napkins.

Kris P

The linens I have come through the laundry terribly wrinkled. Would quilting help them be less wrinkly? or would you find yourself needing to press your quilt after each washing... or use? I draw the line at pressing a finished quilt! ;-)

Ioftheneedle

Thanks all for your replies. I have noted of all your suggestions. While I am reluctant to cut into these linen pieces I just hate for them to be left unused in a drawer. I seldom use the ones I have it seems.....all my children are in this throw away mode of the present of paper plates and paper napkins. I miss the elegance of using nice things. On special days I just say indulge me this one time and pull out the good stuff.