wsquilting

This site might give you some ideas.
http://www.annalena.com/

jpthequilter

I am 81 and recognize this butterfly pattern. The time is correct from the looks of the individual fabrics used although the same pattern is still used from then until today.
The muslin is not tea dyed, It came that light beige color, and lightened with washing and drying it in the sun outdoors on clotheslines.
These blocks were probably intended to be used with plain colored sashing. Yellow or green or blue were favorites or even red - although it was likely to run and was not used as much. Bubblrgum pink was a vegetable dye (annato) and had a tebdency to fade although it was a pretty color.
Jeannie

lillybeck

A tiny print with many of the colors of the butterflies would be lovely. If I were making this quilt it would be like that. A small print will highlight each color.

ThimbleShy

I like the gray of the carpet behind in the picture. Sets it off
and doesn't detract from the butterfly squares...

pamabla

I think black sashing would be the best choice, since the bodies and outlines are done in black. This would make the blocks "pop". Good luck

jillaine

I really liked the examples (from Google images) that alternated the butterflies with a solid square.

jillaine

Oooh... I like the "on-point" variation, also alternating with solid blocks. Nice...

jillaine

Jeannie, thank you for being here and offering the context directly from your experience. Makes this place even more wonderful than it already is!

jillaine

What a wonderful collection of ideas here. I love soul-mate-sister's suggestion (but put on point). Can you tell I like "on point"?

pstrwife

I would take some blocks with me to the fabric store where they sell 30's repro fabric. Test the prints and solids with your blocks. You may want a combo of prints and solids for sashings and borders. I have an old Sunbonnet Sue quilt. I took it to the fabric store and bought a solid and print for the borders. I also talked to quilt appraiser. She suggested I use a unbleached muslin backing, cotton batting, all cotton thread for hand quilting, and cross-hatching hand quilting designs for the background of blocks for more authentic look because I wanted a written appraisel of its worth when I get it done. I hope that helps. Maybe it's too much info for you. Good luck and sent pictures.