Sick day and quilt backs

This was my view for the day.  I took a sick day because, well, I was sick.  I never take a sick day!  My cold got the better of me and I figure that being in a new school this year, I have to get used to a whole new petri dish of little kids germs.  Anyway, after more than 10 days of cold, I am now on antibiotics and I hope to be on the mend.  I spent the day under quilt, napping and knitting with a cat on my lap being outrageously waited on by Husband.

Here is what I wanted to talk about today after getting an email from one of my teacher buddies about quilt backs.  My buddy wanted to know where I buy my quilt backing.  I guess this is more of a question about what to do about the back of your quilt.  I belong to the school of thought that believes that pieced backs are cool.  I don't buy the extra wide quilt backing.  I have occasionally found quilt backing at the thrift store and I will buy it then but I prefer using something that goes well with the front of the quilt.  I have no problem buying regular width quilting cotton on sale that works and then using some of the borders or extra blocks and bits and pieces to make the back work. Two lengths of fabric, joined together vertically or horizontally by a strip of extra blocks looks great and looks meant to be.   I have sometimes used a vintage sheet for the back if it works especially if it is a lovely 100% cotton sheet in a colour and pattern that works.  I have also made a giant 6 patch for a quilt back.  That looks just awesome.  The moral of the story is, do whatever makes you happy but know that you do not have to spend big bucks on extra wide quilt backing.  Pieced backs are happening!

vintage sheet back

pieced back 

pieced back with a twist

Really pieced back