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after bookmarking quite a few 'amish' type quilts, both adult and baby, or for the stained glass effects, which type of black fabric is the best? You would want something that doesn't look grey after washing, that keeps it's dark black color. I've seen some recommend Kona, and today I found a site that said to use 'Amish Black' fabric that they sold by the yard.. Any yea's or nay's from the peanut gallery?
Kathy, several years ago the group I swapped blocks with in Gainesville decided we would do an Amish quilt. We used the Moda black and so far it seems to be true to color--no greyish tones. We ordered an entire bolt from Keepsake quilting, then sold pieces to each member of the group to repay the person who ordered the fabric. Also took a class at the LQS and she had Moda fabric also.
Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional! My Mom
Name: thunder central florida Proud Army Mom Proud Navy Mom
I the last black I used was Kona, it was recommended to me....as far as I know it is still black...would have to check with my son...
I used it to repair a whole lotta black on a quilt I had made for him , about five years ago...the black I originally used came from Joannes...don't know the manufacture...wish I did.....as it all fell apart...he said it started "looking strange" after only a few washes..and then after a few more ...it just shredded !!! took him awhile to tell me about it...he knew I'd be upset....he had stopped using it, and he finally decided he missed his quilt............
He has been using the "re-do" a little more than a year and a half now..and last I asked it was fine, I will have to ask about it again, as I am using some more of the kona black in something else...the whole back is black too, it was done in big blocks, most of them had fallen apart to....have not purchased any solids at joannes since!!
Thanks Thunder, I've purchased a yard here and there of various blacks, and after the intial cold water water wash, it just didn't have that dark black sheen anymore. I haven't had a problem with a light fabric with black print (that I could tell), but the solids I'm just not happy with. Of course, some colors just bleed more than others, but usually if it bleeds for the initial wash, it may bleed out again and over a few washes will end up being a dark grey. Same thing with some reds, I just handwashed 3 reds: 1 from Wmart, 1 from an LQS and 1 from Joann's. The only one that I didn't see an initial bleed in the water, was the one from Wmart..... go figure!!
Keepsake has good reviews, and I've heard good things about them on here, so I have them bookmarked.
I live not too far from Keepsake and I can attest to their quality. When you contact them or order on line, specify Amish Black. It does keep it's color very well..I've never been disappointed with any fabric I've gotten there. Also, check with Mittsy - she spent last weekend there!!!!
Thanks Barb! Yes, I've seen pictures of her 'baggie' fabrics... I was just wondering as the description doesn't really specify the actual maker of the Amish Black, so wasn't sure whether it was the Kona or another line. I definitely want black to stay black, no reason to put all that work in a quilt that will turn grey after a couple washes... or a wall quilt that fades after time!
I have a baby quilt with blacks and brights to try out, and a quilt for my son this christmas with black and blues, so I'm buying early!!!
Another thought is to ask some of these places if they are willing to send a swatch for you to see for yourself. I don't know if they do or not but it's just a thought...
Hi Jaye..... still working on aprons? are they for your church sales? Barb, some of them will send a swatch, some of them charge for one, but I figure if I'm ordering something else from there, I'd ask for a swatch...... then wash the heck out of it to see what happens!
Jaye, Amish quilts are fun to do. I will dig out a couple of mind and show you what we did in the group in Gainesville. I love them and will probably undertake yet another one if and when I get caught up. Like ....never.
We I still stand my black from Keepsake. I actually bought the bolt for the swap and was a little upset when it all sold to the others. They would work with it then call to buy more from the bolt--then the bolts were much larger than they are today!!!
Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional! My Mom
Name: thunder central florida Proud Army Mom Proud Navy Mom
varies..I think by manufacture and by design..I have purchased bolts that were 10 yds...20...and 40....
and I know some of the on line shops have promotions from time to time , and they have what they call mini bolts...I think they were either 6 or 10 ???
Thunder is correct but years back they usually had 20 -22 yards per bolt. The black bolt I ordered had 22 plus some inches. Definitely the way to go if you use a color or something like muslin alots. Some shops will even give you a discount--just have to inquire.
Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional! My Mom
do you get it cheaper per yard by the bolt or just whatever the stated price per yard is? I could see one of the mini bolts, for like brights (Thunder.... don't faint!) or white/neutral TOTs..etc. I can't justify a 20 yd bolt, unless I started using muslins for the backings. Will just have to keep an eye out for the mini's, or a good sale. If someone is wanting to divide up some blacks or something, maybe we could throw it out there sometime to see what sort of interest we have..
The other thing I really want is a good place for neutrals, like the white TOT, ecru's, tan's,etc. Most of the shops here have pretty much the same print of whites and creams. The antique fabric shop had some different prints, should have stocked up on those instead of the sale on dark floral half yards. I did get a couple from her, one of them was a white TOT with a dragonfly print.. really pretty. Am looking for TOT stars, bought last year at Joann's in FQs, but they aren't stocking that one this year.... I've been looking at fabric.com, whittles, thousands of bolts, but am not finding what I want. If any of you have a good place that stocks alot of neutrals, I'd appreciate the info.
Name: Jaye or Sistah North Carolina, temporarily. Lord Jesus, He's all I need.
Kathy Kiz, @ my LQS if you buy the whole brand new bolt it's 15% off, and if you buy the rest off a bolt, it's 10% off. Then if you're a member of a guild, you get a discount too. I'm not one, but I always get a discount.
They told me Saturday that they recommend Robert Kauffman's black that does well for Amish quilts too, and it's true black with no gray.
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I was just wondering as the description doesn't really specify the actual maker of the Amish Black, so wasn't sure whether it was the Kona or another line. I definitely want black to stay black, no reason to put all that work in a quilt that will turn grey after a couple washes... or a wall quilt that fades after time! 
