Michael Miller Solid - Jet Black Fabric

[Jo H.]

Has anyone used this fabric before? What did you think of the hand and quality of it?

I've been using Kona black cotton and would like to try something a little nicer---perhaps even RJR Quilters Sateen. Although the sateen appears to not be a black of a black fabric because of the sheen and how the light reflects on it.

If anyone has used all three of these fabrics, I'd love to know your thoughts on what you liked or didn't like about them before I make a decision of which to try out.

[Jo H.]

I really like Michael MIller Jet Black. It's very very dark and even, and seems finer than Kona. By finer, I mean perhaps it's a higher quality griege good. Personally I find Kona to be a bit 'stiff' or harder to needle. Although once washed, it is fine.

Years ago, Keepsake Quilting used to have in their catalog something they called Amish Black fabric. Don't know if it was a black muslin or not, or who makes it, but it was extremely dark too. Perhaps they still have that and you can inquire for a sample.

[Jo H.]

Thanks Michelle for the thumbs up on the MM jet black fabric! I'll also check Keepsake for the Amish fabric you mentioned.

[Kathryn S.]

I get the Keepsake catalog and they still mention the Amish Black, although I have not used any of it. I'd also be interested to know how the 3 fabrics compare.

Our LQS is carrying the good quality Kona cotton solids which are very nice. they seem to be very different from the ones the J-store carries.

Kathy

[Jo H.]

Okay, I'm doing an experiment in black fabrics.

I just ordered a little bit of each. I plan to wash them individually and use a little of each of them in a sampler. It should be an interesting process. I haven't used the premium Kona so I threw it into the mix as well.

My selections were:
[list]RJR Quilters Sateen
Michael Miller Solid - Jet Black
Kaufman Kona Premium Jet Black
Keepsake Amish Black[/list:u]

[Teri L.]

One more to try - Northcott solids. Love them!

[Teri L.]

I can't wait to read your test results.

I made quite a few black background quilts a few years ago, and did find that some blacks do fade quite a bit with sunlight exposure over time. I had one hanging folded on my bannister and within a few months of our southern sun shining in through the big window over the front door, there was fading. I don't remember what black I used for that quilt, but it did teach me not to keep black quilts in bright light!

I am currently working on the Sedona Star BOM here on TQS, and am using all batiks. My background is black Hoffman 1895 Batik. I sure hope it doesn't fade on me too fast!

[Rita C.]

Reported!