I made all larger squares for the main part of the quilt and half size blocks for the 2 ends, alternated with a print batik square.
I should probably just quilt it and forget it, but it keeps nagging me that I could have done something better. Added later (10:43 a.m.): Thanks for all of the comments and suggestions. I had considered having no border when I made it. This purple could become the binding (or not). I had tried at least 50 fabrics for a border and nothing seemed to do anything for it. It is 53" x 78" now, 49" x 73" without borders.
Well then I'll just take a walk in the garden and maybe I'll know what to do when I come in. The coneflowers are in their prime.
I noticed the center of this one has another circle of little nubs. I wonder if it is a different variety or is just a little older than the other bloom I pictured.
The weather is beautiful again, low humidity, nice breeze. It has been a good summer.
I love your work but I agree that the dark purple border just doesn't do much for the quilt. I do think purple is a good choice. Maybe a purple with more "light"?
ReplyDeleteWhat if?
ReplyDeleteYou cut the purple border down in width?
And then you added second border of blue/turquoise in a wider width?
KS
I agree with KS & Suzan- you could trim the dark purple back to roughly an inch, to make an inner border then add a wider border in a fabric you prefer(I think that the size and 'personality' of your blocks call for quite a wide border). I think that this quilt would also look equally good without a border - just a dark binding. It's just such a gorgeous looking quilt!
ReplyDeleteHow about some multi colored thread meandering in the border to perk up the quilt ? Something in
ReplyDeletethe lighter shades or even a metallic thread ? Or just put it away for another day when you can look at it in a different way ?
Louise
*nodding my head*
ReplyDeleteWhat they said........
Hi Wanda--
ReplyDeleteYou didn't ask for votes, but let me jump right in. I agree with KS--narrow purple border with more blue/turquoise for an outer border. More of the crazy blocks would be great there (that might not be what KS had in mind, but that's what occurs to me).
Love the crazy blocks!
Mary G.
I agree with KS.
ReplyDeleteLove the purple, just not that wide and so much... what a fabulous project to pull out and ponder! Let the transformation begin ~ you've already received many wonderful suggestions!
ReplyDeleteI'm gonna vote with the whole group. :) I like the dark purple, but as a 1" border with a lighter purple as an outer border. That would pick up all the lighter colors in the quilt and make it sing. Blessings, marlene
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone else -- make the dark purple border much narrower and then add a brighter wider border. Those blocks are fantastic. Absolutely love them!
ReplyDeleteIt's unanimous! I like the purple, it's just a little too strong to be that wide. These are beautiful! I'm in the middle of doing some wonky log cabin blocks, so this has me even more inspired! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI have nothing to add, other than I love those crazy blocks and all that fabulous color!
ReplyDeleteWhat if you put a very thin inner border of green (chartreuse)in between the blocks and the outer purple border? This would pick up some accents in the batiks (see upper right blocks)
ReplyDeleteMaybe I've been cutting too many green fabrics this morning, but this might perk things up. I'm holding strips up to my monitor---email me if I can send you some. I'd love to thank you for your blog and quilt inspiration.
nasoyring@rcn.com
Before I read all these comments, my thought was a tiny stripe... as a binding, no border. One of the fabrics in the closeup looks sort of striped in dark blue and white or maybe a lighter blue.
ReplyDeleteOr instead of taking off the purple (we all hate to unsew), maybe use it for a binding. It could make the blocks stand out instead of competing with them?
Or you could just parcel it up and send it my way. I'd take the whole problem off your hands, no sweat!! (grin)
Everything about that quilt (except the border!) is wonderful! Are you opposed to just taking the border off? You mentioned binding with it, and I would guess that would be fine. I don't think it needs a border.
ReplyDeleteYou know that purple is working just fine like the others have said maybe bind it in a light batik -- blue with some purple, pink, and dark accents.
ReplyDeleteNope, I thought about it some more and MAYBE bind it in the same and call it good! The flowers in your yard are absolutely beautiful! Here in Texas it is 100+.
ReplyDeleteWanda, I'm not a big fan of blue, but this quilt is spectacular. I agree with everyone else--cut the purple down to an inch or so and add a wider border in those cool blues and greens.
ReplyDeleteI'm not so sure that's the right color purple for this quilt. Maybe it's just my monitor, but the border fabric looks too red-purple to go well with all the blue-purples in the main body of the top. If it were up to me, I think I'd cut it down to finish at about 1 inch wide, then add a wider border in the blue/turquoise range.
ReplyDeleteOr you could send it to me! I LOVE these colors and I love this quilt top. Don't give up on it - it's fabulous! I'm drooling over this one!
i can't believe this was in a box...this is fabulous...i love it and if it were mine (i want to make something like this) i wouldn't add a border at all...like you need my advice....i'm sure it will be gorgeous whatever you decide!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe I missed this post yesterday. Every time I visit there is more to enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI'm way behind the parade here, but my first thought was "make that border into a binding." But then I'm not usually much of a border guy.
ReplyDelete