Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Finding Things

I keep forgetting about this project. It survives my purges. It was a mystery quilt that has to be at least 15 years old. I liked the colours, the block but then I lost steam at the finish. I now know it is because I really don't like borders and this was requiring the typical thin border and then the big strip of wide theme fabric to finish it off. I lost heart.

Time to review my options.

1) It still has an appealing colour scheme and the traditional blocks and colours go well with the winter theme for the dining room. It can hang behind the black stove. Heck, it actually fits in a lot of my rooms.

2) I can stop and use the diagonal squares as the border and use a red binding.

3) Leftovers can be assigned to place mats.


4) I can set the 19 (???) in an entirely different setting. I have adequate fabric as it is mostly scrappy. For every colour I needed I used dozens of variations except for my theme fabric which has leaves and fruit.

What would tradition with a twist look like?

15 comments:

Lesly said...

I do like those little black squares set on point as the border. You don't need a wide print border if you don't fancy it!

Terri Stegmiller said...

Well whatever you decide to do with it, I'm sure it will look great. I like the block design and the colors are very attractive.

Twisted Quilts said...

Great blocks! Wow I am so impressed.

Yvonne said...

Beautiful blocks that you found. Lots of options but it will look great whatever you decide. Love the colors.

Createology said...

Elle what a wonderful find. I love the squares and definitely see you doing something very untraditional around the edges. I will love seeing the finished quilt. Happy twisting...

KatieQ said...

Finding these lovely blocks tucked away must have been like a delayed Christmas present. I do love the scrappiness of them. It would be a shame to take away from that with a border that would compete. Have you hung them all up design wall fashion to get a feel for how they would look on the wall. I would definitely love to see that before you make your decision.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I am not a quilter, so my thoughts are purely fantasy. BUT, I mentally removed all those borders, which I personally find hideous (like I said, not a quilter). Then I set the blocks so the points all line up. A simple, small border would complete the piece. At least it looks good in my mind. I would have to see it laid out on a design wall before I said it would actually work, though.

And please don't laugh too hard.

Finally, thanks for your sweet comments about my plight yesterday. I appreciate them. And so does Bleubeard!

beth said...

What a pretty. pretty. block! No border is necessary.

Beth said...

I think that it would look good with out the borders. Like your 2nd suggestion. But I'm like you and not that fond of borders.

felicity said...

I second the recommendation to put them up on a design wall and play. As Lesly pointed out, you don't need to choose a wide print border if you don't want.

The on-point squares make a nice frame, in my opinion.

Amanda Jean said...

i personally love the on point setting. it would make a stunning quilt!

JoQuilter said...

My suggestion would be to not use the pieced side half blocks and corner quarter blocks but to use your main print fabric instead. That would ground the quilt, then maybe a small pieced border to finish it off.

Cheryl Arkison said...

Who says you have to follow the mystery quilt instructions?! What about using the main blocks in a regular setting, no sashing? You could sew those setting blocks together to make a square and mix them in.

Tiffaney said...

I love your blocks and think your layout would look wonderful and unique.

Sherry said...

Gee, after seeing the print out of the construction I don't see where you would need any additional borders. . .just piece the top to the light half square triangles, quilt & bind (don't forget the label!) and be done with it.

I love the colors and look forward to seeing the completed piece.