Finally, the scrappy top is done. Homespuns are thready, but this time my light fabric is quality, thicker and hopefully won't show the errant dark threads that insist on meandering under light fabrics. Next, ON TO A BORDER!
This is sometimes called Jewel Box, or a version of Jacob's Ladder, Railroad, or more, and uses the same units as Quiltville.com Blue Ridge Beauty. My blocks finish at 6 inches.
Below is a border suggestion I loved when I saw it on another blog. However, these two fabrics are not doin' it! The sample I saw was shorter more squarish, in stronger colors, reds and blues with a consistant light, that looked like a ribbon, twisting back and forth. Great idea, but it's not working here, and I needed it to be 6 inches.
How about this scrappy string block? By gosh, I'm liking it! My numbers are not adding up correctly, so I'll have to do some trimming or fudging but they are going to work.
Have you ever noticed that quilts made of even amounts of very light and very dark kinda leave you somewhat unsettled? I found that when they are equally light and dark, somewhere along the construction, usually in the border, you might need to really make a lot of LIGHTs, or a lot of DARKS, unbalancing the "evenness", in order to decide which way it should appear, light or dark. I wanted this one to appear dark. That's my tip of the day. Anyone else agree or disagree?
Below is our dove's yearly effort at a nest, right off the deck - easy to watch. This makes for good photos, if the squirrel doesn't move in and destroy the eggs. I've never seen the eggs hatch.
That scrappy string block border looks great! I thought we were going to have dove's nest in a nearby tree. I watched them bring in nest materials for 2 days but then they stopped. I read up and learned that they don't like having people around and will abandon the nest, even after the eggs are hatched, if there's too much activity. Now I know and will be better next year!
ReplyDeleteI tell you...You are my inspiration!! I LOVE your quilts!
ReplyDeleteI love the string blocks as the border on this quilt!
ReplyDeleteWell HECK girlfriend you know I LOVE this one....scrappy LOVE for sure!!!
ReplyDeleteThe string block border looks GREAT! Glad to see you back enjoying your sewing :)
ReplyDeleteThe string border looks perfect to me.
ReplyDeleteWe have lots of doves here too. I have been told they are not too smart and are terrible parents. So sad for such a beautiful bird.
Nice quilt... and I like the string blocks too. Go for it!
ReplyDeleteElaine, I never before quite identified what I thought was wrong with quilt tops that are half light/dark, but you've put your finger on it! The dark notes of the string border are a handsome addition!
ReplyDeleteLove the string blocks! If they are not quite right, you can add another small border to make them fit if that is the problem. I would do ANYTHING before I want to trim down something pieced! Even string blogs.
ReplyDeleteYES, yes, yes to the string blocks. They look fabulous. I like the idea of the other but I think they were two light -- blah. While the strings zing. Nice job.
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love this quilt!!! I sent mine off to the quilter's to be finished...and can't wait to get it back!! I think the strings add a lot...but I like the other border too.
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