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Friday, March 28, 2008

Borderline........



I tried and tried and tried to do something cool with these borders,but NOTHING looked good on this quilt.

This is the first time in a LONG time that I've not been satisfied with a project, and I really think what I don't like about it is that it is so much in those old "blue and mauve" colors from the late 80's...Even if a lot of the fabrics are reproductions, it still has that 1980's feel! *LOL*

I tried to salvage it by putting in a brown sashing, and adding that to the border and the center of the border corner stars to tie it all in and tone it down, but it just looks muddy to me. Maybe it will be better once it is quilted and bound, and WASHED to look older? It's just very restful, low contrast and subdued. It lacks the RED punch of the bargain basement quilt. Or it lacks the mustard gold sashings of the original Kentucky Album that inspired it. Maybe I should have used ALL browns instead of blues...but it's too late now!

At any rate, here's a couple shots of the borders and the corner squares I put in. I've pieced a back out of blue yardage I wanted to clear out, and even pieced a batting out of batting remnants that were in a box. It's definately a frugal quilt,so that is something to be happy about too!

18 comments:

  1. I think it is BEAUTIFUL

    it already has a 'soft' look, like it is an older quilt top!

    ....and if you don't WANT it, I'd be more than happy to re-home it!! ;>)

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  2. I think it looks very nice! I think we quilters are our own worst critic! I just don't see how you get so much done! Seems like I spend more time thinking about quilting than actually doing it! :)
    Kristie

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  3. Far be it from me to disagree with you...but...ummmm...this quilt is GORGEOUS! I love the borders and the stars in the corner.

    You know I love red, but this one...it's comfy and snuggly looking.

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  4. I think the border is terrific! Have you ever dyed a quilt once it is finished? That might tone down the blue and mauves.

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  5. studio Christine said exactly what I was thinking.......
    Its lovely.......and its DONE
    Happy Sewing

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  6. Bonnie, I really like this quilt! The blue border treatment really jazzes it up and the corner stars top it off with a final POWWWW! The blocks are really neat. I am not familiar with this pattern. Colors are great. It can only get better with your quilting!

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  7. I actually really like this quilt. that tone of blue is a calming color. It is also interesting to look at. You are being too hard on yourself.

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  8. I guess after fondling bright orange fabrics for your Orange Crush quilt-a-long this would look a bit subdued in comparison :) I love the corner treatment in the borders :)

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  9. You may not be happy with it Bonnie but I think it's lovely - your border treatment is inspired

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  10. Just reading back over the comments Jeanne has a point - maybe a good strong tea dye would change it more to your liking or possibly using a yellow dye (maybe even turmeric if you don't want to buy a commercial dye) which would bring the blues and mauves more into the green and brown range - try a few snippets of the blue-est fabrics to see how they come out

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  11. How neat - the idea of a tea dye. Talk about a "Quilt Challenge!"

    All for It Love, *karendianne.

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  12. Bonnie,
    The stars in the corners of your border just caught my eye. The border is more traditional than your scrappy borders. I think it's stunning. I didn't think pink and blue '80'. It's a real "looker."

    Becky in Georgia

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  13. Dear Bonnie: You are right, it is horrible. Please send it out of your house immediately to the address provided below ( mine). teehee!! It is so lovely, Bonnie! I love the blocks, sashing colors, and yes, the border! It would be just what a lady pulling from her scrap bag would use, and is unifying and gorgeous with your corner stars! I bet when it is quilted and you are nestled down on the couch doing the binding...it will have grown on you! Have a wondeful day.

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  14. Personally, I like what you did.

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  15. The border is a beautiful touch, really brings the quilt together!

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  16. Geez, I kinda like it!

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  17. I really DO love this quilt! Hey, if you want to get rid of it....ha ha ha! Wait till it's all finished, bet you'll love it too!

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