Thursday, October 2, 2014

top border

Last night I finished stitching the last leaf onto the top border for my Bird of Paradise quilt.  I thought I would lay it out with the top row of blocks to get an idea of how it will look.  I am keeping them as blocks for now because they are easier to store.
 It's not a mirror image from side to side but I was aiming for balance and not perfection.  I love the borders on the original quilt - that top border is much freer than mine.  I am trying to personalize this quilt while keeping the elements of the original that I like.
 So my plan is to make the bottom border next.  Then maybe I will have to sew the top together so I will know exactly how long to make the side borders.  The original quilt is put together this way.  It's interesting to do things differently sometimes :0)
 I also find it interesting sometimes to draw and quilt my own quilting designs.  This is what I have drawn for the corners of my Crowfoot quilt. I guess its kind of a feathered pineapple.  I tried quilting it with white thread and I am pleased with how the quilting shows up. There is likely still some soap lines making it look whiter in this picture but the soap markings don't last for long.
I spent a bit of time trying to make a more precise drawing but in the end I decided a freer look was okay too. Here are my templates for tracing and the $2.00 coin I am tracing for the center circles.  I just love quilting feathers and look forward with great pleasure to quilting the feathered vine in the border as well.
Happy Quilting!!

14 comments:

Carla A Few Of My Favorite Things said...

Your border and blocks are gorgeous! I am glad you mentioned your blocks, I was wondering if I should assemble my blocks before making my border. It would be easier to keep them pressed and ready as individuals. Love your feather design!

Karen said...

This is absolutely gorgeous!!

Nana said...

Beautiful border and great pineapple quilt template. I have not ventured much into the actual quilting, but looking forward to doing those custom looks. Great Job!

Kyle said...

I love the soft tan background you're using for your applique. Your color choices really are stunning.

Barb said...

your quilting design is gorgeous! How how I love to hear you say you like to do you own! hooray for old fashion quilt making.
Same with your BOP quilt. Your border is lovely. I also smile when I see a progress report on this heirloom quilt.

Miriam said...

I love your quilting and the template you used.
Your border is beautiful!

Lynette said...

I love this post. :) Your border is absolutely perfect for your applique quilt - That's one that I admire, and I love seeing somebody work on it. Really neat quilting motif, too. I need to start using soap to mark things. Just saw someone mention that she keeps an old potato peeler on hand to keep the soap edges sharp - ingenious! I never think of such things on my own. ;D

Every Stitch said...

I love what you have done with the border - the denser arrangement of leaves! I have just started a version of this quilt and won't be able to resist a few changes too :)
Your quilting design is just gorgeous - so clever of you!

Phyllis said...

This is gorgeous!

audrey said...

It's great that you do your own quilting designs! So creative.:) Love how your border is coming along. Wonderful work!

Carrie P. said...

Your border and blocks look really good together.
Neat pattern for your quilt.

Karyn said...

Oh my gosh, that border is beautiful. Wow!

Lori said...

I really love your hand made pineapple quilting pattern! Beautiful!
The appliqued border really looks fantastic. I like that it isn't symmetrical.

Jane in Cumbria said...

Your border looks lovely with your blocks - so colourful!