Thread: Need help with this Star Quilt

Try putting the blocks with the stronger colors in the corners. I'd try the ones with the red on opposite corners--upper right and lower left with the purples in the other 2 corners. As to border--perhaps, as you say--a narrow black to let it float and then one of those lavenders that's already in the piece. Maybe just stitch piano keys in that last border or some other simple quilting design. I'd be careful of making a border too busy with all the different designs in your blocks. Don't want to take away from those. Very pretty!

Another suggestion/reminder: If you can - take pictures of your layouts/arrangements while you do them.

Sometimes things jump out at one in a picture that one just does not "see" when looking at the object itself.

Whatever you decide to do, this will be one fantastic quilt.

I might switch the 2 at the bottom right just for a bit more color balance or take the bottom right corner and swap it with one on the top row. I love doing multiple colored borders when I have these colors in the blocks. I would frame it with a small black just to stop the eye and then either do a multi colored border (perhaps pieces 4" to 6" long and 2" wide) Then finish with another black border and binding. Or do several small to larger borders - 1 1/2" black, med purple and med blue (or whatever are your 2 favorite colors in the blocks) and then finish with wider black border and black binding. I just like the idea of bringing out the colors of the various blocks. Whatever you choose will work great given that the base quilt top is really nice - love the variety.

I like the second arrangement Bear did. Also, after the black inner border, I'd suggest doing an outer border with triangles that are a larger version of what you have around the center. That would help add unity to the quilt since you have all the different sampler blocks.

Originally Posted by liwilliams

It's been forever since I've been here - I've just been busy. However, when I needed help, this is the first place I thought to come to since everyone is always so kind and knowledgeable.

I'm making the attached star quilt. First - does it seem unbalanced to you? (I need some honest answers.) I was thinking maybe I need to switch one of the lower blocks to the top. Maybe the bottom second from the right to the top second from the left? Or have I just been looking at it too long?

And then I don't know what to do about the borders - this is a 53 inch square. I know I need a black slashing around it - maybe 2 1/2 (same as the slashing between blocks )or should it be wider 5 1/2? And then some type of pieced border? It would be nice to make it into a queen size.

Thanks for your help and ideas.

First, I think your quilt is absolutely stunning; second, I tend to agree with you about switching the two blocks.