When there doesn't seem to be any other option left...
 

I have been working on DGD#2's quilt for what seems like forever. It has caused me more grief and frustration than any other single thing I have ever sewn (and I have been sewing for almost half a century!) I kept the machine quilting to a minimum--just shadow stitching around each picture and sashing. I noticed that one side border seemed to be a bit 'stretched'. When I tried to put on the binding, yep, that side went all pleated and wonky. After several tries, I was ready to either throw it into the UFO bin (NOT an option. This thing has cost me waaay too much time and money and DGD loves it already) or clench my teeth and start taking out the quilting and replace the border.

BUT....as a last resort, I decided to try something from my clothing sewing days, and sewed a couple of gathering lines on the ^&*$!#^% border. I then eased it, like you would ease a set-in sleeve, and sewed on the binding, holding my breath all the way. And it worked! It WORKED!!! The excess fabric is not noticeable--the offending border doesn't even look 'puffier' than the others.

DGD's quilt is F I N I S H E D!! And I am ready to pour myself a nice long congratulatory drink. 'Necessity definitely IS the mother of Invention'

Nothing wrong with the occasional pleat or dart in a cantankerous quilt. Good on you for some creative problem solving.

Congratulations on finishing it!

Good idea! Now let's see that quilt!

happy for you the frustration is gone - you solved the problem.

Good for you! Let's see a picture, please.

Those "old fashioned" remedies do work!! Great save.

Congrats for finding a solution! And thanks for sharing that idea as I have a baby quilt that has the same problem and I think I will try that too

a T-A-L-L drink!

way to go!

aileen