I would go with the black! Gorgeous quilt too.

I think black would be very dramatic. That's my choice. White would be my 2nd pick.

Personally I would use white for the Dresdens' background and I like your piano key border idea. I have to say your quilt took my breath away when I scrolled down. Hearts and Gizzards is one of my favorite patterns, and to see it in red and white...well, it's just so gorgeous! Please post another photo when it's done

I like the red and white by itself - without the black strips in it - because I love the movement of that pattern and the secondaries that develop in it and how my eye never stops moving.

I think that is one of those patterns that only needs a binding.


The red and black dresdens are very striking with that color combination - (so used to pastels!) - I would like to see them showcased by themselves.

I would use black for your dresdens, I love the way black makes colours pop, imho the black would be the most striking.

I love the way this is going! OIf you plan to start with a small black border before the Dresden blocks I would use white for backgrounds for the Dresden blocks... Then possibly another black small (frame) , then black,red and white for the piano keys border

The Red and White are quite stunning. I too would audition the white background for the border, take a photo then try the black, then compare. I think the white would look better too. Might even try the red??

Perhaps this will help you visualize it better.
I added a black border the size of the sashing and surrounded the Dresden's with white.

Jan in VA

Since your dresdens are mostly red and black, I think I'd use the white for the background. I'd put a thin line of black between the ice cream cones and the dresdens. Then, I'd use black for the final border. It's a very pretty quilt. It will be wonderful no matter which color choice you use.

.... just like Jan has pictured it. Sorry, Jan. I didn't see your post before I sent my comment.

Thanks for doing that Jan. I can only visualize in my mind. White was my first thought when I started the dresdens. But, the further I got, the starker the white got. I don't want too much white...... If I border it with black, then red, might be the way to go........ Oh!! decisions.... I'll get some different fabrics and take pictures for an audition.