border dilemma
 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]617211[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]617212[/ATTACH]Hello quilters, I don't know what this needs, if anything. I have 4 of these panels to make before Christmas and didn't want to make them all alike. I was happy with the first one but was a lot of work. I found this camo fabric at a really great price and thought this would make a quick quilt. Some will be throw size, but not less than 60 x 80 (SIL is 6'4") and others, queen size. As is, this is 72x80. -If I make it into a queen, I can either add a border to existing top, or trim down the camo (I hate to waste it tho) and then add a border. (I thought about a delectable mountain border if I use one to make top larger, but then how do you corner that?)OR leave as is for a throw and quilt it. I am just not too happy with it because to me it's so plain. Well plain, may not be the word bc it is busy with the camo. I guess because this was so simple, or bc it's camo, it doesn't thrill me. What do you think about it? I will consider all opinions because like I said, I still have more to make. Also, I usually back with a vine print khaki or tan color, but I usually have this color in the top. This one doesn't have it, though, so would it still be ok for backing? I usually can make up my mind but I want to finish this to move on and right now I just need someone else to look and advise. Thank you for any thoughts you have.-Toogie

I think they look nice "as is".

In my opinion, the prints make them look "busy enough".

I like the simplicity of your quilt with the focus on the deer , surrounded by the solid frames and busy camo print . With many shades of brown, cream, grey, green, and blue, you could make all 4 different by changing the frames and binding color. Keep the throw size and don’t complicate the piecing.

I would use that water blue water in one of them.

For the backing, any of the colors from the front would work.

You are right-the border does make the panel look busy but it is very nice. You might want to make leaf blocks to go around the border of one of the panels and pull colors from the panel. Very nice without anything else but the border too and maybe adding different colors for the framing.

I looked for that blue bc I loved it but just couldn't find the right shade....

I picked up two very similar panels while thrift store shopping and am still undecided about how to use the one I kept. Could use it for thread painting or quilting practice or a simple top...

Have you looked at the bow window quilts, especially for the queen sized version? Usually done as some variation on an attic window block but sometimes just plain sashing.

I made my first one like a window. you would have to look in my albums on here. Wish I could find some of these at the thrift shop, lucky find!

It was a tremendous score I couldn't resist -- two digitally printed deer panels for a total price of $1.49!! I sent one on, but now I have to do something with the one I kept :)

I rather like those window looking options, that is what I am leaning towards. Maybe some fabric curtains towards the side. I don't usually do applique but I think a pet or two looking out the window would be within my abilities.

I looked a little at Equilter.com, my usual first stop for on-line shopping. They have a lot of free patterns based on panels but not too much that would really work for yours. I did get a ton of results doing a google on Deer Panel Quilts.

I really like it the way it is! The border allows the panel to shine as it should.