Hi there,
So, I am about to finally finish off this quilt top and I am stymied. All that's left is the borders. I am stumped as to what I should do. I have included pictures of two options. I didn't think that the border of just the paisly was enough...it was missing something. I wasn't sure if the thin border of the blue was...well, too much of the same patterned material. Any advice? Any other options other than the one shown?
And lastly...should I quilt it myself or pay to have it quilted?? What would you all suggest for quilting if I quilt it myself? I want it to be pretty since it is for the daughter of a friend who is going into her second year of college. However, I SUCK at free motion quilting.
Ok. Too many qualifiers, I know.
Any suggestions would be really really welcome!
PLEASE HELP!

wow awesome

i like the print border. that is a really cool quilt!

I think I would go with a little wider blue border then the paisley on the outside. Great looking quilt, the recipient will love it!

Kathy

If you "suck" at FMQ and you want it to be nice, then yes, I'd suggest you have someone do it up for you. I don't think SITD would showcase this top very well. I think it's great, and I like it a lot!

I like the thin blue border first...it sets off the large paisley border. Great choice of material for a stack and whack.

I like the print border also.

How did you make the squares? Fussy cut? It is very nice!

i agree with midwifehc that little strip of blue sets off the paisley wide border.

I agree ... I think for symmetry and punch, the blue strip cut at the same size as the little cornerstone squares (the blue part) and stitched in with the paisley wider border will be very classy.
And, for the binding, I think I would go with the blue again ...
As for quilting, I think the pattern is begging to be stitched straight along the seams ... not stitch in the ditch, but move over 1/4" or more and both sides of the seams for the center parts of the blocks (echo quilting) ... in the sashing, you can do a loop d' loop, or flowing lines ... a lot of your decisions about quilting is what you purpose the quilt for, and how far apart the recommended quilting distance.
Some batting recommends that you stitch no further apart than two inches. I have found Warm and Natural cotton that allows for stitching ten inches apart. On the two inch distance, it means you are dealing with a batting that won't stand up well to lots of washing and use before it starts balling up and becomes lumps within the stitching lines.
Ten inches apart may seem like a long distance, but that is just telling you that the batting is woven together well enough that you can tie the quilt.
Stay with a low loft batting so that the quilt drapes and wraps.
The less quilting, the more "comfy" and cuddly the quilt is. The more quilting, the more intricate your design can be.
It is a beautiful quilt. <wave>

Sorry...I know someone mentioned once that we should always name our quilt patterns....so...it is a stack and whack from the book "magic stack and whack quilts" by Bethany Reynolds. :)

I like it with the blue and then the paisley. Your quilt is very pretty.

As I was going through the board, I was sitting here wondering what to do with some fabric that I bought for my father-in-law. Maybe a stack n wack? This is the exact material that I purchased, too funny!! I'm picking up the other greens in it.

I think I would double the size of the blue border, then do the paisley.

You did just fine! It helps newcomers find their way around if we tell the pattern and where to find it along with the picture, but it isn't a rule, it is just helpful <wave>

I love your border idea. It's perfect. If you are really not wanting to quilt it yourself send it out, but I think you could do a stipple in the solid parts of the squares and it would look great. I bet you could do it.

Same here. As for the quilting, I'd consider sending it out if you're uncomfortable with your own FMQ. But I'll bet you're better than you think.

I have no advice about the quilting ... I can never figure out how I should quilt my own quilts. I like the paisley border with no blue border strip (& with paisley binding). Having said that, it really doesn't matter what I like; you'll figure it out after you study your options a few dozen times ... that's what I have to do quite often and eventually I make a decision that I'm happy with. Most importantly, the quilt top is lovely. I really like it.

Definitely needs some blue between the green and the final border. WOW! this quilt is dramatic.

Wow, its really pretty! Love those colors!

I agree. I like it better with the blue/turquoise contrast between the sashing and the paisley fabric. The paisley and sashing sort of run together to my eyes.

I like the blue border with paisley binding. As far as the quilting goes, can you do echo quilting and maybe some grid work using the walking foot?

Very pretty quilt, you did a great job.
Hugs

I love the print border--Wow, what beautiful fabric not to mention the quilt...

When in doubt...send it to your favorite long arm quilter
(that's what I would do but you have to understand my quilting skills are limited... :mrgreen: )

oh, and keep the blue border---maybe just a tad wider, it really shows off the quilt

It's beautiful. I agree with those who said they would make the blue border wider. Definitely keep the paisley border - it looks great. and then bind with the blue. Make sure you show us the finished product.

I love paisley. What a pretty quilt! I agree that the narrow blue should be included.
Nice work!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

The pattern is the basic and original Bethany Reynolds "Stack-n-Whack". Still the most favorite of those who make the pattern. The original with the small blue border sets off the center very well. Then the wider paisley completes the design. Without the larger outer border I believe the quilt appears somewhat unbalanced.
There have been stencils designed for the center star of this design. Using a specific quilting motif in the "star" further accentuates the kaleidscope. Some background around it brings out the design more. You might search for the kaleidscope quilting designs/stencils. I know The Stencil Co has one which I designed for them. Others are available as well. To quilt an all over pattern doesn't do the design justice in my opinion.

I'm with Omak on the border width. Beautiful quilt.

Your quilt is beautiful, i think the second border is best,I like it with a thin blue border first, then your focus fabric.

Awesome! You guys rock! The blue then the paisley it is! I think I might just try my hand a quilting it myself too. You guys give me courage! If it doesn't work, well, I got myself a nice quilt then right?
Thanks Ladies!
:)

I would definitely use both borders. The quilt is awesome. The colors look so cool and serene! Great job! :thumbup:

Ditter

I'd go for the blue to separate the paisley. It is beautiful.

Omak gave you some very good advice. It is a beautiful top, you should be very proud of it. Personally, I like the idea of a little wider blue border and then the lovely pasley.

You have a nice quilt <g> ... sometimes, if something doesn't go as planned, I tell myself: This is the worst it will ever be
because the truth is - - you can't do anything but get better ...
and, while it is a bit trite ... quilting is a utilitarian function - - it simply holds three layers of stuff together to create a useful object.
The fact that we are blessed with the time and resources to make it MORE than simply utilitarian is a wonderful gift ... but, the gift comes as a result of doing the practical thing first, becoming proficient, and then enlarging your ability ...
You will do fine ;-) :thumbup: <wave>

I would make the blue the same size as the blue in your cornerstones then put the paisley boarder on. This is a beautiful quilt!!!!

Beautiful quilt!!! I like it with the blue border first too :D:D:D