Anyone want to put on their creative thinking cap & toss a few ideas around with me? I'm hoping for suggestions on what to put in the center of my Autumn Celebration table topper. If anything. It would be surrounded with a botanical fabric border made out of fabric I created from leaves and flowers from our garden. Kind of a new spin on "From garden to table" ;)
The plain center area is about 9 to 11 inches, depending on how big I print out the botanical fabric. I was thinking perhaps one very special quilt block in the center would look nice, but am not sure if the direction I'm heading is the bee's knees yet. You all are so creative... any suggestions on better blocks, etc, or other input on would be welcomed by me! Below are photos of mockups I did with my computer's Paint program (The block i did on EQ and then pasted into Paint)

I think it would be beautiful with a special block, or a special quilting motif in the middle.

I wonder what it would look like if you put a 1 inch border on the inside block between the leaves and the star in the dark green.

P.S. or maybe enlarge the inside block

Well Barny - I have to say "It would look better!" Thanks! I did another mock up to see. Maybe I could piece the borders in dark fabrics. I think the largest the center block could be would be 11 inches though. My printer can only print the botanical fabric so big and the corners limit placement.

Both are wonderful ... whichever you like the best. Or of course, you could make two!!

What about subtle metallic thread for the quilting? And if leaving the centre plain ... perhap an quilted centre design, taking on more of a look of embroidery? Again, a metallic thread ... or variegated.


PS ... are you going to sell the fabric after you make your own?

Personally I think the border fabric is so unique a center block isn't needed. A feathered wreath would be awesome in the center.

QuiltE - Thank you and also thanks for those great ideas. This is small enough that I could be brave and try quilting in the center if I used a plain white Center Piece. I've seen some lovely work with metallic threads here on the QB, but have been too uncertain of my quilting skills to try it.

Sure, I'd be happy to sell the fabric prints to QB members, just for what it costs me to make them. If you'd like to ask more about it, feel free to PM me. And goodness, i wouldn't make anyone wait till I've finished this one: Thanksgiving is almost upon us! ;-)

Thank you! I'm really curious how you "made" the fabric ... and with using your own leaves, etc .... photos first? and then what?

Thanks Sadiemae! Perhaps I should start searching for quilting motif designs for that by checking out what people have done here!

Yeah, I was worried about over doing things Scissor Queen and feathered wreaths are very pretty and understated.

I'm seeing you each like the idea of a plain center with a beautiful quilting motif.