need help on borders for n/h quilt
 

This is an Anita Goodesign pattern called Neighborhood Quilt. Any advice on border. I thought I liked the polka dots, then thought maybe not. Tried the green (it is the same fabric for the grass on all blocks) and not so liking that now that I can see it. So, not really sure. Any thoughts/suggestions? The piano border is from fabrics made in all the applique blocks.

The polka dots are better than the green, but IMHO, a better choice would be a medium to dark blue. I think this will be a really delightful quilt.

I like whatever it is that you have at the bottom. .... oops, it just occurred to me that maybe that's your bedspread! lol At any rate, something with more contrast, in my opinion.

I see a lot of pale pink, pale blue [which I like] or a purple of some value.

You have so much going on in this lovely project of yours that I think a solid border would be the best. Love the polka dot sashing, but for a border it is a little busy. Solid would frame it and tie all the elements together. I am in agreement with QM. Plus I read something years ago that the best quilts have areas that give your eyes a rest, yet tie everything together.

I like the green border. I think it goes well with the center.
Those houses are adorable!
I think the polka dots are too drab for a wide border.
That's just my opinion.

i like the second one best

very cute quilt I really like it. I don't like the polka dots, but I think the solid purple from your bedspread looks good :) Solid blue would look good too

i do like your polka dots

No promises, but could you move the green closer to the print, either next to the polka dots, or instead of them? Maybe a narrow border, then try a wide one outside of he piano keys, or a lavender or purple. Just to see what it looks like.

You did not say if these two fabrics are your only choices, regardless, I think the polka dots look great. IMHO the traditional choice would be a darker boarder; by using the polka dots it makes it look really unique and whimsical :-)

Thanks for your honest opinions. Here's another option; although I worked really hard on those piano borders (lol), I may decide to rip it out. No matter what I decide, I have to buy fabric for borders, so doesn't matter which I choose, but I think I kind of like it without the piano strips and maybe something like this. What do you think?

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*** I like the polka dots.
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I like a 'solid' color - maybe one of the darker colors in the quilt?

I like the purple...glad you are asking these questions. I am in the process of making the same quilt and wasn't sure how I would finish it.

I like your first choice - piano keys and then polka dots.

What a fun quilt. No HOA (Homeowners Association) to dictate rules! LOL.

I like the piano keys. Unless you need to enlarge the quilt, I'd say no more border beyond that. Just a solid border. Like the dark curvy line (is that black or brown?) that's sort of the sidewalk.

That is an absolute adorable quilt. I like the polka dots, but prefer a narrow dark border after that & then
another wider border of your choice. I do think the piano border distracts from your wonderful houses. Whatever you choose, it will be fabulous.

OMGosh, what an Awesome quilt pattern!!! I like your piano keys, and then could you put the lilac fabric as a border outside of the piano keys as a final frame? Or quite honestly, you could finish it just like it is: piano keys on 2 sides and solid on 2 sides, and a darker solid purple for the binding. This is a great quilt, and I see there is another partner pattern also. WOW!

Does it really need a final border? I think the piano keys are a nice way to end and tie everything together. You could use the purple polka dots as the binding.

I would do the polka dots, piano keys, purple, and polka dot binding. Love the quilt

I like the second one. Pretty quilt.

I like the lavender much better. The polka dot was very distracting and the green wasn't very pretty. You want to always use what will enhance the beauty of your quilt piecing, not distract from it.

IThe polka dots do seem to pull the color out of the quilt. Not a big fan of that particular green with the quilt but do think a darker color would frame the houses better. Whatever you decide, this is a terrific quilt! Great job.

I'm not a fan of the polka dots either. I think it washes out the colors in the body of the quilt. And although I love piano key borders, I don't care for them on this quilt. Takes away from the wonderful neighborhood. IMHO. But after all this....I love your quilt

I like the dots. They repeat the inner border.

I would stop at the piano keys, I think they give it a nice frame. Maybe bind it with the light purple.

The darker solids make your houses stand out better. Love the quilt.

This may show up somewhere else as I have real trouble typing after permanently damaged nerves in my right hand due to open heart surgery. I like the pale pink as a border. That quilt is darling!

I like the green and I do like the polka dots. I find the piano key border distracting because it overpowers the delicate designs of the quilt (even though the colors are the same). I would use the green but not too wide.

I prefer the polka dots and piano keys.

I'm crazy about polka dots so that's my choice, just add a very dark binding and you're all set.:thumbup:

I would use a dark color (or dark small print). I think this would give a distinct frame to this wonderful picture.

IMHO drop the piano keys. Makes it too busy and detracts from the wonderful houses. Maybe save that border for another quilt. Your 2nd picture is my favorite. Love it!

yes, I agree with this suggestion.

This is very nice but please leave the piano keys in and no polka dots.

Absolutely adorable quilt!! All those cute houses. Must have taken you a long time. Great job!

I like this best. I would save the piano key borders for another quilt.

I would like a plain border. Maybe blue? It's such a busy quilt I think a plain-ish border would be a nice rest for your eye.

I'd suggest a darker blue, or a purple border, maybe bind with the polka dots.... The piano key borders do compete too much with your pretty neighborhood. JMHO~