Problem with my Southwest quilt...
 

I just finished the top of my Southwest quilt. This is a pattern called Navajo by Blanche Young. The pattern was for a full/queen sized quilt, and I proportioned it down to fit a twin bed. My plan was to make two of these. They are for one room in my house.

Well, I put the top on one of the beds, trying to decide if I wanted a border, and not enough of the design is on top of the bed, it doesn't look "pretty." Only the center diamond really shows. I could have done a Trip around the World for this effect, and it would have been easier.

I want the whole design to show better, so I have decided to enlarge the quilt to fit on a queen sized bed in another room. So now I have to get the quilt back to the size the pattern started at. :) I figure that to make it fit the bed the way I want, I need to add 12 inches on each side.

The question is....should I extend the pattern. Is that the best way to do it? I will still want a border....I like borders. So I would extend it some and then add a thin border and then a wider border.

Is there any way that 12 inches of border would look okay? That would certainly be easier.

My son tells me not to rush into this decision, but I am at the stage where I just want this project done. I have plenty of fabric, as I was planning on making a second quilt.

So, how would you add 12 inches per side? (I can't believe I am now trying to get the quilt back to the size the pattern said. You wouldn't believe how much math I had to use to make it smaller!!)

Dina

Tough question. I'd probably add 3 borders, either 2", 4" & 6" or 3", 4" and 5". Let us know what you decide.

The problem as i see it with continuing the pattern to add 12 inches per side is that you would not complete a whole pattern of the diamond.....so that might look strange on the "drop". I think i would border what is in the photo, then decide what i wanted to have showing in the bottom and side drops.
Are you going to do pillow shams, or will this go up over your pillows? That will also help you decide about the top and bottom. I usually do about 12 inches of solid fabric at the top --- why do fancy work that will be under the pillows?
I'll be looking forward to seeing what you decide - as i have really liked seeing your color choices and pattern on this one.

To me, Big borders look funny when a quilt is laying flat, or is on a design wall, but very good when it is on the bed as a drop. To test the big border, fold your material so that you have the 12 drop and pin to keep it on the top. I would do this while you are in the bedroom. Back up and look at it. How do you like the big border? Take a picture to get a better perspective of how it actually looks. May quilts and bedspreads are made with a pieced or appliqued top, that rests only on the top of the bed, then solid borders below it. There's no right or wrong....just however you like it.

Your quilt turned out really pretty. I love the colors.

It you do the 12 inch border, you are not going to get the effect that you are wanting "full design" which is the Navajo design. I would go ahead and piece and finish out the design. I will look lovely with the rest of the design as the drop all around. What size did you cut you pieces? The ones I have made were 2 in wide by 4 in.

i agree with barb's thoughts.

The pattern said to make the pieces 4 1/4 x 2 1/4. I made mine 3 1/2 x 2...leaving me with a top that is 68 x 84.

Dina

Thanks, everyone, for you thoughts. I am feeling less disappointed with this quilt this morning. I am concerned that if I continue the design, it won't look quite right. I am also concerned that a really big border might look wrong. So I am going to do some careful measuring to see what size I really "need" before I think too much more about it. (famous last words...I even dreamed about it last night....:) ).

I am not sure what I am going to do, but today I am going to read and mow and not think about it. How's that for a plan.

Dina

Hi Dina. I like your son! That is usually what I do: put it aside until I am able to make a decision on what to do. But I realize how your are a quilter with NO UFOs in your house! I myself would extend the design. I am not sure how wide of a border would look with the quilt. I use to put a 6" to 8" border when I made custom queen size quilts.

Thanks, Joellyn....I like my son too. :) He is a good thinker.

I am currently thinking that maybe an 8 inch border might be big enough. That would make it 84" x 100". My son is currently sleeping in the bed in question, so I figured it might be polite to wait until later to measure...

I am afraid that continuing the design, leaving me with 2/3 of a diamond on each side, might just look strange. And a full diamond makes it bigger than I want to deal with.

Trying not to think about it isn't working too well. Like you mentioned, I am one of those folks who has to finish a quilt once I start. So, well, guess I will just think about it anyway, but while I mow... that way I am, at least, not rushing into it...yet.

Dina

I agree with AudreyB, if you use borders, several small ones look "more finished" than one large border.

Yes, I am liking that idea more and more. I have 8 fabrics in the quilt and my mind is playing with....which 3 might look good.... Thanks.

Dina

Beautiful quilt.

I think a breaking border in the sand color. Then a pieced border the size of the block in all the colors then a final border of sand and sand binding. Lay all of it out and see what your son says. He has a good eye! Luann

I like this idea. I am trying to visualize it. Going to play with it. Thanks.

Dina

How about one relatively narrow solid border in one of the darker fabrics, followed by a pieced border from the pattern. You could take a slice down the center symmetrically (however wide that would make it) and repeat it with the same colors. Depending on how the corners come out, you could continue the pattern or have squares in the corners.

When I get in a crunch like that, I take grid paper and actually draw it out. It gives my inner 5-year-old a chance to play.

I would extend the pattern

My two cents: use the background for a small border (about 3") then use all your colors in a keyboard boarder which can be anysize you want. It will tie together nicely and take care of a solid problem.

Oh my, I forgot to say that I thought your background was eight the cream or the black, wither will work well.

I have No idea how to help you with this........your quilt is Beautiful and I Love the colors!!!!

I don't have any answer to your question but I DO KNOW your quilt is beautiful.

How about one last idea??? How about a 6" border......but within THAT border, you use the same colors, cut into diamonds (squares on point) and have them running from top to bottom on the sides and maybe the ends. BUT, i wouldn't run them ALL the way......just maybe leave 1/4 of the ends blank. ? does that sound like I'm talking thru mud???

I like the sound of this, though it takes more skill level than I have. Plus, I have already committed myself to multiple borders....only have one left to sew on. I sure hope I like it. I can't tell so far. I will post a picture when I get that border on.

It is a good idea and would look good though....thanks.

Dina

Thanks, this is a good idea, but today I jumped right in and have added multiple borders. I have one left to go and then it will be done. I tried something out similar to your idea, but it didn't look good. Yours probably would have.

Thanks for the suggestion though. I appreciate it. I will post a picture when this last border is on....if I can find a spot big enough for the quilt, which is now quite large. I have no floor space large enough, nor is my design wall large enough. May end up being on the bed....that might work.

Dina

I also agree with Barb and QuiltnNan. I believe any borders will take away from the beautiful Navajo design.

Okay, here is what I ended up with. You can't see the last border too well, but it is black. Currently it is 5 inches, but it may end up being smaller. I am pleased with the quilt, though now it is almost bigger than I needed. :) Guess I didn't measure too well....

I had a lot of trouble finding a place to take a picture, but this is what my quilt inspector and I came up with.

Dina

Great job!!!! I think the border added to the quilt --- framed the picture :) :) It's BEAUTIFUL!