Seeking ideas for panel
 

I have had this panel for a while, and I have just purchased fabric to make it into a quilt. Originally I had thought I would cut the panel up, but now I think I will just add borders.

Any suggestions would be welcome. I am not sure what size I want the final quilt to be, probably lap size or close to that.

I have just started thinking about this, other than purchasing the border fabric yesterday. The quilters here are always full of good ideas, and I hope you have one for me. How might you proceed?

Thanks,
Dina

Love that panel....have considered getting it myself and will look forward to seeing what you do with it! Keep us posted!

i'd like to see the red included in the border, but not as wide as pictured... it's too overwhelming for your panel. i'd probably do a narrow red, then little bit wider gold, then the black. it's a great panel

I Google "panel quilt pattern free" and came across this Bargello Border. Have fun Dina.

https://www.google.com/search?q=pane...2F%3B236%3B295

Hey how about a large cat border kinda like this http://www.stitch-n-frame.net/images/koolkatskwilt_.pdf
then a simple one to make it whatever size you need. The cats could be in every color that is in the panel then you have plenty to choose other borders is needed

Very cute! Visit Annie's love to quilt site, I received an email this morning featuring a new book specifically for creating quilts from panels.... Even if you don't want the book the pictures will give you some ideas

I agree with this. I would not cut the panel apart. The red border should be just a 1/2 inch wider than that black on the sides. Then the gold a little wider than that and then the black about a little wider than that.
That black strip looks about 1 inch so 1 1/2 for the red, 2 for the gold and 3 for the black. JMHO

[QUOTE=ManiacQuilter2;6944114]I Google "panel quilt pattern free" and came across this Bargello Border. Have fun Dina.

Thanks, I like the way this looks.

Dina

Thanks for the suggestions. Still messing with it on my design wall.

Dina

Wonderful panel! I think you were right to keep it whole.

How about a pieced border? Some of my favorite easy pieced borders: 4- or 9- patch, hourglass or, a bit more trouble but not bad, pinwheels. Calculate how much you want to "grow" the top, how big your pieced borders need to be. Put in a coping border of the gold or red if needed so that your pieced border will fit well. Then you could add another plain border if needed to make it larger still.

There is a book out called "Panel Play" by Barbara Becker that is very helpful on how to design around panels. I bought 3 panels for my nieces/nephew to make them christmas throw quilts (to keep them from using the fancy embroidered applique one I made my sister their mom) and did 3 of the designs out of the book. They turned out stunning. The author also teaches how to size the blocks you need, how to straighten a panel, and many other things related to working with panels. I strongly recommend purchasing this book if you do a lot of panels. Definitely got my creative juices flowing!

Thanks CarolynMT. Gonna order that book!

I have been playing with this idea. I like it!

Dina

Well, I have sewn on one border and have two others pinned on. I have decided that I would really like to make it about 8 inches wider . A pieced border might work for me....got to think on that tomorrow. Here is where it is now....