Top done - 2 questions
 

My wife and I have a split king bed, and we're making these EB Quick Trip quilts to use on the bed. I thought I had calculated enough to make them the right size without borders, but I find I need about 12" in length only. My first question inclination is to put a 5" or 6" border on top and bottom, then a 2" or so framing border around the whole thing. Any other suggestions?

Second question is quilting. In have only ever done pantographs. Every time I think I'm going to try something different I chicken out because I don't want to ruin someone's quilt. Since these are ours, I MIGHT be a bit braver. Any suggestions for a complete beginner? We have a Babylock Crown Jewel and frame. I really need to expand my skill set.

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Thanks for looking

Darren

I like the quilt. Very nicely done.

I would do a border the same size all around, (bigger is better).
I might do the border and binding in black.

As for the quilting, go crazy, try something new.
Mike

That's really pretty! I'm just starting FMQ so I have no advice, sorry!
Just wanted to let you know I like it a lot.
Since it's for you I would go wild too. Have fun with it! :)

Beautiful colors. Just FMQ all over. I would go ahead with your border ideas.

What kind & color of thread are you planning on using?

A large meander would give you lots of practice just first practice on paper or dry erase board.

Practice on a large dry erase board, holding your elbow up and moving your arm just as you do when quilting. Try a pattern that doesn't require precision, like flowers, leaves, hearts, loops, etc. Don't try a pattern that requires precision, like something geometric that repeats and all the repeats are identical. It's better to do what you are good at after practicing, instead of doing an inferior execution of a more difficult pattern that you haven't become adept at yet. Since you have all those colors and seams to follow, it would be easy to quilt something without marking the top at all, following the colors. That would also emphacise the layout, which would look nice.

I would add the narrow border first to frame the quilt then the wider to bring the length right. Swirls are nice on that style of quilt. Sketch out some ideas to get a feel for your design. I have a piece of clear template plastic I draw designs on then I can lay it on the quilt and see how it looks. If I don't like it I clean it off & try something else.

Beautiful quilt and very nicely done - definitely think you need a small border to frame it and then larger to increase size. Can't comment on FMQ as I only straight line and hand quilt.

As far as FMQ I would be tempted to do concentric rings of feathers. Feather wreaths, basically. Loose and large with space between. But then I love doing feathers.

Your quilt is pretty and very colorful. Why not have the final border be a piano key border with all the colors from the quilt?

While you are doing these calculations, don't forget that you will get some shrinkage when you wash and dry the quilt. I always allow at least 5 to 8 inches extra. I do not prewash my fabrics, so if you have prewashed, you may get less shrinkage.

As for the quilting, I am a user of panto's because my artist skills have not arrived. I'll leave the advice to those who are much better than I am.