I have a question about my quilting I just finished yesterday. I do not like the very large meander I placed in the two outer border areas. I am happy with the small meander I used around all the applique. Can I remove the large meander only and quilt something else?

This pattern is called Poinsettia Wreaths from the McCalls December, '05 issue.

Thanks so much!
Nancy

You can always remove stitches. But just how many hours are you willing to put into stitch removal? I think it's beautiful as is. If you want more stitching maybe echo the large meander making a double ribbon type effect?

You are talking alot of work I agree w/Candace do a double row.It looks great your lines are good. Why change a beautiful quilt unless you really don't like it???

Yes you can take the stitches out and re-pin and re-quilt the quilt..but I think I agree with Candace just make it a ribbon.

Agree with all of the above. Your quilt is beautiful as is and taking out stitches is not fun

that is a great idea i would have never thought of that

Another agree!

Thank you all! I do like the ribbon idea and I didn't think of it. So glad I made this post.
The reason I wanted to remove just the outer large meander is because it's only a 50 inch square quilt. It looks much bigger in the pictures.
I am liking the idea of the ribbon. It wouldn't take long either but I won't use the quilt until December. lol
This is why I love the QB. All of you are wonderful!
Nancy

Oh my goodness, what don't you like about the large meandering pattern? I think it's beautiful. Of course, I'm not a longarmer, but I do have eyes and what a pretty quilt with pretty quilting.

Thank you for the compliment! I just think there is too much of size difference in the two meanders. Thinking of trying the ribbon w/out pulling out what's already there.

Okay call me crazy, but I like the contrast between the two sizes of meander. I wouldn't change a thing, it's beautiful.

Your quilt is absolutely beautiful.I wouldnt change a thing

So, so pretty and the experienced "long-armers" have a great suggestion for you with the ribbon effect. This board is so wonderful for the help offered when in desperate need!

I love the larger effect against the smaller meander. It says "border". I would leave it as is..

I agree!

I also like the contrast between the two meandering sizes. However, not seeing the quilt in person, maybe it does look different...but I like what I see in the pic :)

I was going to say the same thing everyone else has said - I would just double it up and echo it a bit. It is looking fabulous!

I agree!

I like the ribbon echo idea, but also like the contrast in size of the meander for the border.

Why can't you just do the small meandering inside the larger one?

Your quilt is georgeous! I have not put my first quilt on the long arm yet... (still practicing). Scared to death that I'll mess it up and have to take out stitches. I think you did a beautiful job!

That is a good idea too. I was thinking the smaller meander would make the applique pop out so that is why I didn't use it in the final borders.

It looks great! I would leave it the way it is or do the ribbon

It is alot of work and will be very time comsuming, I agree about making the large stipple into a swirly ribbon. It should go alot faster and look beautiful. Oh yea the quilt is beautiful.

I have not had the opportunity to try this out... but I just was in a longarm class all day yesterday and was told that you can use an electric mustache trimmer to take out your longarming. You turn it on and get it between the top and the batting and it will cut your threads with out cutting your fabric..... Just had to share this. :roll:

Ditto here! Your quilt is beautiful!
Blessings,
MaryAnna

There is nothing wrong with the meandering in the borders it looks great.

I would leave it alone. The main focus of your eye is drawn to the applique and red pieces so rather than rework it I would just leave it alone. Ripping out long arm stitches can sometimes be a disaster leaving holes where the large needle went in and out or possibly even accidental tears from ripping the stitches out. It looks crisp and clean and wonderful the way it is. Nice job!

You did a beautiful job on your quilting. I agree with the others that if you are not happy with the outside meandering, turn it into a ribbon. Then you will have learned another new skill on the longarm. Lovely quilt.

I have done it and it is a lot of work and can tear fabric even being careful. I like it just like it is and so will everyone else.

I agree! It is absolutely beautiful the way it is and when it is off the frame the portion you are unsure about will disappear. The focus will be on those beautiful blocks.

That is a stunning quilt..!!!!!!

I'm not a long arm quilter but I think it looks super. I also love the fabric. I believe it is by Moda called Frosted Memories. Our local quilt store ran out of the line as fast as it came in. Again your quilt looks great.

Suzy

I love this quilt and I also like the idea of the ribbon. This really turned out to be so beautiful.

I agree with everyone else, its beautiful, why change it.

Solution: leave as is, or go for the Ribbon effect. It is beautiful.

this is just gorgeous!!! You did a great job, just do as Candace suggested.

UPDATE-Becoming a nervous Nellie, I decided to remove it from the frame (2cd time) and finish the binding. I absolutely love the idea of the ribbon effect but have not tried that in almost five years. I was afraid I would be ripping out even more thread! So, binding has been sewn on and now for the hand stitching part.
I want to thank everyone for all your time and suggestions, I really do appreciate everyone.
I will post the end result ASAP and then put the "throw" away until the day after Thanksgiving.
Thanks again!!!
Nancy

Yes, use the present meander and do the ribbon effect. I use it often. It's easy and quite effective.

Cynthia

I like the contrast between the border and rest of the quilt. Since you don't, I can't wait to see the "ribbon" effect when completed...lol... Beautiful quilt and quilting.