When I last wrote about Carla's blocks they looked like this on my design wall: Sewn together with side triangles added. But at only about 37" wide and 49" long, this top is much smaller than I had anticipated. Faulty math on my part.
The solution of course is to add borders. First, a tangerine border to float the center. Then, with so many scraps and leftovers of black and white strips, it only made sense to add a piano keys border.
Finally, to finish it off and contain all those seams at the edges, an outer tangerine border. Now it measures about 53" wide and 65" long, a much better size for a throw.
I have to say, I'm really glad this worked out the way it did, for several reasons. One, I learned how to calculate on point block sizes in EQ. Two, the problem forced me to get creative and find a solution. And three, I really like how the whole quilt looks so much better with the borders than if it were just blocks.
Even better, included in one of Carla's boxes of goodies was a perfect backing fabric, a black and white wallpaper print. With a little piecing - and careful pattern matching - there's just enough for the backing.
The back is pieced, the batting is cut, and everything is ready for quilting. Maybe this will be a finish pretty soon.
Link ups: Alycia Quilts, TGIFF
Good job Jan. On point and the piano key border were wonderful choices. I am impressed you were able to match the print for the backing!!
ReplyDeleteI agree, it looks terrific with the borders, so a mistake that led to a design improvement :)
ReplyDeletethe border is perfect !
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you had to enlarge this - the result is wonderful! (Quiltdivajulie)
ReplyDeleteOh, I really like the way the quilt looks, too. And what a perfect backing. I hope you have fun quilting this one. Do you have a plan for what you will use for the binding?
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about the math. My go-to measurement for on-point blocks is the width is half again as wide as when set square (or width x 1.5). But when I get to the odd-even row arrangement smooshed together I lose it!
ReplyDeleteThat looks amazing Jan!
ReplyDeleteChrisknits-Such a striking quilt top! The back is perfect.
ReplyDeleteThe borders really set it off. Looks great!
ReplyDeleteSEW much more dramatic with the piano key border and everything floating in the background fabric!! You did an excellent job on the creative problem solving, Jan.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all these comments. It does make a wonderful throw or at least it will when done. And double bonus points for finding enough fabric for the backing.
ReplyDeleteLOVE it!!! I agree - that border just made that quilt more stunning!! Love the bold colors!
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