Sunday, September 2, 2012

UFO Sunday - The Library Quilt

Library Quilt

Last Sunday, Leah Day started UFO Sunday to encourage us all to work on some neglected projects (UFO = UnFinished projects). I pulled out my library quilt and started to think about how to quilt it. I went to JoAnn's with a 40% off coupon and picked up some extra-loft poly batting.


So as I started to think about quilting this quilt, I realized that the blocks have applique pieces VERY close to the edge of the block. I feel I need to add a border of fabric around each block (something to hang on to while I quilt the blocks). My first thought was to add a white border (the background fabric on the blocks is light blue).

Can you say blah!?!? I don't really want to purchase fabric, I already have a huge stash, but I felt it needed to be solid or read somewhat solid (no prints).



I really like the bright colors around the blocks, but I don't have enough of any one color to go around all of the blocks. So what do you think about multiple colors?


Is it too much? Are there any that you think just don't go, such as the dark purple (middle left side)?  How wide should the border be when it's finished? 

I haven't decided what I'm going to do in the middle, so I'm just putting white in there as a place holder for the moment.

I'm excited to hear what you all think, I'd like to get going on this and 'get 'er done'!

Today I'm linking up with the Free Motion Quilting Project for UFO Sunday!

UFO Sundays on the Free Motion Quilting Project

Color Me Quilty!

Pat


23 comments:

  1. this perfect...it gives each block its own border...helps it stand out from the crowd but allows it to be part of the crowd...each block then has something in common but different...stay with this don't change it

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  2. I love the bright borders. I'm not sure about the dark purple either. What about a blue to tie in with the little boat?

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  3. I love the bright colors! Even the dark purple.

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  4. I would definitely use the bright around the blocks...they look fantastic and 'happy'. I can't really tell about the purple...doesn't show too well on my computer.

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  5. Love the bright color idea! I'm with you and Lorraine on the purple. A bright blue would pop the block and keep with the rainbow assortment of colors.

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  6. I think the different coloured borders really fit into the spirit of this quilt and I'd keep them. The purple does look a bit dark compared to the others, but that's not a big deal. As for border size, I'd probably give them 1.5-2 inches. Love this project, I'm happy to see it up on your design wall for quilting!

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  7. Brilliant idea, go with a 2" border, and skip the purple for any other bold bright colour - amazing how a border delineates each pannel and expands the whole quilt ...... get going girlie x x

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  8. I think the different colors are perfect! They all have that batik or hand dyed look which bring them all together. Since children made the blocks, the different colors are perfect. Futhermore, I think the light blue gets lost against the white. I think a 2in border would be good. Good luck!

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  9. I am completely with the other ladies, 2" border and bright colors, the brighter the better! The purple is definitely a drag on the rest of the quilt, a shocking blue would be great there.

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  10. Bright . . . Bright . . . Bright . . . If you have to buy fabric, Oh Well. Not that I need an excuse, but if you have to, you have to.

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  11. Multiple colours works fantastically, but you're right about the dark one, it's too dark for the rest. Blue would be a good one maybe??

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  12. I think everyone here is in agreement with mutilcolored borders in bright colors. This is going to be such a cute quilt.

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  13. Looking great Pat! The bright colors really fit the cheerful theme of this kid quilt. I do think the purple is a bit dark, but you can always balance that out with some darker blues and greens around the extra blocks you're going to add.

    Cheers,

    Leah



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  14. I like the the multiple colors but the dark purple is too dark. Maybe do a second yellow square to balance it out?

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  15. I think using different bright colours would be perfect. It fits with the style of the blocks. The purple may be a little dark but I would think about keeping it but using it as border for what ever you use in the centre. Otherwise it is so much heavier than the others it throws the quilt off balance. In the centre as a feature it would work I think!

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  16. Just my opinion, but I would keep the dark purple border. Having one non-jewel tone non medium value color will make the other colors pop. You don't want your quilt to look like a cheater quilt with all the same value colors. Jinny Beyer always recommends having at least one dark value. I would replace the lime green border around the hearts block with a bright blue border. I agree with everyone else that you need some blue. Happy quilting.

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  17. this is going to be one happy quilt! I like the dark purple - if you use only the bright colors, it's going to look too girly/candy land -ish...
    I would make the borders 1.5-2 inch.
    Hope it helps :)

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  18. I agree with bright colors with purple being used for the center block and agree using a bright blue where the purple is!! Beautiful quilt is in store ... Can't wait to see it!!

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  19. Yes, keep the bright colors and change out the purple for a blue. Do you have some blue fabric? If not, do you have any fabric paint and just paint your own color?

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  20. I love the bright colors! Use a rainbow of colors. It looks beautiful.

    HeidiRider@aol.com

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  21. What about the word Library or Imagination in the middle of the quilt. Or even a tall Plant lie a beanstalk...growing imagination one book at at time. Something like that?
    I love the quilt!

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