No Border Limits

Book:
Beautiful Borders Backings & Bindings/ Jill Reber and Margaret Sindelar

Time to reveal my next project... I choose the “Orange Blossom Table Runner” on page 79. If you find that making the same type or shape of quilt gets tiring, why not try something different? Here, a table runner meets that need for a change of pace.

Book, Fabrics

As I was running out of quilting books from my own library that I hadn't at least tried one project from, I found this one. The project provided several different aspects I hadn’t worked much with and so it would be a great effort to see how it turned out.

Construction Process

The instructions for this project are easy to follow and it really comes together quite quickly. Other projects in this book with more complex designs will of course take more time to complete, but still very rewarding.

The center three blocks are put together with simple piecing and machine applique with one wide border to complete the quilt top. The piping is added to the edge before the layers are sewn together; and then turned right side out so the piping is on the outside edge. Remember to leave a small opening so it can be turned!

Pieces For Center Blocks

Close-up of Block

Adding the Border 

Several years back, I had bought some cording for another project but never ended up using it. So, thought I’d better use it, even though it was very bulky. I secretly hoped I wouldn't find it, so I could buy cord that was narrower, but I found it.

I definitely would recommend using a narrower cord, and since I don’t have a piping foot for my sewing machine, it was difficult to encase into the bias strip. However, it’s the effort that counts, I’d say, that is important when trying new or more difficult techniques. 

The fabric for the piping is cut on the bias and it really goes easily around the curved edge. I used a dinner plate to cut the curve for the quilt corners.

 

Cutting the Corners

The corners on the border fabric, were also cut on the bias so the strip on the fabric would go outward as they did on the side borders. That is why a striped fabric was chosen for the border. I would have preferred a less bold fabric but that was about all that I had for this application. And, so cut the width of the borders narrower. 

Finished Piping Edge

This is only one way to finish a quilt and if you love adding borders to your projects, but run out of ideas, check out this book for lots of inspiration. My project this time, seems so plain compared to the many great ideas you'll have to choose from.

Sometime, I'll need to try out a fancy block border on a quilt. Perhaps, a simple center block surrounded with a complex outer border would look terrific. (I.E. using a medalion block or scenic print for the center)

My Finished Quilt Finished Size: 15.5” x 31”

More…

In my last post, I forgot to tell you what new adventure I’m embarking on... so you’ll have to wait now until next week to find out. As I changed some topics around from what was planned, I’ll have actual results to share, if I wait!!

My book review list is now on its own page, so if you’d like to see what techniques I’ve covered so far, it’s all there.

Happy Quilting…

Classic Quilts

Book:
Thimbleberries –

New Collection of Classic Quilts/ by Lynette Jensen

Time to reveal my next project... I choose: "High Country Pinwheels - Christmas" on page 64. (There are two designs:  one is done in blue fabrics and the other in Christmas fabrics.)

Fabrics, Book

So, for a different type of quilt then I normally make, I chose this one – no applique, no embellishments, just the color choices and how the fabric pieces are placed to create the complete design.

OBSERVATIONS:

I do find this type of quilt very easy to assemble and it seems piecing is a popular technique of many quilters. As all you need is the ability to cut up fabric and sew straight lines. However, the results are inspiring, as the finished design ALWAYS looks more complicated then it really is to make.

Also apparent to me, many people love to make bed quilts, so this book is a great place to explore for these classic and popular designs. 

If you would like to see the quilt project titles and sizes for this book, you may find them on my website listed under "T". All the books that have been reviewed on this blog, have this information on my website.

MY PROCESS:

Still having a good supply of Christmas fabrics, it was time to use up some more of them in this project. And, I bought this book several years ago through a book club and it was time to give it a try… 

Since most of these classic projects are for larger size quilts then I can quilt on my own machine, I have scaled it down considerably. It is my goal to create small quilts while I try out new techniques and enjoy the process of expanding my skill level.

Cutting the Fabrics

Sewing the Small Pieces Together

Binding - 1/2" wide

Finished Quilt

 Size: 32 1/4” x 32 1/4”

Next week...

My next book choice and then a reveal the following week. If you wish to see what books are being featured you can also check out my website for more details.

Happy stitching!!