The interruptions to the braid finale included, but were not limited to: completely cleaning out an 8 foot patio area, adding 15 bags of dirt, 3 bags of mulch, removing and relocation about 1,000 pounds of field rock from the last decorating attempt, planting flowers and ground cover, shopping for plant material, and the perfect base for a perfect fountain. The fountain was a gift (certificate) from a local garden center from my stitch group as a memory item for my mother. At first, we thought we would do a tree, but a long story later, the fountain won our hearts and the special place near our front door.
And, while we were at the garden center, we purchased a bit more plant material... ahem, a lot more! It actually was a pickup load full. And you have to understand that it is very, very hot and humid here, so planting and working outside right now is pretty hard!
This is just one of the plants: a Lady Baltimore hardy hibiscus. I already have one, but we brought home 2 white ones, this dark pink one that is just unfolding a 5" flower, and a pink stripey one. Some bushes and lilies also made it into the truck.
But I digress.
I finally got the first row of braid sewn together. Then I got the quilt down on the floor, and laid out the braid. This is what it looked like:
And I DON"T LIKE IT! No, I don't like it at all. It looks like it should be on a cowboy bunk. Bummer! I like the braid; I just don't like it with THIS quilt.
So what to do, what to do? Hmmm, let's try some of the other hunks of fabrics I happen to have on hand. This one is sort of dark, but maybe might work....and if I scallop the border?
Hubby likes this one, but I just don't know.
I think I need to put it all away and let it simmer a while.
As a matter of fact, I think I'll go and work on my Cherry Limeade.
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15 comments:
Sharon,
I am with you, I like the braid border, just not on that quilt. Isn't that frustrating?? I do like the dark fabric as border, better than the lighter fabric. But I am always partial to darker borders. Just my 2 cents :-)
Kathy B
I like the quilt. All the borders are great but if my 2 cents matter I like the small floral in the last picture the best. I will watch to see what you choose. You have been busy. The fountain is great.
I like all 3, sorry, I know that doesn't help.
Sharon I love the braid border and can't wait to see what quilt you put it on.
I agree , not this one!
the brown is my favorite...seems to go with the quilt the quilt, the safe predictable one! The light one goes too but lightens up the quilt ...hmmm hard decision...can't wait to see what you do.
Love reading your blog and seeing what your working on
Kathie in NJ
I like the lighter one - maybe a similar fabric that's a touch less busy? Or maybe something that's between the bottom two choices in tone? If you go with the dark it will be fine too, the quilt is so gorgeous the border will be the last thing people notice :-)
How to decide?? I like them all. Probably seeing the whole quilt from a distance would help or even a photo of the whole quilt. I find I often see things in a photo that I miss in person. The blocks are lovely.
Who would've thought all that beautiful braid wouldn't work? Rats! I like the dark border (are you surprised)
The fountain is a wonderful idea - calm and soothing. You'll get lots of enjoyment from it.
Too bad about the braid, because it is nice, but you are right, not on this quilt. I like the dark and think scallops would be nice, but I also like the lighter one as it kind of pulls both of the set fabrics together.
I thought I read that John Flynn makes the braided border first and then the center. I like the braid but not with this center. The light border is good.
I think the problem with the braid is the strips are different sizes. It doesn't balance with the quilt where the blocks seem to be more uniform. Does that make sense? I like the light fabric border.
Your patio looks like a wonderful place to sit and relax. Can I join you?
I really like your quilting. I'd like to add you to my favorites list.
Do you have more yardage of the dark flower print in the half-square triangles? Just a thought for a border...
That will be one nifty quilt! And your yardwork is great. Don't know how you get it all done, especially in the heat/humidity. Way to go!
Wendy
The strip border is very clever, but I agree, not on this lovely qult. I like the small floral one best (last photo) and the scalloped idea is a great addition to this spectacular project.
The fountain is wonderful Sharon. Just perfect for remembering your Mom.
I agree 100%, great braid, but not this quilt..not like it is.
The new fountain is great. Your yard must be spectacular! I agree with you on the braid. Great but not on this quilt. I like the dk. border and not the lt. one. The quilt is beautiful. Can't wait to see your Cherry Limeade quilt. You must never sleep and how do you ever find time to read....you are truly SUPER WOMAN! Sherri
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