The entire time I've been working on the Basket Medallion quilt, I've thought that one of the last rows would have to be basket blocks. Using an echo block in the border work is a very old medallion quilt trick that helps pull everything together. The Flower Pot block is very close to the block I used in the centerpiece of this project and it finishes out at a good 5".
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| Cutting for 5" Flower Pot blocks |
Right now the Basket Medallion is at 55 1/2" square so 'nuff said about that. I decided to cut out eight blocks to audition not only the size (proportion is always a worry) but also the fabrics I settled on. I have struggled a bit because right from the start I kept the color range of this quilt in a very narrow window.
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| Tops of Flower Pot blocks sewn |
The last thing I want is for my quilt to reflect back at me in a dull, uninteresting manner. Come on! Sparkle at me and make me look more than once! Otherwise, what's the point in continuing forward? I didn't get very far before the fabrics I chose were already working their magic on me. There's just something about creams and tans mixed with madder reds that get to me every single time. It's like drinking chamomile tea for other people I suppose.*wink
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| Flower Pot blocks in 2 pieces |
Then the blocks were almost completed and I could see that regardless of what they looked like with this quilt, they were definitely keepers. Seriously, who can resist little basket blocks?
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| Audition #1 |
I auditioned them in a straight side-by-side setting initially and wowsers! Loving that look already!
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| Audition #2 |
Then I auditioned them in an on-point setting (which would require a narrow coping strip and more work) and stepped back. Uh oh. I can see I'm in real trouble now......
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| And around the corner.... |
There is no way I'm making this decision overnight! Be still my heart! It's just baskets. lol
This quilt is looking SO good! I definitely like the baskets on point best......
ReplyDeleteThose tiny baskets make the perfect border whether you turn them this way or that. They do absolutely sparkle and shine and move the eye around. Looking forward to see the finished border!
ReplyDeleteI love that border idea!
ReplyDeletethe baskets are great with that quilt - I like the dark back ground on point - I'm sure will pick what is best for you!
ReplyDeleteI'm liking the darker border. It acts like a picture frame and gives the quilt finality and strength. And the plain(er) dark triangles give the eye a place to rest and appreciate the patterns.
ReplyDeleteWow - this quilt is awesome. Red is my favorite color and baskets are one of my favorite blocks - so this is just SO RIGHT! Good luck making that decision, but either way, it is going to be great!
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say that the first setting really got my attention. It has a very striking look to it and really follows some of the triangles in the baskets to the triangles in the border they lay next to in your design. I also really like the second setting. I agree with the others that it gives your eye a place to rest. I think the first setting is more like an antique setting---has it's own design element & suprise effect. The second setting is more lined up and even. It follows the design around in another square border. Good luck in your decision and have loved reading your blog!!
ReplyDeleteSo fun to see your progress on this quilt. Even with the limited palette it is anything but boring. The flower pot blocks are a great addition. So enjoy your posts!
ReplyDeleteThe on-point baskets just knocked this quilt out of the baseball park!! Love it!
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Love those little baskets!! On point, definitely!
ReplyDeleteI like the baskets both ways - tough decision but either way you are going to have a fantastic quilt. The colour scheme is perfect.
ReplyDeleteI am interested to see which setting you pick. Either would work by I lean towards the baskets pointing inward.
ReplyDeleteLovely! Either way it will be great!!
ReplyDeleteOh Yess!!!! I love your basket border!! Go Audrey!!!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful quilt, with the perfect little baskets as borders!
ReplyDeleteYes, you do have a dilemma! The basket blocks are wonderful... I like them best on point... but, make it yours! And then your heart can be still!
ReplyDeleteI can understand why your heart sing. The baskets fit in just right. I am so Happy for you.
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