Friday, April 3, 2015

Simple is Good

I finally figured out a border solution for my Cactus Baskets quilt! Sometimes I get so caught up in the idea that there are lots of ideas that I totally forget about simplicity. All the different borders I thought about in regards to this quilt never seemed to gain traction until this week.
Cactus Baskets Quilt
Then I finally considered a plain one-fabric border. I definitely think the middle of this quilt more than holds its own when it comes to 'interest' and more piecing is not always better. And so this quilt with its odd shape {70 1/2" x 97"} can officially be called a finished quilt top.
A closer look....
It's hard to believe that I started this quilt on a whim almost a year ago. And all because I was determined to get better at making these particular blocks with parallelograms! Which I did. Get better and gain a little confidence to boot. Although most of my difficult piecing does seem easier with hand stitching. Amazing how that can work sometimes....
The border does actually have a very light stripe in it...
The little flowers are my own addition and I think they make the entire quilt. But that's just me. I'm a little {ahem!} biased about applique in case you hadn't noticed....
Another quilt top in the queue--an entirely different list....
So now I have another project to cross off my UFQ list this spring. Funny how it seems to grow almost as fast as I clear things off....
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26 comments:

  1. Quilting StoriesApril 3, 2015 at 12:21 AM

    I totally agree with you : simple is good. I agree as well concerning the little flowers. Your Cactus basket top is SUCCESSFUL!

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  2. Kathy ... aka NanaApril 3, 2015 at 12:40 AM

    Sometimes less is more. And I too agree that the little flowers make the quilt. Well done!

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  3. Carla A Few Of My Favorite ThingsApril 3, 2015 at 3:51 AM

    I am always attracted to the simple tradtional patterns. Started making my first log cabin! Maybe I just need straight lines after Baltimore Garden! I love the little flowers and the setting triangles they really called for a simple border

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  4. Quilting BabciaApril 3, 2015 at 3:57 AM

    This is a top I hope doesn't linger long in the queue, I'm already imagining the effect of batting and hand quilting stitches adding even more depth and interest to this super top. You have a winner here!

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  5. Pinkadot QuiltsApril 3, 2015 at 4:11 AM

    Those flowers absolutely make the quilt! What a cute quilt!

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  6. DashaApril 3, 2015 at 4:42 AM

    I agree. The flowers look good in their little baskets. Well done for finishing something off.

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  7. BarbApril 3, 2015 at 4:52 AM

    such a sweet basket of flowers - very cute! the border looks great.

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  8. MaureenApril 3, 2015 at 5:17 AM

    Another lovely quilt! Yes, I agree, simple is sometimes better. I think if you are a proficient hand piecer then the more difficult patterns are done quicker by hand than machine.

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  9. Podunk PrettiesApril 3, 2015 at 5:23 AM

    Oh yes the little flowers added the WOW factor to the quilt, the dark border also helps the little cuties stand out even more.

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  10. Quilter KathyApril 3, 2015 at 5:37 AM

    I agree that the simplest idea is usually the last one we consider. Funny how we make life/quilting more complicated than it needs to be :)
    Love the flowers you added to the blocks - a perfect touch!

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  11. Karen - Quilts...etc.April 3, 2015 at 5:59 AM

    I love it and of course I love your circles!!! I have forgotten how many quilts I have added circles to - they always "make" the quilt! I love the patch work & plaid setting triangles as well

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  12. TerryApril 3, 2015 at 6:39 AM

    That's the perfect border for you quilt...it's absolutely beautiful! :0)

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  13. KyleApril 3, 2015 at 7:00 AM

    Sometimes simple is best. Not sure why we over look that. Your flowers in your basket are the best.

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  14. DianeApril 3, 2015 at 7:13 AM

    Yep, you are right, the flowers make the quilt! I love those simple little flowers, and the rest is very cool too. :)

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  15. MonicaApril 3, 2015 at 7:17 AM

    97" long! I had no idea it was that big. But, it's gorgeous, and I agree with everyone else, it is right that the blocks should be the star, and the border the supporting cast. I think the coming of spring has energized you! I need to borrow some, I think. :D

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  16. Wendy Caton ReedApril 3, 2015 at 7:17 AM

    Love your border solution and I'd have to agree that the applique lolipop flowers do make the block!

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  17. pauletteApril 3, 2015 at 8:05 AM

    Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! Well done!

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  18. CathyApril 3, 2015 at 2:43 PM

    Impressive!

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  19. Daytona DamselApril 3, 2015 at 7:05 PM

    I love the simple border. It really makes your baskets stand out.

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  20. DawnApril 4, 2015 at 7:51 AM

    So cute! I love how the gold in the setting squares sparkle.

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  21. Deb @ Frugal Little BungalowApril 4, 2015 at 9:03 AM

    Congrats on the finish...another beauty :)

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  22. NancyApril 4, 2015 at 12:27 PM

    Nice finish. I wish I could cross something off my UFO list. All I seem to do is add to it.

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  23. AnnApril 4, 2015 at 3:13 PM

    Good finish, Audrey. The simple border looks great. Are you planning to pipe (or faux pipe) the binding? I haven't done that yet but plan to try it this year. I love your circle flowers, too. I usually hand applique circles but may try machine applique. We'll see. Looking at yours, I can't believe anything looks better than handwork. They are so lovely.

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  24. pandchintzApril 4, 2015 at 5:38 PM

    Good solution, Audrey. Wow, you are getting through some finishes.

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  25. KarenApril 4, 2015 at 7:18 PM

    The border solution is very attractive. I would probably end up with some chopped off pieces. Yours look very precisely done.

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  26. KarenApril 5, 2015 at 1:40 PM

    As always, the unexpected is perfect!!

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