to border or not to border....

Since I began quilting, I've always thought that a quilt needed at least one border, even if it's just simple fabric strips outlining the blocks. However, I have some older quilts (I expect they are at least

50 years old) made by a great aunt, and she simply ran her pattern blocks to the edge of the quilt and bound it. It's not that I didn't notice this before, but I kind of chalked up the lack of borders to the fact that many quilters of the previous generations quilted out of necessity and not so much as an art form--although the quilts are works of art. (My great aunt's quilts are very striking.) What I'm trying to say is that the emphasis was different.

Anyway, I started thinking about the subject of borders since I'm considering doing a Storm at Sea. I was trying to decide what type of border would be do it justice. I know many of you could come up with something spectacular, but most of my ideas seem to detract from what is already a fabulous pattern. I'm thinking of going borderless.

So what do you all think about borders... or not?

Best regards, Michelle in NV

Reply to
Michelle C
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extend the parts of the blocks into parts of the border, much like a wild seascape would be. j.

"Michelle C" wrote... Since I began quilting, I've always thought that a quilt needed at least one border, even if it's just simple fabric strips outlining the blocks. However, I have some older quilts (I expect they are at least

50 years old) made by a great aunt, and she simply ran her pattern blocks to the edge of the quilt and bound it. It's not that I didn't notice this before, but I kind of chalked up the lack of borders to the fact that many quilters of the previous generations quilted out of necessity and not so much as an art form--although the quilts are works of art. (My great aunt's quilts are very striking.) What I'm trying to say is that the emphasis was different.

Anyway, I started thinking about the subject of borders since I'm considering doing a Storm at Sea. I was trying to decide what type of border would be do it justice. I know many of you could come up with something spectacular, but most of my ideas seem to detract from what is already a fabulous pattern. I'm thinking of going borderless.

So what do you all think about borders... or not?

Best regards, Michelle in NV

Reply to
J*

For what it's worth, I didn't put a border on my Storm at Sea. It just seemed a bit extraneous.

Julia > Since I began quilting, I've always thought that a quilt needed at least

Reply to
Julia in MN

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Taria

Reply to
Joanna

A border speaks. It says 'Here is a wonderful quilt' or painting or photograph. My own experience comes from oil paintings but almost every one of them is greatly enhanced with a frame. The frame can be quietly elegant and serious or razz-ma-tazz. There are many fine paintings that never have or need a frame. And then there's the 'Unfinished Symphony'. Where am I going? Just this. You can take a good just about anything and make it go from 'good' to 'grand' with the right frame (or border). If you can, fold your Storm into quarters and mount it on your design wall - or over a door. Whatever. Give possible framings an audition and give the 'maybe' ones some time to grow on you or become offensive. We won't expect that a rose trellis would work or polka dotted Scottie dogs - but perhaps your Storm needs stones to crash upon or just a wall to contain it. I love the Storm pattern and hope I've inspired you instead of confused. Polly

Reply to
Polly Esther

At last - I get to say it!:

'It all depends' ...

I was never a huge fan of borders. Most of my early bits didn't have borders. I have used facing, rather than binding, on occasions, because I don't want the look of 'closure' on them.

I would second the idea of using Google Images, to see which version you prefer.

I really like Jeanne's idea - something I've always wanted to do. The Storm at Sea is a strange block because it is incomplete without the pieced sashing. So, thinking just where to 'finish' needs thought. Making parts of the border pieced, to continue the pattern, is a great idea.

Now this little gem might leave you cold! However: if you do decide on a border, how about a wavy one? Not little tiny waves, of course, just a few gracious curves. Binding isn't too bad with a curved border, but easier still is a facing (trace the exact shape as the top onto the wrong side of the facing fabric, clip the curves, and put right sides together before turning to the back). There are other refinements, but that's the principle. . In message , Michelle C writes

Reply to
Patti

Hmmmm. That gives me something to think about. Thanks for the intriguing idea J.

Michelle > extend the parts of the blocks into parts of the border, much like a wild

Reply to
Michelle C

Julia, it's worth a lot. At least I know I'm not the only one had this feeling. You wouldn't have a picture of yours, would you?

Michelle > For what it's worth, I didn't put a border on my Storm at Sea. It just

Reply to
Michelle C

Maybe to border (or not to) depends on the quilt pattern. I'm glad to hear you say you prefer the ones without for Storm at Sea, because I keep seeing the quilt this way--or maybe with just a plain one at most. I probably ought to google some and have a look too, to make sure this isn't just because I have no imagination though. ;-)

I think in the old days the fabric just wasn't as

Yes, that's what I trying to get at.

Best regards, Michelle in NV

Reply to
Michelle C

Until now, I've always felt the way you do about borders to Joanna--that all quilts should have one. Hmmmmm.

I've always relied on laying out a quilt, then deciding the borders later. However, that method hasn't always achieved what I'd hoped--usually because I didn't buy enough fabric--so I'm trying to plan the whole quilt this time.

Best regards, Michelle

Joanna wrote:

Reply to
Michelle C

Polly, I've always felt the way you do about borders--until I started thinking about this quilt. I totally agree with everything you are saying, so it's hard for me to actually consider going borderless, but I keep coming up with that. Maybe I just need to find the one right one.

Best regards, Michelle > A border speaks. It says 'Here is a wonderful quilt' or painting or

Reply to
Michelle C

Hi Patti,

You've certainly given me a lot to think about. I'm intrigued by the wavy border idea, but I admit to finding it a big a daunting.

I'm not familiar with Jeanne's idea....

Okay, go> At last - I get to say it!:

Reply to
Michelle C

Go with what feels right to you. If you've auditioned various fabrics for a border and they don't seem to work for you then maybe this quilt is made to be borderless. Allison

Michelle C wrote:

Reply to
Allison

It truly needn't be. If you like the idea, I can help you in greater detail by e-mail, if you like? I meant Jeanne's idea in this thread.

But, as everyone says, you should do whatever it is that pleases you most, after having given it thought which you are doing. . In message , Michelle C writes

Reply to
Patti

Reply to
Roberta

Thanks Patti,

I appreciate your offer and will definitely ask for your help if I decide to go that way.

Hmmm. I didn't see Jeanne's suggestion. I wonder why. Going looking....

Thanks! Michelle > It truly needn't be. If you like the idea, I can help you in greater

Reply to
Michelle C

Hi Roberta,

I've been googling SAS quilts, and it does seem that most either have no borders or ones that are simple so as not to detract.

Do you have a picture of yours?

Michelle > Audition a border when your SAS is done, and go with your gut feeling.

Reply to
Michelle C

Thanks Allison. Yes the thing I've got to remember is there are no quilt police! ;-)

Best regards, Michelle > Go with what feels right to you. If you've auditioned various fabrics

Reply to
Michelle C

Hey again, Patti,

I must admit to being intrigued about the wavy border. It's growing on me.

Are you the Patti (formerly in Seattle) that's in the directory?

Thanks! Michelle > It truly needn't be. If you like the idea, I can help you in greater

Reply to
Michelle C

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