Lava Meets Sky Quilt

Now that the quilt top is done and we've all had some time to think about how to finish this quilt, we met to select the 3 B: border, backing and binding.

Fortunately, Laurie Shifrin was at the Quilting Loft and her help was instrumental in designing borders that will not only make this quilt big enough for a queen sized bed, but they also put a logical end to all the angles (just my opinion).

Its a little hard to explain how the two borders switch places so I did this little drawing - forgive my lack of skill with drawing tools. I think I could have just sewn the borders on the quilt and taken a picture in the time it took me to create this drawing. BUT, it was a great exercise and will give the customer a chance to see what we are talking about.

The binding is going to be the same blue as the border so it will blend in some places and pop in others - that will add a nice element to the finished quilt.

We narrowed down the options for the back but didn't make a final decision. It is definitely going to be one of Robert Kaufman's Chambrays - just not sure which one. Right now, the options are light blue - which to the customer looks like grey so that's not likely to win - Cardinal (94) - which is my favorite - or maybe Boysenberry (253) - which is a nice combination of red and  blue.

The thread for the quilting is going to be red and blue variegated so any of the backings will look like show off the design nicely.

I'll get to work putting the borders on. By the time that's done, I'm sure the decision about the back will be made and we can start talking about the quilting - what fun!

And speaking of Quilting, there are thousands of quilt designs for a long-arm machine. The general rule that I like to follow is that if the piecing is angular, the quilt design is curved and visa versa but the ultimate decision is for the customer. Just to inspire you (and the customer), take a look at the free designs I found - and go from there.

Stars and Strips Quilt

I'm happy to say that this quilt is now done and ready for delivery. Although the colors aren't my favorites, I love the way this turned out. I used variegated red/white/blue thread for the quilting and just did straight (well almost straight) lines 3/4" apart.