One reason I didn't commit to the 12x12x12 challenge was that I wanted to clear up some UFO's and start new ideas that have been simmering for a while. One of them was this Quilt of Valor. I did these blocks in the fall and put them aside, but have now finished the top, I think. The blue and white blocks were the ones remaining from a guild exchange after I used the first half in an earlier QOV. The challenge this time was to use only stash fabrics. I considered tea dying the blue and white, but didn't because I've never done that and wasn't sure how it would work. I regret that I didn't; I think they jump out too much. When I planned this, I didn't think it needed a border and planned to finish with a wider than normal (half inch) blue binding, but now I'm not sure, and am considering adding a border. That will require buying fabric though. In addition, it's currently 62 x 62, and a border will make it an awkward size, I think. I'd welcome opinions on the border question. Decisions, decisions. Anyway, Deb Geyer has agreed to quilt this, so her work is sure to improve it considerably!
I struggle with borders so I am sure someone else will have a better idea. I do have a recipe for tea dye that I used on a quilt top to give it an aged look from Little Quilts. If that helps?
ReplyDeleteKay, I like it! I don't think it needs a thing. It will be a great lap quilt for a veteran.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see I get to work with those blocks again! We'll see if I've learned any thing since the last time.
ReplyDeleteA beige colored thread for the quilting might tone down the white a little...?...
I think a wide binding would look good and pull it all together without adding more busy-ness (and you wouldn't have to buy more fabric!
Someone will be delighted to get your quilt! If you really want to tea dye, it can be done at any step in the process. Jen
ReplyDeleteI think it works. I also agree with with Deb - a beige thread could soften the white.
ReplyDeleteIt isn't too late to tea dye them if they are bothering you. I've dyed an entire quilt top. You can also lay wet tea bags right on the block, or wet coffee grounds if you want a more splotchy look. Either way I think it will look just fine.
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I like the quilt without a border. I agree with Deb a wide binding can take place of a border.
ReplyDeleteI tea dyed fabric 15 years ago and the quilt still looks great today. It has been washed and dryed many times. I do not have a recipe I just did it.
Very pretty--that's my New Year's Resolution as well, to get at least most of my UFO's finished!
ReplyDeleteI'm with Jeri, I like it alot and know a veteran will too.
ReplyDeleteThe white standing out adds to the design, imo!
If the white is too jarring for you, you can tea dye the top...
ReplyDeleteI would just bind it at that point... The 9-patches kind of act like a border since you have different pieced blocks. Do you have enough of the tan? I would use that - it would echo the frames on the blocks.
I also like it the way it is but would be glad to look through my fabrics to see if I have a border fabric you could use.
ReplyDeleteI could send it with the backing for Julie's quilt (kid quilt).