Thursday 11 March 2010

Opinions please !

I have added another couple of borders on my Mariners compass wall quilt but think I may have killed it !!!

I keep looking at it and am very undecided whether to remove the last border and change it for something else. This is very unlike me - I usually know straight away if I feel something works or not.


First I added a little border of a red print and this I like. I then decided to add 4 inch squares of some of the fabrics I've used so far. But I also put in a little strip just to break up the dark colours without adding to the size. Like this -



These 4 inch squares fit perfectly but I'm thinking they all need to come off.




I may go with something like this. A bit more of the cream print and bind it with the red.




Less is more ??


Please give me your honest opinions. Should I remove those squares or not. I am a big girl - I can take it - lol ! Thanks xxx
All photos should click to enlarge.








38 comments:

Jan Hatchett said...

I kind of like the squares. Hope you figure out what will make you the happiest with your quilt. I think it is gorgeous!

Gene Black said...

I really like the squares. But if you aren't happy with them, the cream and red will look great also.

trash said...

I love the squares and the thinner cream border.

loulee said...

I like both. But I prefer the no squares one.

Rita said...

Don't go by me I love quilts but have not made one yet. The squares look great to me. If you want a more traditional look you might remove the pink squares and use blue? Just ignore me if I'm wrong. I love it just as it is.

Gail said...

I kind of like the squares as well, I wonder if the cream with red will lessen the drama of the compass? I don't really know but what about a third option--leave the cream and replace the blocks with a wider red border before binding? (Just as it looks in the photo--binding would be just a little red, right?) I still struggle with borders and bindings!

Unknown said...

I think that I like your second option. Even though the squares are nice and fit perfectly, I think they detract slightly from the beautiful Mariner's Compass. I love the idea of just the plain border on this one.

Mary said...

I don't mind the squares, but I think without them the details of the quilt will be more noticeable. Because they are so noticeable, I didn't really notice the triangle border detail. I think with the cream I will like it more.

Vicki W said...

I have to be different I suppose! I am not fond of the squares at all. The star and the blue border are so much more intricate than the border. To me the squares border looks like is was added to make it bigger. What about a larger scale version of the blue border, maybe using the greens or reds?

country mouse said...

I like the squares too. I don't think they take away from the compass, I think they add another interesting element to the quilt as a whole...that and I just like peiced borders. Its beautiful.

Robin Quilts, etc. said...

Unfortunately I think the square need to come off. They throw the proportion off. I would either use one of your other choices or simply stop while you're ahead. The center is too beautiful you really don't want to draw your attention away from it. Great job! I love it.

Jude said...

Sorry, but I def think the squares should come off.They hit you in the eye as soon as you look at the photo...too distracting!!

Hannele said...

I think that the squares should come off: they steal the attention from the beautiful centre piece.

Elsie Montgomery said...

At first I liked the squares, but went back for a second look and think it would be better if you put something plain (if at all). They don't seem to go with the quilt, and as someone already said, look like an add-on. I have a compass quilt that needs finishing and will be going through the same questions, if I ever get around to it!

Patty Benner Young said...

I don't like the squares... they become the attraction, distract the eye...in my opinion! I enjoy your blog!

Jeanne said...

I vote to keep the squares! Whatever way you decide, the quilt is gorgeous.

Floss said...

I find the square too busy and I find myself looking at them instead of the center. I really like the more cream then red, I think this will frame it nicely. I think in this case less is more.

antique quilter said...

less is more I would take the squares off...I love it with the red.
Kathie

wonderwoman said...

i love the squares - i think the quilt looks gorgeous!

x

Di said...

They detract from the Mariner's Compass so I think the squares should come off.

simplestitches said...

Love this quilt pattern...on my to do list.
I'm with all that said off they come...the red and cream borders will frame the centre nicely....
Whatever you decide I'm sure will look great.
cheers Julz

Becky said...

YES!!! I would definitely go with less is more as I think the 4" squares detract the beauty of the center.

Unknown said...

Sigh! We all have our own opinion, and my friends tell me I am too picky, but I think the squares take away from the beauty of the mariner's compass. I do like the optional border you are thinking of, but when it all comes down to it, it has to please you. BarbM

Maria said...

I think less is more. I would take the squares away and stay with the second option. It looked halfbaked with the squares according to my husband and i agree. :o)

quilterfaye said...

I thought at first i liked the squares best,making the whole quilt look like its 3D. However,I've changed my mind going more traditional with the colours you choose. Best choices I make are with a girlfriend and a glass of wine.

Roseanne said...

I like it. But you are the one that has to be happy with it and if you are not happy with it then you will not like it in the end.

claudia said...

I like the squares, but...I also like just the borders ending with the cream colored one...it makes the compass pop.

Meggie said...

I say keep the squares!! I love them.

Anonymous said...

I really like the squares too :D toni xxx

Gamawinkie Renea said...

I don't particularly like the squares. But that is just my opinion. Otherwise it looks beautiful.

Deb A said...

I prefer it with the plain borders.. I think it sets off the middle nicer....but ultimately it's your quilt! Good luck with your decision.

Four O'Clock Quilt Company said...

No squares, please! I love it with the plain borders!

Unknown said...

Yes take off the squares, they take the attention from the center.

A Time for Stitching said...

I agree that the squares, though nice, detract from the compass. The colours are lovely though. Teresa x

Anonymous said...

To me there is something "not quite right" about the squares with the Mariner's Compass. I like your second version much better as highlighting the gorgeous Compass rather than detracting from it by drawing the eye away - maintains the WOW factor.

Quilts And Pieces said...

I kind of like the squares too. I like the color framing it. Here is a thought, may not be a good one though. How about cutting up those squares into rectangles and doing piano keys? I agree a bit though with Vicki that the squares are plain compared to the awesome compass block and the cool border. How about just binding it after the fancy blue border you did?

Anonymous said...

I'm with the others, I think the squares need to go... either stick with the cream and red border or if you're up to some more work think about diamond shapes similar to the Mariners Compass points or even a curved border. Have a look at some of the quilts on this site and you'll see what I mean.
http://chrisquilts.blogspot.com/

Chris H said...

I'm so glad you didn't go with the squares! How it ended up is PERFECT.