Making Do....
About 10 years ago....ok, maybe it was just last year, I took a class on the One Block Wonder. Spurred on by my upstate neighbor, I decided to actually finish it up this weekend. So I pulled out the ziploc and rearranged it on the design wall and off I go to start piecing it together.
The inside was done and I approached the borders. Problem: I don't have enough of the central fabric to make long enough strips to either miter and "courthouse step" the borders. What to do? Glass of wine and staring at the quilt ensued. I've got it! Sew them on in a round-about method. There's probably some official quilt term for this, but it escapes me. So here's what I did.....
Sew one side on, leaving a extra length on one end as long as the border is wide. Don't sew all the way to the end of the inside of the quilt.....I left 4" or so unsewn (to be sewn later)then add the 3 borders, then go back and sew the first border to the end of the 4th border.
This way you don't need the full length of fabric for the outside border.
Sometimes it's perfectly ok to make do....and fight the urge to run out and buy another piece of fabric.
And now I have one less ziploc in the Not Quite Finished Drawer of Shame.
Hope you have a happy Sunday....
Hugs and Stitches!
Megan
Beautiful quilt!! Great idea for the border!! Isn't it nice to get those unfinished projects finished??
Posted by: Jackie | January 27, 2008 at 09:51 AM
beautiful. I have the one block wonder book and fabric and have yet to even begin.
Posted by: betsy | January 27, 2008 at 10:17 AM
That's a beautiful quilt!
Posted by: Vicki W | January 27, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Megan, your quilt is awesome!!! I love the fabric. Isn't it amazing how one piece of fabric can look like this???? What is the fabric you used? Glad to have helped to spur you on. Check out my blog (www.upstatelisa.blogspot.com) today....my Hexagons in Hawaii sold last night in the live auction!
Posted by: upstatelisa | January 27, 2008 at 01:05 PM
Congrats! Doesn't it feel great??? The quilt is wonderful.
Posted by: Paula | January 27, 2008 at 02:17 PM
Megan:
This turned out great. Well done!
Posted by: Lorre | January 27, 2008 at 03:15 PM
Awesome job. My friend Lisa just made one of these and it was amazing. I have it on my list of quilts to make this year.
Posted by: Janey | January 27, 2008 at 07:22 PM
Awesome job. My friend Lisa just made one of these and it was amazing. I have it on my list of quilts to make this year.
Posted by: Janey | January 27, 2008 at 07:23 PM
I love the border idea! A partial seamed border how clever. Finishes off this beauty perfect!
Is your UFO draw empty yet? You've been real busy!
Thank you for the eye candy.
Posted by: Kathleen | January 27, 2008 at 09:56 PM
A woman with quirky ingenuity, love it!!!
and the quilt is absolutely divine!
thanks for all the tips
lyn
Posted by: Lyn | January 28, 2008 at 09:43 AM
That turned out beautiful! I have the book and the fabric but haven't started it yet, and now I'm wondering if I'll have enough for borders! I may be coming back and using your method :)
Posted by: Tammy | January 29, 2008 at 02:11 PM
A clever and attractive "make do!"
I just discovered your blog and have added to my list. In reading your bio, I love your description of your town. Is there a house for rent nearby? :-) At present, I and dh are living in CA caring for elderly parents. Quilting is a large part of my life. I look forward to keeping up with your posts.
Blessings,
Linda H
Posted by: Lindah | January 29, 2008 at 09:56 PM
Beautiful quilt! And what a good solution to the problem! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Kim | January 30, 2008 at 02:13 AM
What a spectacular quilt!
Posted by: Diane | January 31, 2008 at 03:24 PM
You are so clever! I've pieced many a block using that method, but I never would have thought to do a border that way. Sheer genius!
Now, if only I can remember this . . . .
Posted by: Patti | March 05, 2008 at 03:14 PM