I’m still working on a quilt design with Deb Tucker’s Signature Collection called “William’s Garden,” just released by Island Batik.  In the last post, I made two sets of Shaded 4-Patch blocks, reversing the colorway to make the blocks a little more interesting.

Now, let’s play with the layout!  I’ve had these two designs knocking around for a while, so I’ll start there.

I started with Design 11, tweaked it a little, and came up with this.

Somehow, it just doesn’t call to me.  I played with it, stared at it for a couple of days, but it just doesn’t bring me joy.  So I moved on to Design 9 – same blocks, different layout.

O.k., this is better, but it needs a little something.  Let’s extend some pieces out into a border.

With my trusty Tucker Trimmer 1, I made 8 half-square triangle blocks, and trimmed them down to the same size as the Shaded 4-Patch blocks.

Look how perfectly that seam goes right into the corner where it belongs!  (It’s the little things that make me happy.)

I added these half-square triangle blocks to some border strips, extending some of the arrows.  What a difference!  Adding more dark fabric highlights the pink and turquoise, instead of the colors being bunched together.  And the half-square triangle blocks add some interest to the border.

I’m liking this design, but now I have a decision to make.  No border (first photo)?   A narrow border to float the design a little (middle photo)?    Or a wider border to float the design a lot (third photo) (ignore the white spots in the corners)?

I’ll leave it on the design wall for a while and let it incubate.

What do you think??  In the comments below, tell me which border, or lack thereof, you prefer.  One lucky person will win a free copy of the new pattern.  🤔😎

If you love these batiks as much as I do, stop by my friend, Deb Kalenty’s, online shop to pick up your favorites from the William’s Garden Collection from Island Batik.  Shop at Quilter’s Obsession today!