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!

 

Please follow and like us:
Pin Share

Subscribe to the Inspired Stitches Newsletter!

Join our mailing list to receive the latest in quilting inspiration, and receive a free gift!

You have Successfully Subscribed!