This quilt was started in September, 2009. I managed to stay with it long enough to finish the blocks and sashing, as well as one border, and then it sat in a shoebox for almost five years. Finishing this top is part of my latest attempt to complete some of these old projects.
The quilt was inspired by two things: drawings from a vintage coloring book that I saw on Chelsea Ann’s blog, Itty Bitty Birdy, and a cute Japanese circus print fabric (last photo below). Chelsea Ann generously sent me some images from her coloring book, then later I managed to locate a copy of both the original circus coloring book, and another book by the same illustrator with even more circus drawings.
The top measures 39″ x 48″, and was stitched with Danish Flower Thread on a natural cream-colored fabric (my photos don’t display the cream very well). The circus fabric is for the backing, but I can’t decide whether I should make the binding with striped prairie points, cross-grain stripe, or bias diagonal stripe. I just realized I also have enough fabric I could add another border out of the stripe (same size as the sashing). I’d love to hear what you would do.
Update: After reading the first 3 comments, I decided to add a photo at the end to help visualize a striped binding and a striped border. Click any of the images to enlarge.
I think a narrow binding from the stripe, cut on the bias, would be just right. A striped border the width of the sashing would be too confining for that wonderful embroidered border.
When I first looked at the top, Martha, I thought definitely a border like the sashing would be perfect. Then I read Dot’s comment and scrolled back up to look again. I think either would look great. If you don’t do a border I think binding cut with strips perpendicular to the edges of the quilt would be a good finish.
Don’t you think that unless a quilter has a done a wretched job, most people don’t look at finished quilts and think, if only the quilter had done this, or that….
This is such a fun quilt. Some little one will have years of fun sleeping under it, laying on it, and imagining adventures because of it.
What fun, gorgeous embroidery! What about a binding of dots? Either red with white, or red and yellow to mimic the balloons on the back? The combo of stripes and dots reminds me of a clown. I personally don’t think it needs another border, but I’m not a “borders” person. 🙂 One of the things I love about quilting is the variety of options!
I love this quilt, especially the elephant/camel border which takes it above and beyond a traditional “circus” quilt!!! I love the striped border (it ties everything together) but really like the idea of some prairie points which just go with that old time circus feel! Let us know what you decide! Hugs, Mickie
I like your idea binding with prairie points. Seems like it would look like little circus tents.
So adorable! I love everything about it. I like it as it is. But a prairie point border would be adorable. Or perhaps a scalloped one.
I personally like the narrow striped binding — the quilt’s embroidery stands alone and needs nothing to add to it. Beautiful job!
I love it! Your embroidery is gorgeous. I love the picture showing the striped border on the outside, too. Can’t wait to see what you do to finish it up.
I actually really like the extra sash of the stripe, it feels like it finishes the inside portion. Prairie points would be fun with the circus theme!
Oh, the camels and the elephants!
I like the striped border on the outside, but what ever you decide will look great.
Do you have an intended recipient? I’ve just noticed my half or 95% finished projects are ones I’m making for myself. I am not as inspired to complete things for myself. It makes me curious to know what drives creative people?
Favorite circus quilt! Beautifully done and very fun too!
Especially love the parade of elephants and camels. I like how the wider striped border frames that parade. Why do you choose theDanish Flower Thread?
Well, since you’re asking for suggestions (smile), I would suggest a small border of blue that matches the blue stripe in the stripe fabric. This quilt is full of wonderful vignettes to see and a small band of negative space would perhaps give the eye a resting place.
Prairie points would be reminiscent of banner flags and would be cute either in red or perhaps the colors in the stripes.
So many good suggestions here! I hope you find the one that speaks to you!
Do you ever share your quilts at a quilt show? It would be fun to see an original, such as this one, at a show!
Lots of beautiful work, Martha. And I just adore the elephants and camels around on the borders. I think prairie points would be the perfect thing to add to your quilt, but I also like the bias binding. Lots of help, aren’t I? LOL
Please stop this Martha. I already have enough projects in line. Now I want to make those elephants and camels. Too much inspiration! I love this quilt however you finish it.
*swoon* I so love this quilt Martha – the stitcheries are too sweet for words!!! I love the outer stripe border, it adds the perfect finishing touch.
This is so great! I realize that i say that every time I comment here but it’s true! I like the stripe border but the prarie points sound cute too, I am imagining multi colored solids, is that what you’re thinking?
Beth F
Hi Martha- You always go above and beyond with your quilts. I’m glad I am not the only one, as I see by your other commenters, that would like to see your quilts on public display for all to enjoy….I’m thinking a one-woman show of all your gorgeous quilts would get me on a plane to Seattle……
Just simply gorgeous! I love the old world feel of this piece. You should be so gratified that you stuck with it. I myself like the striped border idea too. May I ask if you used interfacing on the embroidered blocks? And if so, what? I have been doing some redwork and want something that “needles” easily. Thanks hugs, Julierose
How did I miss this post in my reader initially!? This is just the sweetest Martha – not sure if you’ve carried on with this quilt already but I love the idea of prairie points, very apt with the circus ‘big top’ style you’ve gone for (which is just my cup of tea!) I actually have a big, primary coloured alphabet quilt top waiting to be basted at the moment, with the perfect circus print for backing, which reminds me of yours. So I will be waiting eagerly to see your finished version! xo
What is the name of the circus coloring book and illustrator that you used? I would love to make something like this.