Margo, I use a #11 Milliner's needle to applique. It's just that Batiks aren't all made equal. I've bought all my batiks from quilt shops, but the "feel" to many of them is different. Some are just thicker fabric. The Hoffman batiks are usually really nice, but when I buy fat quarters, I'm not always sure who the maker is. That's why this baby is going to be machine quilted! Judy in Torrance

Well, I too, have been thinking about the appliqued border on my black background BOM; but, I don't think I have ever been told I have a great mind

A year ago I would have thought it was crazy to add more applique to a quilt when I didn't even like applique. Now I'm thinking an applique border might be a good idea! How things can change! Marge

You know what they say about great minds.....!

Maggie in E. Central Illinois

Judy...try a very slinder needle when appliqueing batiks. I think it really helps!

I too have thought about an appliqued vine for the border! It's going to be fun to see what everybody comes up with!

Maggie, I thought of doing the same thing, but I don't know if I have the energy for it! I even thought of doing a vine in two opposite corners with several block designs included. I just need to sit down and work on the design placement. I'm using batik fabric and I'm really tired of working with it. Some of the batiks are coarse and hard to needle. Judy in Torrance

Yes Maggie I agree, go for it! (P.S. I like overachievers)

Maggie, I think that sound like a fabulous idea. Marge

Okay, call me an over-achiever. I am rumbling around in my head the setting for this quilt. I keep thinking about doing applique in the border. Do you think this would be too busy? What I am imagining is making a bias stem and running it curvy all around on the border. I would then use different flowers from the blocks, as well as leaves, blooming from the stem.

Maggie in E. Central Illinois, this from the gal 2 years ago wouldn't even look at an applique pattern!

I'm also undecided on how to place the blocks...and I may make three wall quilts of 4 each, as Nan is doing. I just don't have the energy to quilt a large one, and have nowhere to hang it anyway. I will probably hand quilt in cross hatch. I can't think of a way to do it by machine, too many starts and stops!!

Can't wait for November, next Saturday.

Nancy in NC

Nancy, that sounds like a great idea! Go for it!

Nancy it sounds like a great idea especially as your dd has requested the quilt. i think she would get a great kick seeing her picture in the quilt.
Jenny in Oz

I think that would look really cool! You could make the center block long & arrange the blocks all around to make it more of a rectangle, and create some filler blocks of elements of the blocks if needed. Can't wait to see it!

Kathy

Yes, I'd say go for it! A good combo!