This is quilt number 3 for me - so I'm looking to you for help. This is the best constructed of my projects - I'm trainable - but is the weakest design. I didn't realize until it was all together how it looks when the solid block is the same fabric as part of the rail block. Yes, I saw it as I was sewing, but didn't realize how it would look when completed. My question is: Would it help to use a red zigzag stitch around each of the blocks when I quilt it? Would this define each block better? Then I could also quilt diagonally through the solid blocks - should that also be zigzag if the rest is? This is not a quilt that will get a lot of use - it's for a secret pal for our Christmas revealing party. It is 46X46 inches. The back is solid red - in the dark shade you see here - with a 5 inch strip of the green border fabric on each side since my red wasn't large enough.

My other two quilts I labored over the placement of each block. This time I thought I had a clear enough image in my head that ... I just sewed away. So ... THAT'S a lesson learned!
Okay - educate me and help me make the best of this, please!

Let me tell you that your quilt is lovely. I would finish it off and present it with pride as tho it was just how you planned it to look. If you need a home for your quilt PM me and I'll send you my address. lol

Ah, I belong to the club of unexpected final results too! I think that you have just invented a new pattern, a rather refined and quiet one, so I would treat it as if the result was intentional. I definitely wouldn't zigzag around the block in red. I'm figuring that you are not referring to free motion quilting? If you don't free motion quilt, I suggest using a green thread to match your dominant colour and using a walking foot to quilt diagonally across the whole quilt in both directions, forming diamond shapes. I guess you could use your zigzag stitch or a sewn-out zigzag stitch for that.

I also agree with erstan947, I think it looks great and I wouldn't change a thing. I'm sure that who ever gets it will absolutely love it.

Your quilt is beautaiful, just quilt it and enjoy it. Each quilt we learn something.

The greens don't all have to match, it gives your quilt more interest. I like the way you have it laid out.
:thumbup: :D

I like it just the way it is! Very lovely!

Yes, I would be machine quilting it. For my first quilt I did the diagonal through the blocks that's been mentioned. For my second one I stitched in the ditch of each square and then went back and sewed a parallel line on each side of the seam. I really liked the way that looked on the back. So that's the only two things I've tried. The lovely lady who will get it will love it no matter what - no question there - I was just trying to make the blocks look like ... blocks. It won't get much use because it is Christmas themed - brought out once a year, I'm thinking. But if the consensus is go through the diagonals I'm happy with that.

I also would not zig zag. I think your quilt is beautiful and the way the greens mesh into eachother adds character! Just pretend you planned it that way :)

I agree, it is lovely the way it is. I think the diagonal quilting will help pull it all together. Oh to have a design wall and use it....