It's about 39" X 52" without any borders. I was planning a solid blue border of about 3".

bk

Well, that will make it around 45 x 58, which seems like a good size for a lap quilt. :)

Donna

I think it is lovely. I really like the bright prints against the solid white and dark blue. It does not look busy or garish to me. It looks bright and sunny. It will look great with a blue border.

Your eyes will always seek those "mistakes" and unmatched seams but you'll love it as is. I have made color choices that I didn't like after I made a few blocks. That's how I have a million UFOs but when I go back to it after a couple of days/months/years, I usually like it better or find a way to make it work.

Vasu

I don't think your quilt is garish looking at all. I love the colors, makes me feel bright and happy. Yes, we always see our own mistakes. With the blue border it's going to complete your quilt. Great job.

I think it looks great for a first try. Working on my first as well....those darn little 1/4 inch seams are getting me !

Well, BKay, sorry you are disappointed. Maybe it will grow on you??? cuz it really is sooo cheerful and bright! And, no quilt police here to find mistakes! The cool thing is that you DID it!! And, you know what? by the time you add your borders, sandwich and quilt it, well...it'll have even a different look from what it does right now! If I may, I'd like to suggest that you find a fabric that you really, really, really love for the backing!! and look at several ways of binding before you do that final step... Bet you're gonna end up loving that new creation!!

I think it's delightful! A border will add a lot, too. I think a narrow yellow inner border and a dark blue outer border would really make those prints stand out. You've done very well.

Well, I love it. Blue and gold were my high school colors, so I just love them together. A dark blue border will help tone it down a bit.

Yes, we all see the "mistakes" in our work. Sometimes those are what give a quilt it's charm. Sharon (Geezerfolks) has been the recipient of some of my doozies. Remember, we are humans and humans are imperfect. Once it is quilted they do become less noticeable.

I don't think it's garish at all! I _love_ the colours and think you have the balance about right. If you _really_ dislike it that much, please feel free to mail it to me- I'll even send you the postage :-)

Thanks, everybody. It's great to know I'm not the only one who is disappointed in the result occasionally.

Yes, Durango, that 1/4" seam is a bear to maintain. which is one reason my seams don't all match perfectly. Because they didn't match, I had to flip a block which put matching fabrics right next to each other. (But the seams matched on that side.) I got better as I went though. (I also bought another 1/4" foot.)

I think I'm going to add a additional row of blocks all around. That way, it will be big enough to snuggle up in. My original plan was to give it to my sister, who was born cold. So, I'm considering a flannel backing, although the colors will be more limited.

If not the flannel for the backing, then my favorite fabric from the charm pack is this one, which might make a good backing. (Or, am I just adding more pattern to more pattern?)

But, I found this knockout fabric at MSQ while looking for a photo of the above. My charm pack was Summer Breeze 111. This fabric is from Summer Breeze 11, but I've never seen it in real life and it might fall into the category of too much, also.

I had planned on a backing similar to this with a touch of yellow, but haven't really started looking for it.

What do you think?

bk

bkay2000, I just purchased a 1/4 inch foot as well. Hoping it will help me maintain the correct seam width. I'll use it on the next go around.

I think your quilt looks great. Other than judges at a show we're all our own worst critics. I really like your color choices. You've opted for my favorite combinations! The backing can be a solid fabric or scraps from the what you have left over and it's just added fun to the quilt.

I think your quilt looks great. The colors are strong but not garish by any means. Your sister will love it because you made it for her (and also because it's really quite lovely).

Very eye-catching and cheery looking. I love the color combinations.

Your quilt is beautiful and I love your colors. Cherish the beauty of it rather than picking out little mistakes that will disappear when you get the quilting done. Wonderful job well done!

Ditto what everyone said...it's not garish, but cheery and bright. Congratulations on your first quilt!