I did a panel quilt for my DH. He just wanted borders around the panels. I used colors that coordinated with the panels and it turned out great-very manly and a pretty quilt. That is my suggestion also. Of course mine started out square so I had to improvise but yours is perfect for it.

Attic windows?

It's a nice panel. Where did you get it? I might make one for my Dad. I think I'd pick up the lightest yellow in the straw as the first border or if you have unbleached muslin, that would work. Then progressively use darker gold, medium green, darker green, etc. until it's big enough. To me, the panel has a flavor all it's own and needs set off as if it were a picture in a frame. To me stars or checks or busy borders would detract from the panel. At least give it three rounds of rather plain fabric before using anything that's patchworked.

Panels always seem to present this issue of indecision for me. I have learned to starch and shape each panel block before cutting. Then I create filler blocks to separate the panel blocks and add interest to the quilt. In this case I think I would use light and medium value creams and tans maybe even different width strips sewn together WOF and sub-cut into rectangles or squares whatever fits. Really any arrangement that I find pleasing works. This is a very nice panel, have fun whatever you do :o)

I am doing something similar for my father for his birthday in November. But his is fish. I just cut up the blocks and started adding. I don't know what I will end up with. But it is fun.

How about seperating the blocks and then doing a log cabin with each one and then putting it together with the wide one in the center. Then you can add borders until you have the size you want. It is a great panel.

Like the panel. If I were working on this, I would cut out the pics and use the large one for the center focus. Then place the 4 pics around it as corners. Fill in around with 4 or 9-patch, using the colors from the panels.

Why not make it into a medallion quilt and just keep adding interesting borders until it becomes the right size?

I absolutely love your panel, and am looking forward to seeing it finished. I think the pics of all the ones sent to you will give you a great idea on whether you want to leave it intact or cut it apart.

sorry didn't read all - vicki already said what I was suggesting.

make blocks in patterns & fabrics that complement, possibly a sampler quilt to showcase your skills. He'll love it.

Cut it apart. add a simple border to each block and then add specific blocks that relate to farming, ex. Churndash. Where you need to fill in....do minis of the blocks you have chosen. Stay true to the colors and you have great choices from the panel.

Think quilt blocks you see on barns and use those for a border all around the panel. Eleanor Burns has a book Barn Quilts or google barn quilts.

Perhaps on one of the borders you could use pinwheels. A plain border, then a pinwheel border and then another plain border.

I would cut the blocks apart and use hole in the barn door as blocks between. Big block for the center!! :thumbup:

oooo....I like that idea !!

Wow what a surprise to see the pannel here. I bought this to make something quilted for my brothers 50th wedding anniversary, but didn'thave time to make it. The backside was to have had an oil rig & a windmill. Since have changed my idea. Please share finished project. Thank you.

Strips, flying geese, squares, guessing just about anything.
IdahoSandy

Surround the panel with a sampler of different blocks made in the panel colors, but from your stash.

think that is good idea. I did that on one of the panels like that. the center block was the focal point. Each corner had a block, and added sashing around the blocks and panels. turned out nice.

think that is good idea. I did that on one of the panels like that. the center block was the focal point. Each corner had a block, and added sashing around the blocks and panels. turned out nice.

my thoughts exactly

My idea would be to use the larger panel block in the center; make 4 log cabins blocks (solid colors from panel) to use as the "center" of the new 9 patch - adding extra rows to get to the size needed and doing the same as the 4 blocks in your panel. What do you think?

That panel is very pretty!

You could just send it to me and alleviate any problems!!! Love the panel. Not sure but maybe you could use just the center picture and then use the four smaller ones as set in corner squares after adding a couple of borders. It's very nice. Where did you get it if you don't mind my asking?

That's what I would do. It's beautiful!

Yes. :thumbup: With very simple blocks.

Love the panel. Please show us the finished quilt.

WOW I like that panel ,who puts it out??

How about some golden braids of grain. Different shades to look like wheat braids. Straw,yellows,golds,greens, would look nice and not take away from the main design. That way you could go wider and still look manly and stay in theme. :D :mrgreen:

I agree that a couple of borders and sticking to an Americana theme best suits the panel.

I think flying geese and checkerboards would compliment the theme. Also using the larger picture for the center and adding blocks that have kind of a farm theme name between the other pictures (example the block called weathervane). Look in quilterscache.com for more.

wilmington fabrics called life on the farm

I like this idea, or you could use log cabin blocks around the center panel.

ok I just posted a new post with more fabric that goes with this panel let me know what you think
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-151650-1.htm

I bought the kit, it made a nice lap quilt. Gave it to my MIL for her birthday and Mother's day in May. The white farmhouse w/tractor looks like the house my hubby grew up in. She loves it. Sorry the pic is on hubby's computer.
I agree, use the large panel and add borders. Use the four smaller pieces as corner stones. Just watch to see if it is all printed straight. Mine was not and I had to add borders to the 4 small ones then cut them square from that. (They look rather like "wonky" blocks).
Good luck.

I do have some stash for this... where did you find the Panel!!!!??
It would suit my husband very well!!! farmboy thru and thru!!! and he loves TRACTORS, old and new!!

I'd like to know too!

What about a barn red strip around the panel, then a four-patch strip around that in yellow (like hay) and green and then either a black or dark brown border around that? Just an idea. That is a really pretty panel.

Okay, so hubby was away from his computer and I found the picture.

I love it but I have no idea what to put with it but I would think something simple to not take away from the panel.