Cowgirl CQ...How I Build Borders

This quilt began as a class demo project back in Witchita last November.  Little did I know then that my Cowgirl CQ would grow into a very large quilt.

Since coming home from teaching I have submerged myself in this project, scarcely coming up for air as I create more borders for it.  I don't want to show you the whole thing until it is sewn together, but the following sequence of pictures shows how the borders have been a building....

First I lay out my pieces on top of the muslin foundation strip.  I have learned to think in terms of how I can "pre-piece" them before I applique them onto my foundation.

Very logical!  Here are my chunks that are now ready for ironing under and pinning.

I took this detail shot to show how it is possible to line up the seams in two different chunks (the gold flower print on the red is lined up with the red and beige plaid.)  This will look much better than if I had "missed" this mark by even a 1/4 inch.

How I love my new flower headed pins!
For ironing under edges and pinning I lay my border strip right over a ruler.  It seems to withstand the heat of the iron tip just fine, and there is no accidentally pinning the muslin into the ironing board cover as I go...

Using clear monofilament thread in a zig zag stitch, all is sewn down securely with no raw edges showing.  Even those hexies are all turned under and neatly stitched.

Now, multiply this times 10 and that's about how much border area I've built since coming home.  I love piecing in the vintage fabrics and lace, and even vintage blocks along with my present day trims and cottons (and a very few silks.)
This quilt is definitely wild and crazy....hopefully when all is sewn together it will appear to have some structure supporting the chaos.  You'll see in a few days, hopefully!