Opinions, please.   I have finally finished my Rainbow Clamshell EPP project (which was my original attempt at the "Shelly" pattern).  I have two choices to finish it off ... with a border or without out.  I have two mock-ups below (the border was applied via Photoshop).  The border fabric would be the black-with-gold-metallic-floral, which is also used as that narrow inner border.  I have just enough of the black/gold fabric to do EITHER the outer border OR a bias binding.  If I go with the outer border, i will do something else to finish the quilt, as I can't do the border + bias binding.

I'd like your opinions on both versions.  I could go either way; I like them both.  :-)

This is the original version, per the pattern - no borders.  If I go with this layout, I will using the black/gold as the bias binding.  My bindings typically finish at 3/8" so it would look like a VERY narrow outer border.

This is the version with the outer border.  If I use this layout, I will *not* have any of the black/gold fabric left to use as a binding.  I will use some other finishing method.

I like the border as it adds a nice finish and goes with the first border. You should also do a audition of the fabric as the binding as that will also add the color to the edge which might be enough. You could also add a facing if you use the fabric for the second photo.

Doing a facing finish is what I would need to do, as any other color for a binding would be distracting.   I don't care for faced finishes, as I believe they are inherently weaker than bias binding (on quilts that will be used as quilts) ... BUT ... since is such a small quilt (48" square), it will probably be a wall hanging and a faced finish is just fine for that.

Yeah, I think the border looks more "pulled together". If it's going to be small, would you maybe be able to do a straight of grain binding of your accent color? I know you like the other better, but just a suggestion :D 

I like the outer border, so keep that.  Also, I think a facing is a good solution since you don't have enough of that fabric for binding.  In June, I am doing a program at my quilting group meeting about alternatives to "regular" binding, and facings is one category I will be featuring.  Good luck!  

Black/gold border adds a nice finishing touch. Go for it!

Pretty quilt!  Looks like a lot of work too.  I like it with the border.  I'd do bias binding in a solid black if it was my quilt.

Ya know, I thought about a black bias binding .. but there isn't any solid black anywhere in the quilt.  I'm thinking the solid black might look too jarring next to the black/gold metallic (which really is a pretty fabric)

I'll give it some more thought.

You have been BUSY.  They all look wonderful too. 

Is the gold a kona fabric? Maybe you could find the same one again and buy a bit?