I'm not sure what it is about these border prints, but I just love them! The designs are so fun to use in projects because its like having two or more fabrics in one, depending on where and how you cut it. 
Vintage border prints came in a variety of designs including floral, novelty, geometric, Penn-Dutch, and even scenic. Here's an example of a cowboy/western scenic one...
There were also a number of border print feedsacks made. These were often used to make pillowcases, curtains, and aprons.
But, as you can probably tell from my collection, my favorites are the florals. I almost didn't recognize this lovely Lily of the Valley fabric as a border print, but then noticed the small row of roses along the one edge. I was thrilled to find it in both a yellow and a pink colorway! 
Love this Poppy and daisy print.
Aaaahhhh, this one is special, I have plans for it. :)
I love the contrast of the black leaves against the white and the way they trail off towards the other selvage. One day I hope to make a skirt based on this vintage pattern...
I think its genius! Although you would normally think of the border going along the bottom of a skirt, here they've turned it the other way and created a circle skirt. LOVE it!
And I can't help but notice how many border prints are being used in today's fashions...from skirts and dresses, to tunics, to children's wear. A very welcome comeback. :)
Its a heavy wool coat with a fitted waist and full skirt. It weighs a ton! But it sure keeps me warm. :)
It was purchased over 2 decades ago at a rummage sale sponsored by the Art Museum's Ladies Auxillary. It used to be a big event held very other year in downtown Cincy. (Sadly, the event was discontinued).
The skirt is a gorgeous wool plaid number with covered buttons and sewn down pleats. I think I've mentioned before how I wear a lot of skirts, and this one has certainly been a staple in my wardrobe over the years.
My mom actually bought this at the Goodwill when I was still in high school. (remember when you could still find cool stuff like this?) Thankfully, it was a little big for me then, and she had moved the buttons over...So as I gained weight over the years, I was able to move them back and have it still fit. 
I have been wanting to try my hand at sewing a skirt for some time, now. My wardrobe consists almost entirely of sweatpants, t-shirts, and skirts. I love the vintage-y prints and fun silhouettes of the skirts from 
For my first skirt, I thought it best to use a pattern. So, I found a Simplicity 4236 which has a full-circle, half-circle, and a straight skirt pattern. 
Of course, I had to complicate matters by wanting to use a directional print...Altering the pattern was a must. I made the half circle pattern a little less full, so it would fit on a single width of 44"W fabric. (It doesn't really look much different in fullness than the picture on the pattern, though). And I also wanted a contrasting band at the bottom, so that was added as well.
I used a combination of Heather Bailey fabrics for one and Amy Butler fabrics for the other. These are really just practice for the skirt I ultimately want to make using the awesome pink and red Art Nouveau print by Anna Marie Horner. I also have some vintage border prints that are just BEGGING to be made into skirts. 
I still have to hem the peachy one and add the hook and eye, but all in all, I think it went together pretty well. (The zipper wasn't near as difficult as I was imaging it to be.)