So this is my big finish for the week:
A "fall forest" table runner!
There is a semi-entertaining story behind this piece. It was inspired by this post from Amanda at crazy mom quilts. I love the Bright Birch Trees pattern and have been intending to make one for a while. I had these pieces left over from the bargello table runner I made for my sister-in-law:
These were big pieces! At first I thought I'd make a pillow out of them, but then I decided to use them in a version of the bright birch trees.
These worked great! Except for two things: 1) even though they were big pieces, there was only enough for 5 blocks, and 2) there is no pattern so simple that I can't mess it up. And mess it up I did, friends. I kept getting the pieces turned around and swapping parts of different blocks. (This would not have happened if I had used different background colors, like the pattern.) It was a hot mess. At one point I gave up, but I hate to waste fabric, so the next day I picked up the seam ripper and went to town.
Yep, I'm going to have to cut that again! |
Eventually I worked it out enough that I could have a long table runner. The blocks are not trimmed the way they should be, but they were going to be a table runner, so I think that's okay. I actually didn't measure almost anything and just eyeballed the blocks when I trimmed at the end. I know this is wrong, but I just couldn't help myself!
Whirr! |
Overall, I like how this turned out. I think it looks like trees with the leaves just turning in the fall. It was also a good learning experience for me. Really, there is not a pattern I can't mess up, but I can usually make it turn out okay.
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Once again, we will be busy as all get out. Stitch a few seams for me, because I know I won't be able to!
Sharing at Confessions of a Fabric Addict and Finish it up Friday.
Love all those bright colors!
ReplyDeleteI smiled when I read your line about a pattern you can't mess up cause that is exactly how I feel! I love your table runner and I bet no one will see any mistakes (if there are any) except for you. It looks really cool; I love all the bright colors you used.
ReplyDeleteIt's never a mistake hon, it's a unique creative difference. the runner is gorgeous. I love the colours and the inspiration behind it xxx
ReplyDeleteI don't think improv is wrong. No, you didn't mess up. You improvised. And it looks wonderful. I have that Bright Birches pattern, too. Someday...
ReplyDeleteYour runner is beautiful, Mari!!!
ReplyDeleteI have been inspired by Birch pattern too. It is very tempting and also addictive. Once you make one of those blocks, you cannot stop.
Ask me, how I know :-)
Great way to utilze that leftover strata. And you did not mess up - you simply employed creative opportunities!!
ReplyDeleteJust getting to some blog reading this morning, I also have the birch tree boat tern of Amanda's and hope to use it....someday....
ReplyDeleteMaybe this week will be calmer for you so you dawn find a little time to se. I haven't sat at the sewing machine for days. I was actually home all day yesterday but couldn't find the mood to sew, which is really unusual for me. Maybe today. Mom gets released today. ☺️