The Plan: Make a table runner.
I started by selecting a pile of fabrics including mostly Chicopee and Madrona Road. Then I made this star block (which is huge at 18in square!)
Next I made this:
I put the 3 blocks together in a row and it just didn't work - this last star is significantly smaller and since I had run out of the background fabric, I used a similar but different color which did not coordinate well.
I really liked the center of this block (I can do a tutorial if anyone is interested?) so I made a few more of the centers.
And another wonky star.
I still wasn't liking any combination of the blocks so I made some slightly wonky flying geese and came up with this.
I then considered abandoning the table runner idea and making a quilt.
Maybe - but since I still wanted to make the table runner, I put aside the 3 original blocks and quilted the runner.
The Finish:
I wrote this post two weeks ago and I'll be writing part two soon but for now here is a peek.
I'm sure I'm not the only one to go through this process, right???
Linking to Freshly Pieced and Crazy Mom Quilts.
I have definitely experienced starting in one place and ending up somewhere else entirely with quilting. It usually works out ok though - like with your gorgeous table runner. I love the centre of the stars - it kind of looks like chopped up hourglass blogs. I would definitely be interested in a tutorial.
ReplyDeleteNope, you are not alone. In fact, I am currently making a scrap quilt, which includes things I have pieced long ago but just didn't use as intended.
ReplyDeleteWonderful improv sewing ; )
ReplyDeleteLove it! Sometimes projects develop a mind of their own and you just have to let them! Loving the wonky stars!
ReplyDeleteOh and I use quite a bit fabric when paper piecing - I just chuck the off cuts into my scrap bin for future pp projects!
Your runner looks amazing - love all of the different blocks, especially the wonky stars.
ReplyDeleteYou are definitely not alone! This is why I don't always post about work in progress because I change my mind a hundred times before I finish something -- it's the perfectionist in me. This turned out great! I do love your big blocks too, though -- can't wait to see how they turn out!
ReplyDeleteLooking pretty cool, even if it wasn't a straight line process getting there! I don't always want to plan things out fully, it's nice to make it up a bit, but i usually get to the end and think it would have been a lot easier if I had!!
ReplyDeleteOh it's gorgeous!! I love that it's not exactly what you set out to do and yes, we all have that sometimes with usually the best results. The solids you used are perfect.
ReplyDeleteI love seeing other people's "improvised" projects!
ReplyDeleteNo you are not. I do that all the time. I have a vision in my mind and sometimes my vision does not always translate well to fabric. Your table runner is very cute!
ReplyDeleteYou are NOT the only one! Very fun!
ReplyDeleteThe individual blocks are all beautiful!! And I love the finish!
ReplyDeleteAm I seeing a real-life human-sized (instead of baby-sized) quilt?!? I can't wait to see the whole thing!
ReplyDeleteLove it, the quilting is perfect for it!
ReplyDeleteYou did a fantastic job! Wish I could be more of a free spirit!
ReplyDeleteLovely. A tutorial? Yes please!
ReplyDeleteLovely evolving progress. I change my mind about things as I work on them quite often too :)
ReplyDeleteI think we all go through that process. The table runner turned out beautiful. I love the stars. Looking forward to the reveal.
ReplyDeleteLooks fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI love process photos!
ReplyDeleteAnd I think your table runner is fabulous and I definately want a tute for your centre :-)
Don't you love when everything is positive!!
E
Love your improv style! And, I dive right in too, otherwise I would over think too much.
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