When I started making these blocks I had no idea where I was going with the idea. Which is the way I like to work for the most part. The more blocks I made the more excited I got! In the end I thought the best use of these blocks was to make a table runner.
My goal at the beginning was to use my scraps and see if I couldn't wrangle them into submission. Those two things I accomplished. The size of the blocks ended up being predetermined because of the scrap part. They would be small and at that time that was perfect!
After seeing how the blocks looked together I started getting that feeling...you know that feeling...the one where something went so well that you want to do it again feeling! I think larger blocks, maybe some kind of background color around the edges, floating blocks?! I'm not exactly sure, but it's going to happen!
I thought about how I should quilt this runner and I kept coming back to one idea over and over again, semi-dense organic-ish lines. Then the thread color. I would say any color would work well, so I settled on a 40 weight variegated thread. It's called Baby Blue Eyes (#4663) from Aurifil.
When I started quilting I thought this is going to be fun, fast and effective! It was right up until the time I discovered a problem. Dropped stitches, skipped stitches...a big problem indeed! I changed my needle and rethreaded over and over only to have the same issue. It led to having to spend the evening with my seam ripper!
Fortunately Instagram is a great resource for help, tips and support! It was suggested that I clean my machine. I couldn't be that...yet it was! After a thorough cleaning, the next morning I was able to knock out the quilting and add the binding. Spending the evening doing what I love, hand stitching the binding on by hand instead of spending the evening with my seam ripper!
I haven't washed this runner yet, but I know it'll end up with some pretty amazing texture in the end! The backing and binding is Moda Grape.
When I say I can't wait to start a larger quilt with these blocks, I really mean...one day I'll make a larger quilt with these blocks. As much as I'd love to drop everything and start there are too many other everyday life things that have to happen first! Life just gets in the way!!
LINKING:
so pretty! I think large floating blocks would be amazing.
ReplyDeleteThe color mix and fun shapes in this one are so striking. I really like your quilting design too.
ReplyDeleteI sometimes wish I could work with just a few choice colors, and then this happens! I’m not complaining…I love how it turned out! Once I got the dropped stitch issue corrected the quilting was just as I had hoped it would be.
DeleteOh, bummer about the dropped stitches. What did you find to fix it? The colors are bright and fun and I'm already eager to see what you do with the idea next. :)
ReplyDeleteThe blocks were so much fun and very addicting to piece together! After rethreading and changing the needle with no change, I ended up cleaning my machine and that seemed to do the trick.
DeleteThis such a fun project. Exactly my type. Love all the colors and the simple design lets the fabric sing :-) Have a great weekend!!!
ReplyDeleteI never remember to try improv squares. This is such a joyful and fun runner!
ReplyDeleteAs with everything you make, Jayne... LOVE it!!!
ReplyDeleteSo pretty and colorful, who wouldn't want to stare at it all day long!
ReplyDeleteThat is fun as can be, in spite of the issues you had with your sewing machine. I'm glad you figured it out! That's a good reminder to me to clean my machine, as it has been awhile. I always love seeing how you play with color!
ReplyDeleteIt is so eye catching Jayne. I love your creation!
ReplyDeleteBright and full of colors. Love your new table Runner, Jayne.
ReplyDeleteOh this is really really cool! I love all those solids together!
ReplyDeleteJayne, honey, it’s gorgeous! Every inch of it!
ReplyDeleteI love your scrappy projects. Cool quilting, too.
ReplyDeleteYou are becoming a master at turning your scraps into works of art. This really is lovely. Thanks for sharing with oh Scrap!
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