Another Friday Finish
I have another Friday finish to show you today. I should move rooms more often, it seems to have motivated me to actually finish something. I’ve been emptying out project boxes as I move things into my cabinets, and this finish is the result of unearthing a forgotten project.
In 2021, I participated in the Monthly Color Challenge hosted by Patterns by Jen. Each month, Jen announced the color and shared a block pattern to be made. That year, I chose to make 6-inch blocks so that I could finish the entire quilt by the end of the year. When I started sewing my blocks into a top according to the pattern Jen had provided, I could not get my seams to match up. This was not a mistake in the pattern; it was the result of my seam allowances and squaring being off a bit. I ripped and tried again, and again. Finally in defeat, I tossed in it a bin and moved on to something else.
Fast forward to now, I took the blocks out, ripped out the top once again, and tried a different approach.
Offsetting the blocks, I added 2-1/2″ strips between the blocks, then joined them with a long strip down the center. I had intended to border the rows with 2-1/2″ strips, but it would have been too wide for where I wanted to use it. So I decided to just bind it and call it good.
For the quilting, I stitched straight lines through the background strips.
The background fabric is Moda Grunge in Faded Denim. The blocks are all made from scraps in my stash. To quilt the blocks, I kept it simple and either outlined the block design, or added something fun. All of the quilting was done with my Janome AcuFeed foot (no affiliation).
I didn’t remember to take a photo of the backing, but I used a navy fabric I’ve had in my stash. I was happy to use up that fabric! The runner measures 14-1/2 inches x 51 inches. I used Aurifil 50 wt thread for the quilting in a light blue. The batting is a scrap of Hobbs 80/20.
I wanted to finish this to go on top of my piano desk, and I was pleased that it fit well there.
Of course, as soon as I put that fake plant up there, my plant manager had to get up there for an inspection.
He was a bit disappointed that the plant was fake (he eats live plants, so as much as I’d like live plants, fakes are safer). I added a few more items to that space – here’s how it looks now.
The woodcut print above the piano is from a local artist that I knew. The quilt holder on the left is actually the side of a vintage baby crib. It works perfectly for hanging small quilts!
It feels so good to have those blocks in a quilt and the quilt put to use. Maybe I’ll have another Friday finish next week! I still have project bins to go through, so who knows?
I’m linking up today with:
- Can I Get a Whoop Whoop @ Confessions of a Fabric Addict
- TGIFF @ Swan Amity Studios
- Sew & Tell @ Melva Loves Scraps
Enjoy your weekend, my friends!
Wendy
26 Comments
marissthequilter
What a fabulous start to the weekend. I’d I were you I would just sit and admire that lovely bright runner and the cosy corner you have created around your piano desk.
marissthequilter
If I were you …
Preeti Harris
I understand your frustration of inaccurate seam allowance and mismatched seams. But the solution of letting the bright blocks float on a light blue background is genius. Not only it solves the problem of imperfectly sized blocks, it gives them some breathing room. Awesome job, Wendy!
Helen
No. You should not move rooms more often. Your new space is perfect and getting perfect-er and perfect-er with every new touch.
Cheree
Wow, look at you go! Great idea to solve the problem. I like the artwork AND the quilt ladder—that’s a cozy corner!
Stitchin at Home
What a wonderful arrangement in the piano corner! I like how you solved the mismatched seams, perfect.
Kate
A great save for those blocks. The sashing looks great and works really well with the blocks. Love your piano desk! Looks like a great space to work in.
Tracie
Your new runner makes your corner so cozy! I’m looking forward to seeing all your creative touches.
texasquiltgal
I still have my blocks wasting away in the closet. I really like your layout and finish. The table runner is perfect for your piano desk. Nicely quilted too.
Karen
I love your piano display
Barbara J Stanbro
The runner turned out so pretty and I love your piano display. Sounds like Wilbur needs some cat grass.
Brenda @ Songbird Designs
Wendy, your runner is perfect and in a perfect spot! Love the piano display! I just finished mine earlier this year and was glad to have that off my list!! Have a great weekend. Tell Wilbs I’m sorry he didn’t get to chew on the plant! LOL
Diann@LittlePenguinQuilts
That is the perfect way to use up those pretty blocks, and a beautiful finish, Wendy! I love the Grunge blue denim as the background. Your runner looks great on top of the piano desk, too – in fact the whole corner is fun to see!
aquilterstable
Yay for the finish. It’s perfect in your space.
Cindy Berry
What a cute finish – great idea to change the way it goes together to get a useable and attractive piece. Love your decorated space too. Finishing some small UFOs is on my list for the weekend.
Kathleen McCormick
Love the blocks offset in the runner. Wilbur is too funny checking every little thing out. I noticed that quilt holder right away – so smart.
Rochelle Summers
Oh my! The thought of moving rooms frequently gave me chills! I’d never get anything done but packing and unpacking! That runner looks so nice. The bright colors are a wonderful addition to your quilting space. I can see Wilbs curling up there to supervise the action while you are creating!
Eva
This unloved blocks waited to be the star of your piano! We have no missmatch, we have ideas.. you show that in high performance. Wilbs at its best!
So lovely your new room, will give you motivation and good vibes.
Happy weekend!!!
Laura
Very clever and looks great! Also clever to use the side of the crib for a display area! 🙂
Janine @ Rainbow Hare
That runner looks great on your piano desk. It’s the perfect way to use those blocks 🙂
The Joyful Quilter
Way to go, Wendy! That corner looks SEW inviting with the addition of your new piano topper. Oh, you could even make a series of them to change out with the seasons/holidays! :o))
Frédérique
You found the perfect layout for these blocks! The runner looks very pretty on the piano.
nanacathy2
This is sheer genius..turning a problem into a lovely piece of quilting. I love how you have arranged things around the piano.
Quilting is in my Blood
What a perfect runner for the top of your piano desk. And I love your crib railing quilt hanger!
Rose Mikulski
Testing, I have a feeling this is going to work now that I whined
Danice G
The table runner looks wonderful. I am participating in Jen’s monthly quilt along this year, Classic Cars. Admiring that table runner in your header image as well. Beautiful.