Monday, September 26, 2011

Giving Improv a Go

I was recently invited to a wedding shower and was pondering a gift. About a week before, I decided to make a table runner. You know, in my spare time! For better or for worse, I decided to try a pattern by Malka Dubrawsky, who blogs at a stitch in dye, and has an inspiring new book out, fresh*quilting. (Sad but true: I bought her book several weeks ago and forgot until I wrote this post. Apparently it got lost in the pile by my bed. I've got it now, thank goodness!)

The bright, modern style of Malka's "Windows Improv" table runner called to me, so I pulled out KONA cottons similar to the colors on the bride's registry. According to the pattern directions, you don't use your ruler when cutting strips and squares, but estimated sizes are given. With my restrained timeline, I couldn't resist serious error, so I had my ruler, um, very near by. So yes, this is a beginner's sort of improv, not true improv.
The blocks were fun and quick. A little complication set in as I was arranging them on my design wall. But I kind of just went for it, and am pretty pleased with the distribution of colors. Here's the back . . .
And the finished quilt . . .
I would say I was able to complete the runner in about half a day, which felt pretty good. Then I just rolled it up and tied it with a fabric bow, and headed off to the shower. A fun finish!

Linking up with {Sew} Modern Mondaymini Quilt mondays, and Quilt Story - check them out!
{Sew} Modern Monday at Canoe Ridge CreationsFresh Lemons Quilts 
Fresh Poppy Design

24 comments:

  1. Awesome, Debbie, it looks great!! I think you did a fabulous job :)

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  2. This is fantastic!
    What a wonderful shower gift - I hope the bride was thrilled!

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  3. Debbie, this is beautiful, and the back is as nice as the front so can be totally reversible too! Love the colors too.

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  4. This looks great! The back is really cool.

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  5. What a wonderful table runner, and I am inspired by the half a day part! I think that I too would have some trouble letting my ruler get too far away, I am going to have to practice that part a lot.

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  6. Oh, I just love how this turned out!!! The colours are awesome.

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  7. This is very bright and fresh, a perfect gift for a new bride! Nice job!

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  8. This is really striking--I bet the recipient was thrilled!

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  9. You did a lovely job. I like the ones that meet in the centers, it really makes it.

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  10. Wonderful! It's just beautiful! Thanks for linking up to {Sew} Modern Monday and have a great week!

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  11. I love it Debbie! I've been wanting to buy that book and try the modern baby quilt pattern she has. Really, I love everything in that book, improv is my fave :)

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  12. I love your table runner! Those colours are so bright and cheerful. Fun! I'm sure the bride loves it!

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  13. I absolutely love this. Wow! I think I need this book.

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  14. This is gorgeous!!!! The colors, and randomness. It all works so well together. I am so lucky to have you to look up to as I learn to quilt :)

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  15. Great runner, Debbie! I love the solid-ness of it and the back is so pretty that I would consider it reversible! Glad to hear it IS possible to finish a project in half a day. Gives me hope for the future!

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  16. Love it! Great colors and movement. It gets a bit hard when I do improvising. It hurts my head.

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  17. Those colours look stunning together. I love how the back is equally as beautiful as the front for a table runner....

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  18. That looks beautiful!! love the solids, great job!

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  19. Debbie, This is great... I have all the pieces ready to begin a mini version of this.I have reduced the pieced to 3" squares when finished. I can only hope that mine is as lovely as yours....

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  20. Wow - I just love this design!! Amazing work!

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