With our new ugly fabric, the task was to create a table runner using the fabric as a main focal point in the runner.
At this juncture, many people liked the fabric they drew. But not me! Mine was not even quilt fabric. It was a very thin fabric with the print woven in and the threads sticking out all over the back. I hung my head. "How in the world am I going to incorporate this truly ugly fabric into a nice table runner?"
Well, that was the entire point of this exercise. To see how we can use our stash to allow the colors, prints and textures shine through.
This is my result:
I was so 'mad' at that red fabric, that I didn't want to waste a lot of time on this project. So I simply cut out 3 large squares and then cut the gold and blue fabrics in 5-inch squares to sideline the focal blocks. I chose gold and blue to match the secondary print in the red fabric.
I quilted some fun paisleys in a gold thread. Then I finished it off with a blue binding.
What a surprise this was to me. We don't have our Show And Tell until our September meeting, but I'm anxious to see what the other quilters have created by stitching up their ugly fabrics. After this was all finished, I kept thinking, "Ugly is as ugly does." After all, it's all in the eye of the beholder!
This would be a great mini event for your guild to hold. If you have any questions, just let me know. But it's a very simple concept, and lots of fun!
Quilting with a smile,
Barb
Linking up with:
Oh, Scrap!
Linky Tuesday
What I Made Monday
Main Crush Monday
Midweek Makers
Needle and Thread Thursday
You did well girl. I agree that is some pretty ugly fabric standing alone, but the finished project is really nice. I would have thought they would have at last brought cotton fabric though. I want to thank you for stoping by Allthingzsewn and leaving your sweet comment.
ReplyDeleteHow fun is that! I even like the fabric. But I like most anything.
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading along, I was thinking, "I like that!" So I was glad to find out that you ended up liking your final result, too. The colors you picked to go with your ugly fabric and the quilting you did really made a difference!
ReplyDeleteI’m glad that you liked it in the end. I liked it a lot too.
ReplyDeleteIt's very pretty! Well done!
ReplyDeleteI was having trouble figuring out which fabric was the “ugly” one before you told us! They all looked pretty! You did a great job turning the ugly duckling into a lovely swan!
ReplyDeleteIt looks great! I think your beautiful quilting is what brings it from "OK, let's get this over with" to "Wow!" Somehow all that texture just elevates the piece. I've had that happen with several quilts that I didn't love until after the quilting, including the pink and green one I did last week. Great job sticking with the exercise and having the "Aha!" moment :)
ReplyDeleteIt's absolutely perfect for Christmas, or any time. I like it, too! That seems like a really great idea for a quilt guild, or a yarn guild, even.
ReplyDeleteIts a great looking table runner. Like everyone else I liked it from the beginning of your story, of course we couldn't feel it or see the back. Your quilting takes it to a new level.
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful. This is a fun and interesting exercise. One person's ugly is another one's treasure! It's amazing what being pushed out of a comfort zone can do to our creativity!
ReplyDeleteI love the table runner, you did a great job!
ReplyDeleteThere is almost always a way to turn an unloved fabric into something pretty. You found just the right project for this one. Thanks for sharing with Oh Scrap!
ReplyDeleteHi Barb,
ReplyDeleteAs I read your title and looked at the photo I wondered what was ugly?!! HAHA! I think you did a great job with that ugly fabric, and I'm glad you ended up liking it. Certainly the fabrics you chose to surround the offending fabric did their job. This is a great idea but I know I have some really ugly fabric hiding at the bottom of a drawer - I don't think I could find anything redeeming about it. Happy Tuesday to you! ~smile~ Roseanne
This turned out amazingly well. My guild has done ugly fabric things before and the fabric was REALLY ugly! This is beautiful and your quilting accentuates it so much. Nice job.
ReplyDeleteI like it! It's always surprising how something so simple can work so well.
ReplyDeleteI was intrigued by the title to this post on the Midweek Makers link up. When I saw the photo, I was trying to decide which was the ugly fabric. Your combination absolutely elevated that poor piece of fabric. Now you have this nice rustic table runner and I bet it will make you smile each time you see it. It is really pretty Barb!
ReplyDeleteWow, you really made lemonade out of that lemon. Well done! Thanks for linking up to What I Made Monday.
ReplyDeleteGreat job turning that ugly duckling into a swan!
ReplyDeleteSo simple, yet so beautiful. Even better that it started with ugly fabric. lol
ReplyDeleteI know that feeling of getting a fabric that is 'ugly' and uninspiring! You may have gone the easy route by cutting three squares, but it all came together and ugly turned into beauty!
ReplyDeleteI can see how that red would be a challenge after reading your description of it. But you really pulled it all together nicely and topped it off with great quilting which helped a bunch!!
ReplyDeleteThis came out beautifully! You have made that ugly fabric sing, and I'm sure the person who gave it up will want your runner!
ReplyDelete