Sunday, December 5, 2010

Two Lessons

I learned a couple of lessons this weekend as I finished up a project. Perhaps I already knew these lessons but I was reminded of them as I wrapped something up. First, I made this quilt this past summer.
I used the fabulous Moda Maison de Noel fabric line that I had saved for years. I love this fabric.

I just loved the colors and thought the added aqua made it look so fresh. This is a quilt I would leave out even after Christmas. I loved the fabric so much that I saved every last, tiny, itty bitty scrap.


So the first lesson is that no matter how small the scrap, save it. I had to sew scraps together to get enough usable fabric to cut pieces for this runner. So I sewed quite a few scraps together to get new scraps but honestly you can't tell once it's all sewn and quilted. By the way, can you see Miss Penny the cat asleep, reflected in the mirror of the buffet? Asleep on a quilt of course. 

This is how many scraps I had left! I also had some microscopic trimmings when I trimmed up the blocks but those went into the trash. The book to the left is where I got the pattern. Now see how the pattern stands out so well in the runner on the cover and how the pattern does not stand out to well in my version. It's all got to do with contrast.

So lesson two is that contrast is important. There's s lot of contrast in the version above which I made for fall a few years ago. The Christmas version I just did has a lot of busy, light fabrics so the pattern does not show up as well. I was so intent on using just the fabric from that particular fabric line that I did not see the lack of contrast until the end. I would have done better if I had gone to my stash and selected some less patterned lights. So lessons learned-learning something new is good! 

21 comments:

  1. I learn that lesson from time to time as well...someday I'll remember it before I finish putting something together. Your table runner still looks festive and pretty though. And I love the kitty in the reflection.
    Lovely work!
    I have sewn scraps together as well. I just think we are both clever :-)

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  2. I would leave that quilt out year round too!! It's beautiful! I love that fabric collection. Runner looks so pretty. It's so nice to get a second project out of scraps. Like a free quilt! Good lesson on contrast. Still looks pretty, though!

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  3. Very pretty. I love how this fabric worked in this tablerunner.

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  4. I love both the quilt and the tablerunner!

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  5. OK! I just finished a runner and now there is another idea...
    Next one will be something non- seasonal so I can leave it out between times.
    Miss Penny has great taste.

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  6. Yes, that is a good lesson. Although, the contrast looks fine from hear and I can definitely discern the pattern and think it is lovely!! Your quilt is gorgeous too!

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  7. It may not have a lot of contrast but it is pretty none the less.

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  8. Contrast isn't something I think about too terribly often. If I love the fabrics then I'll love the quilt . . . seeing the design emerge is just another element to the finished piece *s*

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  9. Those are very good lessons. I've had pieces of fabrics over the years that I cherish. Miss Penny looks warm and cozy. Love the new quilt.

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  10. I love your Maison de Noel quilt. And the quilting is positively breathtaking!
    Thanks for reminding me of those tablerunner books. I need to get them out and revisit them.

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  11. oh I love love LOVE your quilt!

    And I've learned that lesson as well.

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  12. It can be hard to trust your judgment after a time. Don't worry, youra is perfect!

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  13. Oh, I love it just as it is! Just because it doesn't show the way the pattern originally intended doesn't mean it's not lovely anyway. It's got it's own thing going on and I think it's grand.

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  14. Beautiful quilt! I also like your table runner. One of these days I am going to take the time to make some of those. I certainly have enough fabric from scraps, lol.

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  15. Your table runners look beautiful! I have wanted to get that book and now I may just have to look for it.......I have sooooo many scraps..what a good use for them!

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  16. Wow, what a beautiful quilt! You have quite a talent. I can't even hem pants...I use stitch witchery!!

    xo
    LeAnn

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  17. Wow! You really DID use up every little bit. That's awesome. I'm a scrap saver too. Every little bit. I can't bear to throw it out. I'm a scrap hoarder, that's what I am.

    Both the quilt and the runner are gorgeous. And I love the cat sleeping in the background.

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  18. I seem to save every little scrap, especially if I love the fabric. I too have sewn scraps together to cut out parts of a block. The contrast thing is one of my downfalls. I just don't have a knack for seeing it until I've sewn several blocks. But I like low-contrast patterns like your runner. It looks great on your sideboard. Happy Holidays.

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  19. Stumbled upon your blog! beautiful... there is so much to learn from this space... :)

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I pray that risen from the dead,
In glory I will stand,
A crown perhaps upon my head,
And a needle in my hand.