It's a Runner month and here is Kristin with her own Adventure Runner 2 guests today ...look!

First I’d like to say Thank you to Madame Samm for allowing me to share this with you.

This is my first guest post ever and I’m completely excited.

My name is Kristin and I blog at Sew Chaos, Sew Crazy, SewWonderful 
(rather sporadically right now.)
Some of the pictures are kinda dark.
I live in the Pacific Northwest, if I waited for natural light, I'd be waiting until July!

Shall we begin?

My unofficial motto for the year is “Use What You Have”

This is the second of my Choose Your Own Adventure projects.

You'll find the first one here.

My goal: a quick, easy project using a simple block that I can make using scraps on hand.

I call them “Choose Your Own Adventure” (CYOA) because you can use what you have, build the blocks, and arrange them any way you please.
The finished product is as unique as the maker.

This basic block finishes at 4".  
I don't know the name of the block, I’m sure I didn't invent it.

Fabric Requirements
****Because this project is designed to use scraps, I’ve listed the cut size of the pieces we’ll need, instead of the yardage needed****

Prints - 

·     (40) 2½” x 5” rectangles  (Candy Bar Pack)
~or~
(26) 2 7/8" squares, cut once on the diagonal to make 52 triangles.
~and~
(26) 2 ½" squares.

Background –

·         (40) 2½” x 5” rectangles (Bricks)
~or~
(26) 2 7/8" squares, cut once on the diagonal to make 52 triangles.
~and~
(26) 2 ½" squares.

Prep

Solids - 

           If you are using 2 ½” x 5” Bricks, You are going to do the following:


Pull (13) Bricks – Slice these down the center creating (26) 2½” squares.  Set aside


On the remaining bricks, draw a line down the center, creating (2) 2½” sq.

Now draw lines dividing the squares into 2 triangles.

Measure ½” away from that line, towards the outside, draw another line.

(I forgot to take a picture before with the second line, oops!)

The second line is totally optional, but it's a great way to get some bonus HSTs



If you're not using bricks, there's no prep.


Prints - 
If you are using 2 ½” x 5” Bricks - You are going to do the following:
Pick 13 bricks to use at the square in each block. 

My pack happened to have 13 reddish prints, so that’s what I chose.

Cut these bricks into 2 ½” sq.  Set aside.


If you're not using bricks, there's no prep.


Building the Blocks


A note – This is how I built them, because I wanted to use the Candy Bar.  If you have a method of making HST’s that you prefer, or works better with what you have, go for it! 


~~The goal is 52 HSTs that are 2 1/2" (unfinished)~~


Pair up the solid and print bricks.  Sew along the diagonal line, stopping and pivoting at the middle. 

If you want the bonus triangles, sew again along the second set of diagonal lines.

 

Before cutting, I like to press.  It helps keep things flat and square.
Slice down the center line.

 

Now slice between the diagonal lines, about ¼” away from either line.

 

Now open and press, trimming all the dog ears.

 

my bonus HSTs are pictured here too.

Easy-peasy, right?

Now, lets build the block.  I wanted super scrappy, so I just made a stack of the print squares and a stack of the HSTs and randomly put them together.

I’ve noticed that precuts tend to be less than exactly square.  So when lining pieces up to sew together, I trust the cut I made, not the edge of the precut.  

Sew them together like this – It is important!

Make sure your triangle is oriented the right way.

Sew with the HST on top.
Press towards the square.
Repeat for a total of 26 “print units”


Do the same thing for the solid squares and the rest of the HSTs.

Make sure you orient them like this!

If you're going for a scrappy look - like mine – Stack your Print units and your Solid units next to each other, in the correct orientation, and sew together. 

If you want them to be matchy-matchy take a moment to pair them all up before you piece them together.

Now, the fun part!  What layout do you want to use? 

Here are just a few layout possibilities

        

Pick which one you like, and go for it!
add skinny sashing, if you feel so inclined.
I upsized the originial CYOA to a layer cake and added thin sashing - you can see it here.

 

I picked this one.

 

When I was done, it just screamed for a dark brown border.

I happened to have a bit of the perfect brown, measured it, and sized my border based on what I had.

The backing is a piece of green something that I cannot seem to get rid of.

I've used it in every project possible and I still have about ½ yard left!

Sandwiched, Quilted, Bound! 
- well,not bound - 
My walking foot was almost broken before I started and it made it through the quilting, but I need to procure a new one before I do any binding.

For my sample runner I used a hoarded cherished Candy Bar pack of Fandago, Kona white and a remnant for the border.


The batting in mine is that potholder-crinkly-heat resistant stuff.
I wanted a runner that I could use for hot plates.

I hope you enjoyed this!
I’d love to see yours if you decide to make one!

now, what do do with the bonus HSTs....