block party

You probably don't know this about me, but I live on a pretty awesome block.  Our neighbors are great.

It just so happens that apparently we have the oldest running block party in our town.  This summer will mark our 50th annual block party!

While reminiscing of past block parties, one of the neighbors mentioned a quilt that had been made for the block a long time ago.  I had just finished the signature quilt for my grandma and this especially peaked my interest.  My mentioning the signature quilt peaked the interest of the block party organizer who promptly, if haphazardly and hopefully, nominated me to do something with the quilt.  I thought perhaps I could add on to this old quilt or use parts of it to make something new.  It was dug out of an attic and brought over to me.  After seeing, though, I decided to start fresh.

If I make something, it will be mostly commemorative (celebrating 50 years) and sentimental (with names of the neighbors on it).

But what would we DO with a quilt for our block?  Who would use it?  When?  My thoughts turned to functionality.

My current plan to combat this functionality problem is to make an tabletop-sized table runner.  This way my finished product is functional and we can trot it out and use it as a super awesome tablecloth each summer.  I may have to figure out a way to add a sheet of clear vinyl over the top or do something else to protect it from the delicious food placed upon it.

Here's the plan.

•  There will be a "road" down the middle of the table runner and it'll have our street name on it and maybe the years 1965-2015.
• Each house on our block will be represented by their own quilt block.  
• There will be a driveway from the "road" center to the mini house on each block.  
• On this driveway I'm going to embroider the last name of the family living in that house.  
• I'm going to use a rainbow of solid colors, coal for the house, and shadow for the driveway.

What do you think... am I crazy to put work into such a thing? 
Any suggestions?


linking up with WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced