Two years ago my guild had a fabric challenge using a bright rainbow stripe. I hesitate to make something just to be making and wanted to have a useful plan for the item. A Christmas runner came to mind, but I thought I would have to get rid of the bright orange. So, I cut off the yellow and orange stripes, included the reverse side for a folded ribbon look, added some whimsical reindeer and colorful Christmas light fabric and the runner was complete. I didn't win any ribbons but that wasn't the point. The imagining, planning, calculating, etc. were all part of the fun.
The runner fits just right under the tv where I place cinnamon scented pine cones in a silver sleigh and hang glittering gold stars on a wire mini tree.
Challenge - done. Useful - yes. A recent completed treasure.
"In all toil there is profit." Proverbs 14:23