Amazing how many of us think alike. I decided a while ago I was going to buy a neutral spread (I know, I could make it but I'm not because there is only so much time and I want to make the fun stuff) and make runners for several reasons: time, cost savings, the ability to have more variety, etc. Love the curtain idea posted too. I've got several bed quilt patterns that I can adapt to runner size. We put a sheet on top of our bed now because of our 2 beagle/rat terriers. They sleep in their "condo pen" at night, but like to survey their world from the vantage point of the bed during the day. Any runner I make will need to be able to stand up to frequent washings.