Summer Table Runner

Here is my new project, a Summer Table Runner.  Yes, I'm still working on my daughter's quilt, but this is an in-between project.  I already made a "Spring" table runner for my mom last year for her birthday.  But I felt she needed a new one for summer.  I'll probably make an autumn and a winter one.  I already made a Christmas one for her.  The color doesn't do it justice...it really is quite a bright and cheerful table runner. 

Here it is step by step!

The picture to the left is the finished product.

I made this up as I went along.  I drew out an idea in my graph paper book first.  Then I "winged" it as I went along.  Firstly, I used the width of the meter of fabric (approx. 43" long) to 14" wide, which I cut.  I used just a pretty white on white patterned cotton.

   

Then I sewed a 1 1/2" strip around.  I used a black cotton with white leaves all through it.

  

I then cut 4" blocks out of 6 different colorful fabrics and sewed them all round my boarder.

  

I then drew out a pattern on regular 8" x 11" paper and traced my lines with a black sharpie pen.  I then placed them all on top of my runner until I was happy with the look.

I then traced each pattern piece "backwards and upside down" on my applique film.  To me this is the best part about applique quilting.  It's choosing the fabric colors and what will work together.  After I traced, cut, and ironed the letters and graphics to my runner top, I satin stitched each piece, so that if there ever is a spill, (heaven forbid) the runner can be cleaned.

   

I then prepared the back to fit my top.  Before I basted all 3 layers together, however, I did a quilt label.  This "Dick and Jane" image I got from the Internet, I added my own text and then I printed it onto my cotton sheet.  I cut it out and satin stitched it to my runner back.

I wanted my runner to lay completely flat, so I taped the back down to a bare floor (wrong side up).  I took note of where the label was and made sure the top of the runner was facing the right direction of the quilt label.  I then added the quilt batting, which I used 100% natural cotton batting.

 

I basted all 3 layers together.  I used medium safety pins.   Yea...I know...I am a little obsessed with the pins.  Hey...I wanted it to lay FLAT!!!  I make no excuses...I love safety pins.

   

After ripping the basted runner off the floor, I proceeded to quilt using my darning foot with swirls and ripples.  I really love free machine quilting.

I sewed a matching black binding around the edge of my quilt, signed my quilt label with the date and who's it for (my mommy), and sewed 6 black buttons on my watermelon and wella....a great table runner.  I think it turned out really well.  Here are some close-up photos.

I am still working on my daughter's quilt, but there are little projects that come up and I just HAVE to do them.  That's the artist in me.

A few week ago I was at an antique show, where I bought a double cast iron bed for myself.  I've ALWAYS wanted a cast iron bed, and double cast iron beds are a bit harder to find.  I bought it for $150 and in perfect condition.  It just needs to be refinished.  It's so beautiful!!   I've been dreaming of the beautiful quilt that needs to adorne it.  I've been going through all of my quilt magazines and have chosen a few patterns I like.  I just need to choose a pattern and then go shopping.  BUT....I need to finish my son's and daughter's quilts first.   I can't wait to start sewing on this one!!   I'll do it with pics too!

Leave me a comment and tell me what you think!