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Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Spooky Delights Table Runner

Two table runners in one week!  And I don't usually make table runners.  But I have to say this could be addictive.  They are so quick and satisfying!!

This table runner is made from a FREE pattern on The Fat Quarter Shop's blog.  It is called Spooky Delights.  It was so quick and turned out so cute!  It was a perfect way for me to practice some new quilting too.




I have been admiring this wavy quilting on many quilting blogs lately and decided it was time to give it a try.

It seemed to be going well as I was quilting, but when I took the first half out to take a look, I was a little disappointed in the results.  I was quilting in a back and forth motion. Down one side, turn, and quilt the other way.  See how wavy the seams look? Blah.


So, I decided to try going in only one direction on the second half.  Much better!  Lesson learned. I'm glad to have learned this lesson on a table runner as opposed to an entire quilt!




Backed with this adorable black cat fabric and bound with a black on black dot.


Thanks for stopping by!

Tracy

Monday, May 9, 2016

American Flag Table Runner - a tutorial

Summer is almost here!

We are counting down the last few days of school over here, and I am not sure who is more anxious for summer.  I am so ready to sleep in a little.  Getting up before 6 to make breakfast and pack lunches is getting old.  Sunshine and lazy mornings are calling my name.

To celebrate, I have made a happy little table runner combining some of my favorite things; patchwork, scrappy fabrics and hand quilting. Yay!


This little runner finishes at 17 1/2 x 47 1/2 inches.  It is based on a fabulous vintage quilt I pinned years ago on Pinterest.

 Vintage flag quilt!:

That quilt has been on my mind ever since.  I'm still really hoping to make an entire quilt of patchwork flags, but in the meantime I am going to enjoy this runner.

I used both machine quilting (around the flags) and big-stitch hand quilting (inside the flags) and just love the character the combination gives.


Here is a close up of a single flag.


I just love a striped binding.


If you would like to make your own version, here is a quick tutorial:



Fabric needed:
Blue: total of ¼ yard
Red: total of 1/3 yard
White: total of ¼ yard
Sashing: 1/3 yard
Backing: 1 ½ yards (If you want one single cut)
Binding: 1/3 yard
1.  For each flag cut:
·         (1) 6 ½ inch square of blue
·         (2) 2 ½ x 8 ½ inch red
·         (1) 2 ½ x 14 ½ inch red
·         (1) 2 ½ x 8 ½ inch white
·         (1) 2 ½ x 14 ½ inch white
2. Sew together according to diagram.  Make 4.
3. From sashing material cut five 2 x 14 ½ inch strips.
       Sew them to flags as seen in diagram.
4. For outside borders, sew three 2 inch x WOF strips together end to end.
 Cut them into two pieces 2 x 47 ½ inch strips. 
Sew to either side of the table runner.
5. Add a backing, quilt and bind. 
6. Enjoy!!  



If you decide to make your own version, please let me know!  I'd love to see what you make.  You can tag me on instagram @tracysbitsnpieces

Thanks for stopping by!!

Tracy

Linking up to Sew Fresh Quilts and She Can Quilt.