Time to Try Something Different

This past week I veered off the path of creating garments and tried my hand at a simple quilting project.  I was almost forced to do so.  Every year our sewing guild, the Lansing Clippers, sets a challenge for the members.  This year, the challenge was to sew a home dec project.  It is fun to participate in the challenge because there are rewards!  The most obvious reward is that of accomplishment, but there is also a prize awarded each year.  Everyone who participates has their name put in a drawing and the winner’s prize is usually a gift certificate to a fabric shop. 

I could have sewn something that did not involve quilting like a pillow, cushion, curtains, or some other decorative item for the home.  However, I haven’t done any quilting in years and decided I would try a small quilting project.  I decided to make a table runner.   The pattern I used was “Make It Anytime Table Runner and Placemats” by Carolyn’s Creative Designs.  The pattern was labeled “Quick Project!” and indeed it was. 

 

Although I am not good at putting colors together, I decided I was going to choose them myself.   Not knowing how this would turn out, I did not want to invest a lot of money.   Therefore, I went straight to the section of the fabric shop where the clearance cottons were displayed.    I chose fabrics that cost $3.97 and $5.97 a yard.  If my heart was set on particular colors and I was making a quilt, I might have been willing to pay the regular price of $12.00 or more, but the more inexpensive selection worked fine for my table runner.

After I pieced together the top of the table runner, I used Insul-Brite instead of regular batting to place between the top of the runner and back.  By doing this, I can place warm dishes on the it and not damage my table.  When I sew pot holders, I use a layer of cotton batting and a layer of Insul-Brite.  I did not want my table runner to be thick and bulky, so I only used the one layer of Insul-Brite.

After I sewed the pieces together and turned the runner right side out, I gave it a good press and then quilted the pieces together.  I stitched in the ditch around the individual squares and did a stippling stitch from my sewing machine around the outside strip. 

I found I really enjoyed doing this project.  It was fun and easy!  The pattern was well written which means it was easy to understand and follow.   

I hope you have fun with your next project.

Judy