My Christmas Table Runner Revealed


It's beginning to look a little bit like Christmas here at the Reinkes.

This morning I finished my Christmas runner.



I wasn't sure what to do with the back of the runner. After a visit to my local quilt shop -- and a chat with Sue, the beginner quilting class instructor -- I decided to make it reversible.


My goal was to create a runner using only leftover fabric from my class project. All the blocks were pieced from said fabric. The only material I purchased for the runner are the pine cone fabric on the back and the binding.

Considering this is my first solo project, I'm content with the way it turned out. (I just hope no one looks too closely at my handiwork.) Would I do some things differently next time? Definitely. My seam ripper was my best friend as I worked on this, and I discovered that, unlike my instructor, I must use pins. Actually, I went a step further with the binding, and basted it before machine sewing it on to the back side. It made me feel more confident about tackling that sewing task. That being said, I learned a lot -- really -- and I know I'll improve with each project I complete.

Just for fun I took the long scraps leftover from my runner and made braided garland for our little tree. Very homespun, don't you think?



I'll be making another trip to the quilt shop this afternoon to buy fabric for my next project: sprocket pillows. Christmas presents for our grandchildren. (Shhh, don't tell them.)

Stay tuned.


Sharing with:
Share Your Cup Thursday at Have A Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson
Craft Frenzy Friday
Link It or Lump It
Inspire Me Monday at Create with Joy
The Scoop
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm

29 comments

  1. Just lovely, Nancy! I love that it's reversible and I LOVE those sprocket pillows! My aunt used to made them. You are so ambitious, I am still trying to knit a lap blanket for my mom for Christmas...I think it may be more of an Easter present at the rate I am going! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Kim. I'm sure whenever you finish the lap blanket, your mom will love it. I can't compare the available time I have for crafts to yours, as I no longer have a family to raise. What I mean is, I have a lot more time to devote to these things, thus I can be a bit more "ambitious". :) Though I don't see how I'm more ambitious than you, when I read your posts. You accomplish a lot! Have a great weekend.

      Delete
  2. Your table runner is beautiful, and i also just love what you did with the scraps. Great job, and something you can enjoy for many years!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your kind words, Jeanne. Blessings.

      Delete
  3. Wow-great job! It turned out very pretty :)
    Susan

    ReplyDelete
  4. Very pretty table runner. I love the way you turned the scraps into a garland! The sprocket pillows are so bright and cheerful, have fun making them. Thanks for stopping by my blog! :) --Fran

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My pleasure, Fran. Thanks for your nice comment.

      Delete
  5. It is beautiful and I love that you made the back decorated too. It is like having two runners.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have thought about using the backside as a winter runner, since it doesn't really have a Christmas theme. Thanks for visiting, and for your nice comment. Enjoy your weekend, Betty.

      Delete
  6. the runner looks so festive, nancy! i've made several braided rugs, but, never thought to do a garland--so clever! happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd like to try my hand at a braided run, Lynn. Thanks for stopping by. :)

      Delete
  7. Love your quilted table runner . . . and the braided garland is such a great idea . . . congratulations on such a lvely piece, front and the back too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Lynne. Hope your weekend is off to a great start. :)

      Delete
  8. Oh, I do love the braid...and I love that striped fabric used for the binding. Love the runner and the fact that you made it reversible.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Rose. I'm ready to make another runner in a spring pattern. :)

      Delete
  9. YOU accomplished this terrific runner as your FIRST SOLO piece??? Can you imagine how IMPRESSED we are??? I once had an assignment at school - for a simple skirt - which ended up in a really tight ball - because the sewing machine stuck on "lets stitch as fast as possible and ravel this entire thing up before the teacher comes to save this frightened child." - been super respectful of this craft ever since. Quilting? That's a dream task . . . yep - I'm impressed. Totally. It's Lovely.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so very much for your kind words. You made my day! Sorry about your skirt debacle. I've had quite a few of those myself. Personally, I think the public school sewing program is not the place to learn to sew. Do they even teach sewing in public school these days?

      Delete
  10. How pretty. I absolutely love it and your skills are amazing :) Thanks so much for sharing at Link It or Lump It this week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much. It's my pleasure to link up at Link It or Lump It. Thanks for hosting.

      Delete
  11. The runner turned out great Nancy. Clever idea to make it reversible! Loved the sprocket pillows too. Looks like you are getting hooked? lol! thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, yes. Definitely. I"m hooked, Jann. I'm pinning quilting ideas and planning for 2014 projects. :)

      Delete
  12. It's beautiful! I wanted to make one for Fall....but never took the time! Now you have inspired me again! Sweet hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  13. VERY pretty and I have a BF seam ripper too. I think that it will always be my BF! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Really? You have seam ripper and you actually use it? If so, then I'm very encouraged. I've seen your handiwork, and it's beautiful. :)

      Delete
  14. Wow! For your first go at sewing and quilting..you rock! That's a great finish! I actually got my first bite at sewing watching my Mother and GrandMother , then in Gr. 7 we were given the opportunity to take Home Economics ...where I honed in on my skills. I had the most patient teacher, Mrs.Seibert. I wish I had the chance to tell her how much she influenced me in my life. She passed long before I had the chance. But, I have continued to sew and quilt and have made many wonderful friends along the way. I take a sewing class whenever possible. I am always learning. It's never " to late to teach an old dog new tricks" so to speak:) have a wonderful Day....hugs. Marg.

    ReplyDelete

Your comments bring me joy! Thanks for stopping by.