Yesterday I headed into the sewing room with plans to make several table runners. I’ve been going over my lists, and while I think I’m making lots of progress on the Christmas gifts, I thought it wouldn’t hurt to make a few more runners–just in case. I imagined easily being able to make three or four, and started thinking of post titles like: “Table-runner mania” and “A table runner a day keeps the doctor away” and “A girl can never have too many table runners.” I started with this runner made from the “Winter” line. I used a Heather Mulder Peterson pattern, Double Takes 3. The pattern is designed for charm packs and layer cakes with several options to make lap-size and even bigger quilts. I actually used some scraps from a jelly roll to piece these blocks. It went together quickly and easily, but then something started to go wrong…
My next project was to make a runner out of the “Fig and Plum” line. Since everything was going so quickly I thought I’d just make two while I was at it. I imagined these going together quickly with the possibility of maybe even a fourth runner pieced before the day was over. I decided to use the “Boardwalk” pattern from Heather’s Little Charmers 5. I should have paid closer attention to the color scheme in her quilt–with this pattern it’s really important to not have blocks made from similar colors too close to each other. As you can see in the picture below, one of my blocks is a green so close in color to the outer triangles, that they just blend together. Not only that, but for some reason I cut some pieces 2 ½″ wide that were only supposed to be 2″ wide–I don’t usually make cutting errors! So as I went to put the rows together, not only did they not match up, but the colors were blending together. I was not happy; in fact I was really frustrated, having to use the old seam ripper for far longer than I have in the longest time! But I’m not a quitter…rarely do I ever not finish a project…so I kept going!
I got this one done then went out to read some blogs…of course blog reading cheered me up as usual! This morning I put the other one together; I re-made a few of the blocks so I wouldn’t have to use any of the green ones. I’m a little happier with the result…but it still doesn’t have the level of contrast it needs. I’ll probably make another one of these one day, just so I can get it totally right.
But for now, I’m done with tablerunners!
The Demanding Doll says
The Winter line runner is wonderful. Gotta get one/some of her patterns and do a few of these too. Just checked out her blog and it is very colorful.
I see what you mean about the second runner blending but the next one looks pretty. I like the contrast in it.
You sure got a lot done in a short amount of time!
Carol says
You have been one very busy girl. Love the Winter one!
Annette says
I’ve had those days before. You made me smile. But sometimes, after a little time away from it, you look at the project with fresh eyes and find out it looks just fine after all. I think your runners look very cute. That is a lot of work you put into them and they will be treasures for sure.
Kevin and Vicki says
ARe you even capable of messing something up?! I doubt it.
Joy says
I love your “Winter” runner :o), what gorgeous fabrics.
Joy :o)
Stephanie says
I can sympathize with the use of the old seam ripper! I just bought the Fig and Plum charm pack. It’s such a rich and delicious color palette! As for you table runners…I love all 3. You have to be happy with them but I love the blendy one.
Stina says
Oh…I love them all…but I´m a bit odd and I do like the blended one too…maybe cause I am a “softie”… ;o)
SILVIA says
Wonderful colours!!!
Very, very beautiful works in this blog!!!
I’m italian and I love quilt. Please visit my blog…
Silvia
pensieridistoffa.blogspot.com
Miri says
Pretty runners-I would call the last two soft-looking more than blending.
maya says
I think your tablerunners are lovely 😉
btw your stitcher’s angel gift is already on its way, it should arrive soon
ivoryspring says
I love both looks actually, but the second one does have a better contrast.
Thank you for visiting me today, and leaving the sweet comment about my quilted pillow.
quilterpolly says
isn’t it amazing how we can see them once they go together. Why is it when we are on a role thinking all is good and then the brakes come on…ouch…
Nanette Merrill and daughters says
My seam ripper is my friend. I’ve done exactly those things. Sometimes I just let it go though. Depending on how it looks with my eyes squinty. And mostly things quilt out! I am not getting further on my Christmas list. I’m doing the same thing with kitchen towels. I really can’t make too many!