More table runners!

The past few weeks I've been on a table runner making "kick".  There so many patterns out there and you can make and quilt a table runner very quickly.  They make nice gifts too!

On this one, I used my paint sticks that I have had for over a year.  I used a stencil to make the black blocks.  It was pretty fun, but not quite as easy as I thought it would be.   I should have made two, as both my daughters wanted it.  Guess I'll have to make another.

Now the next one is a project made for my guild challenge.  We all had the same 1/2 yard of fabric and could make anything we wanted.  The fabric we all had was the green with colored circles on it.  I shouldn't be posting it yet, because it's suppose to be a surprise next Tuesday, but I don't think any of the members read my blog, so I should be okay.  Nothing outstanding but it's done!

Now the next runners are the easiest I've ever done.

All you need for one is:


1/3 yard focal fabric
1/2 yard coordinating for backing and hem
18" x 44" batting (optional)

Put the focal fabric and backing fabric right sides together, aligning the raw edges.  (If using batting, place it on top and match raw edges.)  Pin and sew long sides.

Turn right sides out and press, leaving an equal amount of the back fabric on each side of the focal fabric.

Stitch in the ditch on both sides where the two fabrics meet.  I chose to use a decorative stitch.

Trim any excess off short ends of runner.

Fold one short end with back fabric right sides together; stitch along raw edge.  Trim corner and turn right side out to form a point.  Tack down point or use decorative button or ribbon to hold down in place.  Repeat on other end. 

And you are done!

This is about 14 1/2" x 44" tip to tip!   Not real long, but you could adjust to fit any table.

So I think I'm done with table runners for a while.  That is, unless I find another I just can't do without! 

Make a Christmas Plate with Fabric!

While we were in Texas visiting, Paige and I made the cutest Christmas plates.  She and I don't get to do many "Plan B's" which is what we call craft projects, and it was a lot of fun.  She is always willing to learn something new.

Let me tell you how easy this is to do.  Go to Wal-Mart or anywhere that sells clear glass plates and get you a supply.  You'll want to do a bunch once you get started.  Get some Mod Podge glue/sealer.  I didn't know they had a Fabric Mod Podge, but they do.  I purchased that but I'm sure the plain Mod Podge will work just as well.

We used sponge brushes.  Rob your stash for fabric or buy some fabric.  It doesn't take much.  Just enough to cover the plates.  Wash the plates and dry well.  It took us longer to get those dang stickers off than anything. Then all you do is apply the glue to the back of the plate.  Lay fabric right side down on back of plate.  You want to be able to see the right side of the fabric through the top of the plate.

Once you have smoothed the fabric on the back of the plate, use your scissors to cut fabric around the edges.  Then all you do is apply a coat of Mod Podge over the fabric and let dry.

This is the end result. 

How cute are they?!  And so easy.  Put some cookies, candies, or breads on one and you have such a nice gift for your neighbors, teachers, mailman, beautician, or anyone else you can think of.  Just be sure to tell the recipients they CANNOT immerse the plates in water.  Just wash the tops.

Didn't Paige do a great job!

If you are interested in doing this and want to see a "you tube" tutorial, check out Missouri Star Quilt Co  They do such a great job on all their tutorials!

Weekend to Texas--Cold trip coming and going!!

This weekend in Lewisville, Texas, there was a big Christmas Parade, which granddaughter, Paige participated in as a Brownie and also a huge Motorycycle Toy Run.  So we decided to ride our new Trike down there for the weekend and do the run also. 

Now the Saturday forecast was great, it was just getting down there and and back that would be a little chilly.  We left for the four hour ride and it was around 40 degrees.  On the back of a motorcycle that is pretty cool and I do not mean "cool" as in neat, I mean cool as in chilly!  Of course, when you are prepared, it's not so bad and we were dressed for it.  On the way back it was 39 degrees when we got home.  It took us a while to get warm again. 

Saturday was perfect for the parade and the run!  Jake, our grandson, wanted to ride the cycle with Papa, so away they went. 

The toy run started 30 minutes before the parade, winding through the city and back to lead the parade.  There were hundreds of cycles there and they donated all these toys!

Cycles were lined up on both sides of the street for several blocks.  Pretty noisy when they all fired up their engines!  :)

Then Paige and Mom showed up with their reindeer antlers and noses!  Pretty cute if I do say so.

We had a good time, got some Christmas shopping done, and ate at a few new places!

Paige and I made some cute Christmas plates but I'll tell you all about that tomorrow after I've completely thawed!