February Across The Pond

Across The Pond Sewing Along

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It's the beginning of February, and that means it's time to announce this month's Across The Pond Sew Along theme!           

February 2014 theme :      Table Runner

We'll be making a table runner.    This can mean anything that is used on your table... a runner or a topper or even place mats or mug rugs!  (Runners can come in all sizes, right? ;)  )

Hop on over to Amanda, The Patchsmith's,  blog, to see what she is making for the Sew Along!  If you want to make a mug rug,  you will be sure to find a pattern in her Craftsy Store!

I have a few Table Runner ideas that I 'd like to share with you:

I ran across this  sweet pattern , which has applique' hearts and little  Nine Patch Blocks, by   Cherilyn.  Cherilyn blogs at A Farm Wife Journal and  has made a free tutorial  on how to make the runner!  pattern here    I think it is just charming.  

Candy Hearts Table Runner Tutorial

Photo by Cherilyn at A Farm Wife Journal 

The second pattern is a basic table runner that I made recently, for  the winter months.  This " basic pattern "  is  a great way to feature some pretty fabrics , with a few fussy cut strips.

                                                                     

 " Fussy Cuts Featured " Table Runner    by Susie's  Sunroom

Fussy Cuts Featured  Table Runner    
                   ....A Short and Sweet  Tutorial

Dimensions:    36 1/4 "  long x 12 " wide

Fabrics:   choose 4 coordinating fabrics    one of which is the 'feature' fabric

Cut:   featured fabric:   center piece:  1-     10 1/2 " across  x 6 1/2 " tall

         from the 4 different fabrics:   2 -   10 1/2 " across x 2 1/2 " tall   from each fabric
      (this includes 2 strips of the featured fabric, too)   There will be 14  strips total

         from the border fabric:   2 - 34 " across x 1 3/4 " tall  for the sides
                                              2 - 12 3/4 " across x  2 " tall for the ends  

        from the same border fabric cut the backing:  37 " long x 13 " wide  (will trim at end)

Batting:   one piece of Pellon Fusible Fleece  FF987  ( or batting)     37 " long x 13 " wide 

Sew the strips together, using a 1/4" seam allowance,  in  a pleasing pattern.
Add the 7 strips onto  each side of the bigger center strip.    (Lay them out before you sew, in the order they will be sewn.)

Press the seams in one direction.  Trim and square this pieced section.

Sew the long side strips  onto each side  (the 34 " x 1 3/4 ")  Press the seams.

Sew the  12 3/4 " x 2 " strips to the  top and bottom.  Press the seams .

Iron the Pellon FF987 interfacing, or batting, to the runner piece.  
Quilt as desired.  I simply stitched in the ditches.

Trim and square up  the backing piece  and front piece, so they are the same size.

With the  top and bottom  right sides together, pin together  and sew around  all four sides, using 1/4 " seam, leaving a 3 inch  gap for turning.  Trim the corners close to the seam.

Pull the right side fabric out through the gap and use a chop stick to push out the corners (carefully) , and all seams.    Fold the fabric at the opening spot  to match the side  seam .
Press all the sides.  
Topstich 1/8 " on all four sides.

Place on your table and smile!

 Fussy Cuts Featured  Table Runner    by Susie's  Sunroom
I use mine as a wall hanging, too

We love to see what you have made... so upload your photos of Across The Pond Sew Along projects in the Flickr group.  This is also the spot to "join" the sew along... to get updates on all of the pictures and discussion on the latest project.  join  here

I am working on a project now.... here's a sneak peek, just for you!

Sneak Peek at my project.... you'll see it finished on Feb 19

The Hugs and Kisses Blog Hop , created by Mdm Samm at Sew We Quilt, with patterns designed by Soma at Whims And Fancies... starts on Feb 12 !  What fun it will be!

I'm off to my sewing room!