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Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Sunday Sewing and A Challenge For Myself

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Sunday I took some time to do some sewing.  I had a few little projects and since I don’t have a dedicated area where my sewing machine is set up, I figured I’d get as many as I could in while I had control of the dining room table.  The first thing I made was this table runner from a red and tan toile piece of sample fabric I had. 

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I used some scrap linen I had left over from previous projects to put together a pleat/ruffle for each end.

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It’s not perfect, but I love how it turned out!   If you’d like the simple tutorial for this, let me know, as I did take some pictures as I went along.

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Next, I made some napkins out of the fabric I got from Joann’s the other day.  This pretty brown, bronze and tan fabric works really well with a lot of the dishes I purchased last year.

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Here is one with a set of the dishes, on top of a table runner I purchased last year, too.

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The challenge I have made for myself?  I have this decorative planter {11 inches high and 14 inches in diameter} crammed with fabric samples.  Some are long strips, like the toile I used for the table runner, and some are small squares and rectangles. 

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Colors and patterns vary.

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I’m going to challenge myself to make at least one thing a month using these fabric scraps.  I’m hoping to use a few up in a months time, but I know I can do a minimum of one.  It will be interesting to see if I can come up with a different purpose or project for each one.

Wish me luck!

Linking this post up with:

Boardwalk Bragfest at Bobbypins Boardwalk

Be Inspired at Room to Inspire

Make It Yours Day at My Backyard Eden

25 comments:

  1. Great idea to challenge yourself. Looks like you have a bunch of pretty fabric to use. Better to use up what you have first then keep buying more. Love seeing your table runner as well.

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  2. Good luck - I'm sure everything will turn out fabulous! Maybe you can teach me to do ruffles!

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  3. You've inspired me. I have a red toile table runner that I bought at Pottery Barn years ago and misjudged the size. Far too long to use. If I get my old machine out, I could trim it to size. I never thought of making my own napkins. How hard could they be? Thanks for the idea.

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  4. Beautiful fabrics and patterns selections!

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  5. The table runner and napkins are amazing! Great job. I can't wait to see what else you come up with! I have a lot of samples too, so I'd love to steal some of your ideas :)

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  6. i love those napkins - they look great!

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  7. Oh, I'd love a tutorial!!! Love the runner and you have some great fabric there! I should have bought those samples up at Joanns as I need to make some pillows!

    xxoo

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  8. Love those napkins and the runner!! Sounds like we are thinking alike!! I too have gotten out the sewing machine and decided to do as much as I could while it is out. I used to have a lovely sewing room in a past house, but not this one yet:-( Love your runner and the napkins! I made one I'm using today then have a big stack of fabric for napkins and some other projects. It's wonderful to see someone else sewing. It certainly gives you a lot more options doesn't it?

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  9. What a great challenge. I look forward to seeing what you come up with !

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  10. LOVE that table runner! It's so pretty!

    I have a ton of fabric that I have accumulated and need to challenge myself to either use it or get rid of it! LOL!

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  11. Once again you have outdone yourself. These turned out great. They go perfectly with your dishes. Bravo!

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  12. Great projects Kathy! I love that runner with the ruffles! I love making something and seeing it in my home - it makes me happy!

    Have a wonderful day!

    XOXO
    Jen

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  13. A great idea to challenge yourself to use of the fabric scraps, I'm sure you'll end up with lot's of pretty things:) So often my fabric scraps go to the goodwill, I should rethink that! :)

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  14. Beautiful fabrics and I love the table runner! ~Liz =)

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  15. The table runner and napkins turned out great! Love the ruffle...

    What a great challenge. Can't wait to see what you come up with!

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  16. Oh I am sooo jealous you can sew! I don't and am afraid this gal missed the bus on that one..lol!

    Jane
    FF

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  17. You are so talented and I love the fabric choices and the way it all coordinates. Just beautiful. Thank you for linking to the Bragfest, Kathy! Love it!

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  18. What a good challenge! Love the toile runner and napkins are a great way to use fabric and so much better for the environment than paper!

    Manuela

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  19. Hi Kathy,
    Looks like you have been a busy bee lately.
    I love your toile runner with the ruffled edges. Very pretty. Love the napkins too.

    You can make some great rosettes with strips of fabric and you don't need a sewing machine to go it or, sachet pillows to hang on doorknobs.

    hugs
    Sissie

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  20. Great projects - I really like the runner with the ruffles. And I love your challenge. I hope you keep showing us your fabric creations. Thanks for linking up to Be Inspired today!

    Chelsea

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  21. I love the fabric choices! The table runner turned out so cute. I enjoy sewing also and I hoping to get some pillows made soon. Have fun sewing!
    Joy from
    Thritfyparsonageliving

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  22. You have some beautiful fabrics to work with...love the table runner and napkins...the look wonderful with your plates!

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  23. Good Luck! You did awesome on the runner and the napkins! I struggle when I sew, but I give it a go from time to time on "simple" things! I have NO patience whatsoever! Love those floral fabrics! Can't wait to see what you create!

    Lou Cinda :)

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  24. I really like the ruffled table runner Kathy. Your fabric pile has some pretty choices. Looking forward to seeing more of your creations!

    I stopped by Joanne's yesterday and all of their red tag fabric was 50% off. I got two really pretty patterns for $1.50/yard. I hardly ever find fabric that I like on sale so I feel like I really scored!

    Thanks for sharing at My Backyard Eden!

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  25. Kathy, you have inspired me to rethink a table runner for my kitchen!!! I would love to see how to make one!
    Hugs,
    Margaret B

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I always enjoy reading your comments! Kathy