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:

Red Door Home said...

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.

One Cheap B*tch said...

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

Sevenbeads said...

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.

Vanessa said...

Beautiful fabrics and patterns selections!

Design Esquire said...

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 :)

Heather Henderson said...

i love those napkins - they look great!

Marsha @ Tattered Chick said...

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

Anita Diaz said...

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?

Tammy@InStitches said...

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

Heathahlee said...

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!

Unknown said...

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

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com said...

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

Paula ~ castleandcottagesigns said...

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! :)

The Tuscan Home said...

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

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

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!

Jane B. said...

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

Anonymous said...

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!

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

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

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

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

Room to Inspire said...

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

Joy@Thrifty Parsonage Living said...

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

Sandra said...

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

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

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 :)

Carolyn @ My Backyard Eden said...

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!

The French Bear said...

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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