Sewing with a tube: Table Runner

I'm not handy with a sewing machine.  Actually, I'm even less than handy... I've never used one.  Tear.  I do want to learn, and I have a mother that sews, knits, and could make a blanket out of pine cones (read: she's amazing when it comes to that stuff)...

So when I found this table runner at Living with Lindsay, I decided I wanted one!  I was lucky to find 54" fabric on sale for $6 a yard, and then 50% off at Joann's Fabrics, so I scooped up 2 yards.  The goal was to make a very similar runner, but with my crafty touch.  My tabletop measured 66" in length, and I wanted an 8" overhang.   (Don't you love the color on her walls?!  Gorgeous!)

The only modifications I made were to make the corners pointed, because I want to add a monogram to the ends later.  And, since I didn't get enough length of fabric to not have seams (I knew this when purchasing) I had to account for the 3 pieces I'd need to make the proper length.  My main, center piece measures 38" L x 13" W.  The two end pieces, from seam to point, measure 22" L x 13" wide each- FINISHED.  Remember, you need to account for the fold-over, of at least 1" on all sides, so add that to each measured piece, and that's the size to cut your fabric for a similar size table.

My Version:

Here's how I did it:

First steps: measure a store bought runner for width.  mine was 13" wide finished, so I added 2" to each side because I wasn't sure how well the Fabric Tac glue was going to hold (Note: it holds really, really well.  AND, 24 hours after drying, it can be washed.  SCORE.)

I didn't even iron the fabric.  Really!  And, even more rudimentary?  I used a metal tape meausre, like a contractor-I'm-building-a-house tape measure to cut.  Wow, good thing my mom didn't watch me make this!  :)

I cut the edges off to true up the rectangles I cut, and to remove the frayed edges from the fabric when it was on the roll.  (check out the texture on the fabric!)

I pinned, the edges up so that the width would be 13", then ironed them down.  I took the runner back to the dining room table, (my current craft area), and *gasp* tried my hand at "sewing with a tube."  It worked!  I added glue right at the ironed edge, and pressed together.

 

Next with the two smaller ends, that I'd use as the remainder of the table length, and the hang over length, I measured the same as for the middle main peice, and ironed, and glued the edges.

 

After those were dry (ok, lets be real, I didn't wait for the glue to dry, and no one would ever have known if I didn't tell you!  I'm impatient.  Get used to it...) I pinned the corners right to the center, and pinned down.  I didn't even iron!  I glued one flap down, then the next side.  Times two.

Once both end peices had their points, I matched up the flat edges to the middle main piece, and did iron these edges again, to ensure it laid flat on the table.  I pinned.  I glued.  I did the happy dance!

I let it dry for 24 hours minutes and then cleaned up and flipped over!  I love it!  Only problem?  I didn't cut enough length so that it hangs over enough for monogramming the ends, but it may have turned out for the better.  At this length, whoever sits at the end of the table won't have to worry about the runner encroaching on their bubble.

Don't you like it?  I do realize a sewing machine would have made this a super easy project, but a bottle of glue worked just fine.  :)

TOTAL: $6
Breakdown:
Fabric $6  (I didn't even use it all, but we'll call it $6.  I've got leftovers for covering some frame mats... a project coming up soon.)
Glue: $0 (already had...)

Inexpensive, and I love it!

Check out my current tablescape here, where there are more photos.

 
Good luck, and if you try this, let me know!  I'm looking for ideas on how to finish this project off with a monogram, embellishments, or, or...?

Afternoon Headboard

I have expensive tastes. There, I said it. Admitting you have a problem is the first step to becoming a better person. The problem is I don't want to "get better!" I like expensive things, sans the price. Quality, function, design, etc.

So, after much searching, I settled on a head board I'd like, however had to gasp at the price. Restoration hardware, for $1300?? I don't have that type of money. I searched google, and found this project on centsationalgirl.com, and realized I could do this myself (aka, Rosie the Riveter pose.)

Here are my inspirations, and below, OUR final product.

Restoration Hardware, $1300:


West Elm, $450:


Kate's, from Centsationalgirl.com, $165:



And, MINE, $67







I really like the trim being set in a few inches on the Restoration Hardware version, and loved the color on the West Elm version, so went somewhere in the middle with my trim.

Here's how it came together:

I hit the jackpot yesterday stopping by the Joann's fabrics nearby, and scored fabric, foam, batting and my nailhead trim. Oh, and at a SCREAMIN' deal. This ridiculously simple project took only 3 hours (would have been less, had I not have been a sloppy mess dealing with an allergy attack). Labor Day really brings the sales out. Everything I got was at LEAST 40% off, and most was 50% off. I'm a bargain hunter extraordinaire.

First, the base. My future in-laws had a sheet of 3/4" plywood that was just calling my name. We trimmed it to the desired dimensions for our Queen bed. (60" w x 32" h). Plywood was garage stored, 20 years old, and didn't cost us a penny!



Next, I had foam cut at Joann's that I knew I would piece together onto the plywood at the first layer. I hot glued this down, and it seemed to stick well. My only suggestion if I was doing this again would have been to use a larger tipped glue gun. (I used the mini one, the only gun I own).




I layered 2 layers of generic batting, that I also had cut yesterday at Joann's.




I had already ironed both the front and the back of the Christopher Lowell Caramel Tweed fabric. 50% off. Really. I had it laid across the dining table, and after the batting had been affixed, matched and lined up the material and started my first set of staples on the top end.




Next, I pulled the sides around, then the bottom. The corners were last, and honestly, there wasn't a great technique I could mention to do this. I just kind of folded it to the back, while watching the front to make sure it pulled the way I wanted, and was smooth.

Now, since the expensive, nailhead trim was wooing me, I had found this product while viewing other version's of this product online. It's a roll of metal trim, where every 5th bauble takes a real nailhead. Pound that in with a rubber mallet, and watch those corners. I went around the whole thing and pounded the nailheads for the second time.





Then, flip over! All done!



(last task? We've decided NOT to hang this on the wall, but rather to brace it and attach with bolts to our bedframe. We are using scraps from the 3/4" plywod to make these, and some bolts. That's the fiance's job though...)




So, total this one up:

3/4" Plywood, cut to size, 60"w x 32"h, $0 (think around $20 if you were to buy a 4x8 sheet at the local hardware store
1/2" foam, $11.25
3 1/2 yards (enough for 2 layers) of 54" batting, $9.50
2 yards of 54" Tweed fabric, $31.50
Nailhead trim kit, $8
TOTAL: $60.25 + $6 tax= $66.25 (let's just say "$67" for good measure)

So, $1300 or $67? I'll take the latter, and the gorgeous headboard please. Now, to revamp the rest of the room to suit this elegant piece. :-) I'm sure the fiance will love that!

Can't wait to cozy up to it!