Liberty Spool Runner

I was thrilled to pieces when I heard that Riley Blake Designs was going to be the U.S. distributor for Liberty of London quilting weight cotton. I've long been a fan of Liberty's gorgeous designs, and getting the chance to work with their new Hesketh House collection was such a treat.

These prints have all the beautiful details of their famous lawn with all the durability of quilting cotton. It's a quilter's dream!

Because I wanted to showcase as many prints as I could in a table runner, I decided to do a very basic small spool block. Each spool has a different fabric as the thread, and then I used a black floral print for the spool ends to tie it all together.

The piece is hand quilted in white Valdani Perle Cotton -- my first attempt with this thread, and it was such a pleasure to use. Hand quilting always adds so much lovely texture and personality, I think. A white solid works nicely for both the background and the binding so that all the focus is on those sweet spools.

This was one of those projects where finishing is almost bittersweet. I'm so glad to see it done, but I'm really going to miss working on it every night...

Let's Bake Table Runner

Today is my stop on the Let's Bake Sew Along, hosted and created by the amazing Lori Holt. These sweet little blocks feature ingredient canisters, a hand mixer, and a quartet of cupcakes. They're from another one of Lori's beautiful applique quilt patterns, and I decided to turn them into a runner for our breakfast nook table.

I used a mix of prints from several different Riley Blake designers as well as some RBD basics to get the eclectic look I love so much. It was a surprise to me how small these pieces are -- the individual blocks finish at about 6" square -- and this makes the project go quickly, even with the hand sewing. Applique is something I very rarely attempt but always enjoy. Adding extra touches like a ric-rac "cord" and "cherry" buttons just make this piece so much fun.

I made a few changes from the original pattern. There is no ric-rac at the top of the cupcake liners because I forgot to order it in time, and I only made 4 cupcakes instead of 6 so that it would fit more neatly on the runner. I also fussy cut a few words from Lori's adorable recipe print for the canister labels instead of embroidering the words from her pattern. My daughters thought "Doughnuts" and "Cookies" were a great idea!

The runner is backed in a mixing bowl print from Lori's Bake Sale 2 collection. It's a perfect match for the front of the runner, and I love the way it looks with a frame of aqua and white striped binding.

It's been a goal of mine to make seasonal runners for the little table where my girls eat breakfast every morning, so it feels great to add another one to our growing collection. Baking is one of my very favorite things to do, and now that my daughters are starting to help out in the kitchen more often with me, I know they'll be thrilled to have this reminder of those special moments in front of them every morning when they wake up.

Happy sewing, friends!

Goldilocks Table Set

The Goldilocks collection seems as if it belongs with my family's treasury of vintage children's picture books. I am such a fan of Jill Howarth's midcentury style of illustration, and she's created an adorable cast of characters for her designs. My daughters actually squealed when I showed them the prints.

I was sorting through all the possibilities of what to make with this fabric when my sister suggested the perfect idea while we were chatting by phone between Texas and California: a table set. "It's fitting, right?" she added, referring to the porridge incident in the Goldilocks storyline. I couldn't have agreed more.

I've been trying to add to our collection of place mats and table runners for the breakfast nook this year. It's fun to change things up with the seasons, and it's a sewing project that takes far less time than a quilt. I used simple rectangles for my daughters' place mats, and the small runner is a quilt-as-you-go herringbone pattern inspired by my friend Maureen's tutorial, which I've used before to make some of my favorite pillow covers. 

I tried to add some fun details like twill tape labels and crocheted lace to the set. There's also a "story" on each place mat for the girls to look at while eating their cereal in the morning. It's all very sweet and simple, but full of personality. I love having handmade items like this in our home, welcoming us as we come down to breakfast. It just seems like such a great way to start the day.

And everyone lived happily ever after.

Apple Farm Makeover

I've known Amanda from Westwood Acres for years now. In fact one of the first full collection bundles I ever bought was from her shop, a fat eighth stack of Madrona Road by Violet Craft that I could not resist late one night. Amanda asked recently if she could send me some fabric to use in an upcoming blog post, and she surprised me with a lovely bundle of Apple Farm by Elea Lutz (one of my favorite designers, as you know) and a gorgeous stack of Lecien's Modern Basics text prints which I'm dying to use in my next patchwork project. Seeing those darling Apple Farm prints, though, made me decide that it was time to make a few fun accents for our breakfast nook. 

If I had to pick my favorite furniture in our home, it would definitely be the Amish breakfast nook that my parents purchased when we moved to Texas. It's perfect in every way (the seats even lift up to reveal storage for all my table linens) and it's been a sweet spot for the girls and me to share breakfast together every morning before we start school. I use green plastic cafeteria trays for the girls to eat on so that we keep the mess contained -- another one of my favorite things -- but the table has been needing a small, narrow runner to brighten things up. 

I pulled out my copy of Quilty Fun by talented Lori Holt and opened to her adorable Apple-licious Quilt. I used her two apple blocks to create a small runner that's just the perfect size for our table. The background fabric tends a bit toward the busy side, but I've learned that, when it comes to table runners, that's probably for the best if I want to hide any spills and splatters! Lori is such a genius when it comes to making cute blocks that sew up easily and quickly. These were such fun to make.

It took me less than an hour to whip up a quick patchwork pillow to add to our bench that would go with the runner. Simple squares are always a favorite with me, and I love being able to make another fun addition to our pillow collection for the breakfast nook. 

My girls were absolutely delighted to see the new decorations for their special spot, and I'm pretty delighted to have friends as nice as Amanda who made it possible. To me this is everything that makes fall cozy. All that's missing is a pot of tea and some cookies. Speaking of which, I'd better get to work on that...

Scrappy Improv Runner

I bought a copy of The Improv Handbook for Modern Quilters by Sherri Wood last month and was fascinated by her ideas about quilting. Rather than working from a pattern, she works from a "score," a set of guidelines for the quilt instead of specific measurements and precise directions. So when Mom asked if I would make a small runner for the top of her bedroom dresser, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to give these techniques a try.

For my score, I decided to use rectangles cut by hand with scissors instead of a rotary cutter. For the color scheme, I alternated a rainbow of colors with low volume prints -- a look that I adore. I love playing with fabric to find the right balance of color and light in my projects. This has a cheerful look that's so bright and happy.

I backed the runner in a woven aqua gingham print from the new Checkers line by Cotton + Steel. It's quilted in straight lines about half an inch apart and bound in a low volume text print by Zen Chic.

I have to admit, improv quilting is fun. While I get a lot of pleasure from working with traditional patterns, there's nothing like sewing things together without worrying about matching points or perfect seams. That kind of freedom is so appealing, and I will definitely be doing this again.

Tinsel Gift Tag Runner (with Tag Block Tutorial)

Almost as soon as I finished my Luggage Tag Quilt, I immediately started pulling fabric for a smaller version, a Christmas Gift Tag Runner. I've been saving Cotton + Steel's adorable Tinsel collection for this year's Christmas sewing, and these prints couldn't be more perfect for this project.

For those of you who might be interested in making a "gift tag" project of your own, I made each of these blocks using one 3 x 4.5" rectangle and two 1" squares.

Just place the squares at the top corners of the rectangle (right sides of the fabric together) and sew diagonally across from the outside lower corner of the square to the inside upper corner. Trim the seam allowance and press the seam open.

And there you have it...a simple little tag block perfect for projects that feature luggage tags, gift tags, price tags -- you name it! If you make any projects with one of these, be sure to tag me @fabricmutt on Instagram.

I would have spaced these blocks apart a bit further, but I really wanted to use that lime green fabric for the sashing even though I didn't have much left. The runner is backed in a Tinsel washi tape print, and I bound it in a Stitched Circles print from Zen Chic's amazing new Modern Background collection. I used my favorite wavy stitch on my sewing machine for the quilting.

I don't think I've ever gotten such a head start on my Christmas sewing. It feels amazing to be so ahead of the game...for today anyway!

Recipe for a Table Runner

Sew together a stack of prints by Anna Maria Horner.

Add some dense quilting courtesy of Aurifil thread in a lovely shade of gold. Be sure to sew back and forth in different directions to tug at the center seam so that it waves gently down the runner.

Include a Juliana Horner print on the back and some Kona Ivory for the binding.

Sit, stare, and be happy.

Playing with Fabric

One of my fabric auditions finally got the part: Breakfast in Bed is now a happy little runner for our dining room table. I played with the bundle a bit more before I finally settled on the right mix of three inch squares.

I used black yarn dyed Essex linen on the sides, two strips of Chicopee that I pulled from a jelly roll for the binding, and some Happy Dishes by Melody Miller for the back. It's a rather quirky side of spring, but I like it just fine.

I love these little ducklings by Heather Ross. Somehow they didn't make the cut for Nursery Versery, but I've been wanting them ever since I first saw them on Spoonflower.

Speaking of Heather Ross, have you seen the news about the Briar Rose contest that's being sponsored by Pink Castle Fabrics, Threadbias, and Windham Fabrics? Create a lap quilt using the new quilt design tool at Threadbias for a shot at enough Briar Rose fabric to actually make the quilt. I'm absolutely loving her latest fabric collection, so of course I jumped right in this afternoon and put together the design you see above. This was my first chance to play with the quilt design tool, though I've heard plenty about it in the past few months. It only took me a few minutes to get the hang of it, and I can absolutely see why people are excited about this little gadget. Just pop over to the Pink Castle Fabrics blog here to get all the details about the contest. It's free, it's fun, and you get to play with virtual Heather Ross fabric. What could be better than that?

Linking up to Fabric Tuesday.

Sweetcakes Baking Party Set Tutorial

I'm so excited to be sharing a tutorial at Riley Blake Designs today! When they asked me to look at their new fabric lines for inspiration, I was immediately taken with the new Sweetcakes collection by Doodlebug Design Inc. With prints that showcase strawberries, cupcakes, hearts, and flowers, it seemed like the perfect backdrop for a little girl's baking party. And since both Valentine's Day and my oldest daughter's birthday are coming up in February, I'm definitely on the lookout for new party ideas! You get plenty of bang for your buck with this one -- it's actual four tutorials in one, including...

The Party Bag

The Cake Bunting

The Cake Rug

The Apron

Hop on over to Riley Blake Designs, and check it out!

Linking up to Plum & June.

Feather Runner

When I started working on the feather quilt for my nieces using fabrics from Tula Pink's stunning Prince Charming collection, I made one large feather, roughly based on Anna Maria Horner's pattern. When it was finished, it looked a little thick for my taste, so I trimmed the sides...once, twice, three times. Each time, I found that the trimmed pieces could be put together to make a new feather by themselves. I ended up with three feathers for the quilt, and a spare which has now become a table runner that I adore.

I used a zig-zag stitch to applique it to a long piece of natural Essex linen. I quilted intermittent lines down the length of the piece, leaving the feather alone to make it stand out. The binding is linen too, so that all the focus will be on that strip of color in the center.

The runner is backed in a print by Joel Dewberry. It's just over forty-three inches long, so it will run through the entire center of our table, with just enough room for my mother and I to have our place settings at the ends.

The quilt for my nieces is still in progress. I finished the top and backing today, and I plan to have it quilted and bound by the end of the weekend. Hopefully I'll have pictures to share by Monday...

Have a lovely weekend!

Linking up to Crazy Mom Quilts.

Details

It sounds like Lori and I aren't the only ones who have been nervously longing to try our hand at making a Weekender Bag. Some of you even admitted that you've been sitting on the pattern for a while, too afraid to attempt it alone. I'm so excited that we'll all get the chance to finally try it out together! If you'd like to share photos and talk about the process as we go along, Lori has set up a Long Weekend group on Threadbias, and I've started a Long Weekend group on Flickr. Feel free to join either or both -- they're both great sites for building community! I just started pulling my fabric for the bag this afternoon as you can see above: lime green linen for most of the exterior accented with a red dotty print (Riley Blake, I believe) and some Nursery Versery. My version is going to be for my daughters, so I thought a little Heather Ross might be in order. I'm hoping to start cutting this weekend.

I'm also trying to finish my Modernista Swap project this week. My mini quilt is from another brilliant pattern by Kristy of Quiet Play. Does that girl know her way around paper piecing or what? Such a great design, and so perfect for embellishing with fun details.

Last night I finished the top of a table runner -- for my Modernista swap partner as well -- using a mini charm pack of Marmlade and some natural linen. This collection is just the sweetest set of prints, and I love the range of colors. I was so taken with this mini pack that I ended up going back to buy a full size charm pack of Marmalade for myself. The fabric addiction strikes again...

Hope you're all having a great week!

Linking up to WIP Wednesday.

Fall Patchwork Table Mat Tutorial

Several of you have asked me lately to talk more about how I choose the fabrics and colors that I use in a project, so I thought I would share a bit about that in my tutorial today. I've been wanting to make something for fall, and this table mat seemed like the perfect weekend project. This tutorial is meant to be a guide to the process; I don't give you any specific measurements only because I know that everyone is going to need a different size and shape for their table.

I've been poring over books by Suzuko Koseki lately, and I'm loving the simplicity of her patchwork projects. I knew that I wanted to make a simple table runner with three inch squares on one side and a single piece of fabric on the other. So I went to my stash and just started randomly pulling out any fabrics that felt like fall, either because of the colors or the print. The stack above is almost all of the prints I had out when I was finished.

I then sorted these even more, pulling out a print here and there, grouping things that looked good together, and trying to find a nice balance between low volume patterns (prints with a white or neutral background) and more colorful prints. I wanted a mix of dots, stripes, text, colors, and even a little linen thrown in -- my three Heather Ross prints are all linen blends, while the rest of the fabrics are cotton. Once I had a group of fabrics that I liked, I cut out six three-inch squares from each print. I wasn't sure exactly how large my runner would end up being, but I would rather do all the cutting up front than have to go back and cut more later. Extra pieces can always be used for other projects.

At the last minute, I switched out the pink Lizzy House print for a brown wood grain pattern from Aviary 2. While I loved the leaves, I felt that the pink threw off the color scheme just a bit for me, and I liked the way the brown warmed up the entire palette.

Once you're set on your prints, start lining up your squares. Take your time and play around with it. I chose to alternate low volume and darker prints to emphasize the patchwork look. I also like to make sure that the same prints aren't right next to each other so that there's a nice variety throughout the piece.

Start sewing the squares together. While this sounds simple, it's really easy to make mistakes. A difference of just an eighth of an inch can throw off your rows badly, so it's important to match up the seams carefully as you go. Rather than doing one long row at a time, it's a better idea to sew the squares together in groups of two or three and then sew the groups together, pressing and matching up all the seams as you go along. Have a seam ripper handy just in case.

Once you've sewn all your squares together in the shape and size you need, cut a piece of batting and a piece of backing fabric to complete your table mat. Stack them in this order from the bottom: batting, backing fabric (right side up), patchwork fabric (wrong side up).

Pin the pieces together and start sewing a quarter inch all the way around your stack, leaving a 6-7 inch gap for turning on one side. Clip your corners and turn the piece right side out, pushing out the corners inside with a chopstick. Press the mat, turning the raw edges of your gap inside so that they match up with the rest of the finished edges.

Sew all around the mat again, a quarter inch from the edge. Now go back and quilt the piece. I chose to sew a quarter inch from either side of every patchwork seam on the top. Once you finish that, you can use and enjoy -- it doesn't even need any binding!

Please let me know if this tutorial is useful to you. While I love sharing projects that I enjoy making, I also want to give back to our quilting community by sharing tutorials that are helpful to all of you. If you make one of these -- or any project I've shared on the blog -- please join my Inspired by Fabric Mutt Flickr group and post a picture. I would love to share pictures of your projects in an upcoming post!

It's wonderful to see this fall runner on our table. It makes me so excited about the coming holidays. Even better, my father absolutely loves this table mat -- and when Dad likes a sewing project, that's a pretty high compliment in our house!

Linking up to Fabric Tuesday.