14" X 37"
For the beginnings of this project see:
This project was an eye opener (lesson) for me. I've never embroidered a table runner before and when it came time to add borders, I added and ripped 3 versions. I should have taken pictures to show you, but at the time I was upset my ideas didn't work (on paper they looked good but when applied they looked tacky). It was the same when I planned the embroidery. I had planned four design sections (see the blog "Wedding Gift Season"), and was glad I completed one section on each corner first. The extra sections would have made it too cluttered. I didn't want to compete with the platters or the vase she might be using on it.
I have only Quilted on my regular sewing machine once and never quilted by hand. I did both here.
These pictures are of the two embroidered units on the quilt:
LEFT UNIT RIGHT UNIT
I don't know if you can see it but I tried my hand at hand quilting. I outlined the two units. I started with a hoop and two thimbles. I used the plastic ones that are fitted to the fingers. I used one on the under finger and one on the right middle finger. I moved them around to other fingers during the experimental stage. I was very interested in learning to do this because I want to hand quilt a huge quilt I have named "Treasured Time". I have attached all but one border which is pinned on awaiting me to sew it on. It is king size. I have been working on it for 10 years. It is a king size quilt entirely pieced by hand. Pics will be available as soon as the border is attached. I don't know if I will be up to the task of hand quilting it but I know it is too fragile to put on the quilt machine. I know from doing this little bit I need a teacher or a good book. Another lesson I learned from the small project is I will have to have this huge quilt on rails. It is too much to handle in my lap.
I had to discard the hoop when I was half way through one of the units. It was very uncomfortable for me to use. and then I discarded the right hand thimble. I was more comfortable using my finger nails to push and control the needle. I did give it the "ole college try". but I do need help.
The rest of the runner I marked with the blue pencil and quilted on the machine. I didn't mention I thread basted the runner every four inches both ways. I wish I had done it every two inches. It seemed there was too much play in the fabrics and batting. I used the even feed quilting foot which came with my Janome machine. I had tried to use the quilting bar once and was very disappointed in my consistency with it. I knew if I measured and marked it would be even.
I was very glad I had not pre-washed the fabric before I embroidered on it. I didn't pre-wash the backing or the batting either (the backing is the same fabric as the front). I used Hobbs 20/80. They did shrink up giving the runner an old item, with a soft feel and look.
On the back I didn't put a lable. I just embroidered my name into the backing. I did not want to personalize the runner till I find out if they like it and want to keep it. If they do then I will take it home and put their names and date on it.
Every gift needs a card to accompany it. I used the embroidery pattern to design the card. It is printed on card stock and colored in with colored pencils. The size is 6 X 9 inches.
For the inside I printed a piece of onion skin with design and line drew the colors. Inside I wrote care instructions with the fabric contents of the runner.
Thank you for visiting. I love sharing my projects. All writings, patterns, and pictures shown here are mine. Please ask permission before using. (Credit is given for items not my own)
