My lovely future daughter-in-law asked me to make runners for the 8' long tables wedding reception tables. The wedding will be an intentional juxtaposition of elegance and family picnic. The setting is a beautiful 1800's ranch home surrounded by avocado groves and flower gardens. The day will be filled with elements of whimsey and fun but still formal and lovely. She chose a couple of fun paisley fabrics for the runners that will go over deep eggplant purple tablecloths. I wanted the runners to have weight and a little sparkle so I found lining material in solid light weight cotton poplin and 1/2 amber bead trim.
Today the cutting and sewing commenced.
My artist husband lent both hands for the cutting out using quilting roller and straight edge (he is much more precise than I.)
The runners are 14" wide and 9' long.
The first sewing step - attaching the bead trim. Use scotch tape to adhere trim to fabric, then sew using a Bernina #4 Zipper foot, designed to allow you to stitch close to the edge. Sew right over the tape. You lift it off when you are done.
Pin (always pin!) the right side of paisley to lining, then sew on top of the trim sew line. Pin sides together and sew all four sides leaving four inch gap on one side so that you can turn it right side out.
Iron your seams flat. TIP: Good sewing means good ironing. Take the time to press your seams toward one side so that when you press the side seams, they are neat and crisp.
Next, spray with starch and press runner flat, Then top stitch close to edge.
Finish runner hanging over door with purple fabric underneath.
Runner folded to show lining.
Here's what it looks like on a mock table with china from a previous post. Love wedding details, preparation and dreams.
The metamorphisis continues but getting started on one out of sixteen runners is a start! More to come.
Love the pattern on this fabric you used, CJ, but the beaded trim is the icing on the cake!
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful... And you made it seem so simple!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Debbie
Sew beautiful! Sorry, couldn't help myself. You did make it seem easy. Love the two colors together.
ReplyDeleteThese are so beautiful! Love the colors! Thanks for visiting and if you want me to make you some Royal towels, I would gladly do it!
ReplyDeleteLove the colours. You made it look so easy :) thanks for the step by step tutorial.
ReplyDeleteGreat fabric and nice tutorial. Theses will be used for many years to come. Thank you for stopping by my post. Cherry Kay
ReplyDeletewhat a lovely table runner! I love the colors and the fabric pattern! thanks for linking upt at TSWL!
ReplyDelete