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Reversible Table Runner

make-it-monday

linen-table-runner1

Here’s a quick project as you get ready for warmer weather. A linen runner made from two different fabrics for a reversible effect. I used a die-cut linen that I found locally, but you could create this textured look with lace, eyelet, an old tablecloth, sheer embroidered linen, or a single gauze cotton. This runner would be perfect for a summer dinner party and would also make a nice Mother’s Day gift. The finished size is 16″ x 60″, but you will have enough fabric to make the center pieces larger to suit your needs.

And look at that, my mother’s irises finally bloomed in our yard after coming up with no blooms for five years.

linen-table-runner2

Here are the instructions:

Supplies:
Linen, 2 yards (1 yard each of two colors)
Matching thread

Seam allowance: 1/2″

1. CUT FABRIC: Cut fabric according to the dimensions shown below.

step-1

2. SEW PIECES TOGETHER: Sew the two opposite shorter pieces to each long piece, right sides together. See below for fabric layout. Trim the excess fabric and press the seams flat. If you are concerned about your fabric fraying, finish the raw edges with an overcasting stitch.

step-2

3. SEW RUNNER TOGETHER: Place pieced sides right sides together and pin them in place, being sure to align the seams. Sew around all sides, leaving a 6″ opening to turn the fabric right sides out, as shown below. Trim the excess fabric and sew an overcasting stitch, if desired. Turn right sides out and poke out the corners with a blunt tool. Sew the opening closed by hand.

step-3

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Rainbows

rainbow

We headed to the Blue Ridge mountains for a quick escape from the pollen.  This area had a massive ice storm on Christmas Day and the debris remains everywhere, as you can see at the bottom of the hill here.  But look at this.  Who doesn’t get excited about a rainbow?

Now back to reality.  Hopefully I’ll get back to posting this week.

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Husband Cozy

husband-cozy

Tired of your husband sitting around gathering dust? Make a cozy for him! This is a great project to use up those fabric scraps and try your hand at patchwork.

Supplies:

  • Spouse (husband, significant other, girlfriend, partner)
  • Crazy glue
  • Extra sharp scissors
  • Chewing gum

To get the head measurements just right, have your spouse lie down directly on the fabric while you cut around his head with a pair of large, sharp scissors. Careful around the ears! Next, keeping the spouse’s head inside the fabric, take it to your sewing machine and sew around the head for a snug fit.  Cut any loose hairs that peek through the seam.

And finally, put your new cozy on display!  You can put him on the shelf or have him out for the kids to view. This would also make a fun papier-mâché project; just be sure to add air holes.

Happy April Fool’s Day! No husbands were harmed in the making of this cozy.