Christmas Table Toppers

I'm obsessed with this topper - I have 2 others done - and am working on my 4th one as of tonight.  I had a client send me one to quilt and fell in love!  Now I want to make them with every spare charm pack or mini I own!  

I used a charm back of Joy by Kate Spain for Moda for this one.  Out of 1 charm pack - you cut squares down to 2 1/2 and you can get a full topper and the middle of another one.  I used an Avalon (Fig Tree) charm pack and did one just like the Christmas one - and than did one with the middle patchworked with a border around it instead of the squares.   ANYWAYS - love this and you'll be seeing a lot more of these!  

I quilted it using the Glacee  pattern and love how it turned out!  

Isn't it cute all set up for Christmas (was cute)!

The next one is this simple square table topper out of Sentiments by 3 Sisters.  The more I see out of this line the more I'm drawn to it.  

I used Christmas Paisley for this one.  Love how it looks on the plain red backing.  

I love table toppers - great to have around the house when you need a little color and perfect for those quick gifts you decide you need last minute.  

I'm not very good at using all my scraps when they just sit around - so after I'm done with a quilt - if the leftover fabrics are just scrappy - I try to cut up to make a runner or topper.  Gets a quick project out of the way and makes me feel like I'm using all my fabric!

500th Post - and a Giveaway!

Whaoo!  This is my 500th post!  I remember the day I started blogging.  I questioned my decision over and over again to jump into the blogging world.  I remember writing the post and holding onto it for a week or two before I posted it.

The fine line of wanting to capture memories and important moments with my kids - yet a little anxious about putting my kids out there on the internet for all to see.  The balancing act of hobby vs family blog.  Who knew I had so much to say and show over the last 5 years!

I appreciate so much the kind words and sweet comments I have gotten over the years.  The words of advise on hard days.  The cheering my family on during our new adventures.  The support and compliments on my little projects.  And especially the encouragement in starting my new business.  I appreciate each and every comment I receive and page view I get.  I know our time is precious and I am so grateful that people my be interested in what goes on in my little world.

To honor all that and celebrate my 500th post - I thought it would be fun to host a little giveaway.  This is my first giveaway, so I'm pretty excited!

I went back and forth on what to offer.  Fabric because I love it so much?  A pattern that is on my to do list?  A finished something?  Which is what I ended up with.  I chose a table runner.  And not just a table runner, but one of my favorites.

I made a couple of the runners when I was trying to complete a Schnibbles  project and decided I was Schnibbles impaired.  But what came out of my mistakes was a couple of my favorite runners ever!  I love these pastel colors from the Martinique line by 3 Sisters.  Especially right now - they bring a springy feel into the house which is so needed with the cold out!

I also love the backing on this runner - flip the runner for a different look.  Aqua and red is so in right now I love it!

And stars - you all should know about my love affair with stars....so this runner has it all for me!

  

 I love runners for several reasons - I can use up scraps from my quilting projects, I can get them done in an hour and feel like I've accomplished something.  I love the pop of color they add to areas in my house.  And I love that I can change them out monthly if I like.  

I use them on my dining table, entry table, coffee table, island, dresser - they can go everywhere.  I even throw them over a chair now and then to add some color into my family room.  

So...the giveaway part - EASY - leave me a comment telling me what your favorite project/hobby is.  Doesn't have to be sewing related - anything you want - I want to get to know you and what you like to do most in life!  

I'll chose a winner next Monday the 11th and announce it here.  Please make sure you aren't a no reply email so I can contact you via email if you win.  

Good luck - and thank you so much for stopping by.

Linking up to WIP Wednesdays!

Fall Tumblers Runner

In honor of fall - I whipped out a table runner with my new obsession tumblers!

I love the pops of purples in this line.  It is Moda - Primitive Gatherings - Little Gathers (or Seasonal Gatherings).  This line has got some great prints that would be good to stash away for back grounds!

I found this backing from my stash.  I'm going through all my bins and pull anything over a yard and putting it on mini bolts.  I'm thinking if I have the yardage readily available and can view it easily, I'll not only remember what I have but I'll be able to get at it and use it!  Since I started this process I have rolled over 150 bolts - and I'm not even 1/3 of the way through....who knew I had so much fabric!

This was a fun quick project for fall.  Glad I got something new done!

Its Officially Fall

Here in these parts, its getting a little crisper in the air at night, the days aren't quite as hot, school is in full swing, and I've brought out the fall decor.

I always try to get quilts finished up before the season starts so that I have some new decorations for the house.  But most the time, I can't pull it off and find myself whipping up fall quilts during fall, Christmas quilts during Christmas....I just can't stay one step ahead of the game!

Last year I went on a BIG fall bender of quilt making.  Pulled out my fall bin of fabrics and decided I was going to clean out the bin by making quilts and/or runners.  In case you want to be reminded go here, here, here, here, here,  or here.  All small runners or table toppers.  I also finished off another at the beginning of the year here.  The fall pinwheel runner is still one of my favorites today!

Sadly - I have a few more runners/quilts I made last year but never finished.  I've spent the last few weeks quilting and binding a few unfinished projects.  My goal for the end of the year is to have every quilt that is currently quilted - bound and complete.

I made a version of this same quilt last year, but this one I added an extra border to make it larger for a table topper or small baby quilt.

I'm a sucker for anything plaid, stars, and fall - so this was a perfect combo in my book.

The back fabric - LOVE THIS PLAID - and this picture doesn't do it justice.  

Nice to get another quilt off my floor and off my to do list!

Tumbler Topper

I finished my first tumbler quilt out of Lucy's Crab Shack by Sweetwater.  I loved the plaid border I used in this line.  It is what made me go out and get all the charm packs.  

I wanted a table topper for my game table downstairs, or my island in the kitchen.  I can't decide - I may have to make another one.

I did some straight line quilting around all the blocks and a plaid zig zag thing in the border.  I can't believe this little topper took me an hour or so, but I like how it turned out.  

 

I love that I've changed up my normal block quilt with a tumbler block.  Its still as easy an quick, but gives me a different look.  

I bought a mini charm pack (or 4) of Marmalade by Bonnie and Camille.  I think that will be my next tumbler quilt.  How could would a mini one be????

Christmas Presences in July

I always like to get a jump start on my Christmas projects, but don't always achieve my goal.  I've had this runner quilted and waiting to be bound for probably over a year now....so I jumped the Christmas in July idea and finished it up.

This runner was made out of the patchwork fabric squares from the Christmas Presences line by April Cornell for Moda.  I LOVE this line.  I have a bin full of it still.  I have a big quilt made waiting to be quilted of this patchwork fabric.  The only thing I didn't like about the patchwork fabric is the amazing black and green fabrics that MADE this line are not included in the patchwork.  Seems odd to leave out the most striking fabrics, but I still bought yards of it.

The red in in this line is the perfect red and I love the cream holly berry fabric and the textured fabrics from this line.  How there is plaids, prints and textures all together.

The binding fabric which is red with a darker red polka dot is one of my favorite fabrics from the line.

That was a simple project of quilting and binding that should have NEVER taken me a whole year to complete!  I'm glad its out of my way and ready for my table come December.

July 4th Table Runner

I have been having a love affair with stars and quilts lately.  It seems like nearly every quilt on my to do list has stars of some sort on it.  I am a star junky - so I often ask myself why I don't have a patriotic star quilt that I have made hanging up this time of year.

So I made one - a carpenter star quilt out of Prairie Paisley II.  I love it - may be in my top 3 favorite quilts of all time.  Problem is - I haven't quilted it yet.  Alway seem to have a backlog in quilting my own quilts.

So last Sunday I wandered downstairs to check out the sewing room.  About an 1 1/2 hours later I came upstairs with this.

I had seen a table runner similar to this in the latest Potterybarn catalog.  I love this runner but why pay $69 when I can make one myself?  I like the length of the Potterybarn runner and the simplicity of it.  So I may have to make another pass at this little project.  But for an hour or so project I think this turned out pretty cute.

I even managed to quilt it and get the binding sewn on within that short amount of time.  Within the next day or so I had the binding stitched down and had it on display.

The only space in my house that looks festive.  Maybe this weekend I'll get around to the rest of the house!

Urban Cowgirl

I have been having a love thing for Urban Cowgirl lately.  I bought 5 charm packs, a fat eighth bundle and some yardage...

I cut a bunch of squares out to make this star quilt  and they have been sitting on my cutting table untouched ever since.  I did have a small strip left over from each fat eighth.  So I made 3 of these.

As if you couldn't tell, I'm into making table runners lately.  Let me tell you why...

  a) I can use up ALL my scraps
  b) A quick project and I can feel like I've achieved and finished something
  c) Great gifts to have laying around
  d) Additions to the shop

So you can be expected to see some runners for me in the future.  Each project I cut I will be using the scraps for these little runners.

I bought this great little yellow Riley Blake polka dot to go on the back.  Love this yardage it works with just about everything!

I've been changing out my decor for some springy looking colors.  This runner fits in nicely for this time of year.  Good thing I made 3 so I can keep one for myself!

A Schnibbles Finish - sort of

Remember my Schnibbles Impaired post - I clearly have issues finishing these small blocks, but I finally got them finished.  Not into 1 quilt, but 3 table runners - all a little different from one another.

The first one has a aqua pieced border and went to live at Whitney's home (shocker she takes home everything!)

This one is my favorite I think of the 3 and has a small aqua pieced border and then a white and pink pieced outer border.  I love this line (Martinique by 3 Sisters) and I love how the colors work together.

The last one I made a bit wider with a bitty red inner border and a aqua paisley border.  I think the red border really pulls the stars out.  Loving the paisley print.

After I realized the actual schnibbles quilt wouldn't be completed, my goal was to get them finished somehow.  I didn't need another unfinished project laying around.  I quickly quilted the finish runners with a baby loop and finally got them bound the last week or so.  Even though they didn't turn out like I wanted, I am thrilled with these little runners.  Maybe more so then I would have been with the actual quilt.  Nice to have them bound and done!  I can add another finished 2012 project!  Its been awhile so I'm glad I can get one added to the list.

Table Runner Palooza

Towards the end of December I gathered up a bunch of table runners I had quilted, but had yet to bind.  One day I made binding for all of them.

Valentine Pinwheels

I then got busy making some Valentine table runners - so those got thrown in front of the others.

Valentine 4 Square

But finally I got all but 1 done - and wanted to keep my 2012 list going!

Fandango Runner

I love the Fandango fabrics and this will be so fun and springy!  I got to practice my crosshatch quilting too which is always good, as I need the practice!



Fall Plaid Pinwheels

The fall plaid pinwheels runner is one of my favorites! I was so worried about how these country looking plaids would be against the white back ground - but I LOVE how they turned out.

One goal for 2012 is to try and use up all my small scraps when cutting out a quilt - so you'll see a lot of runners being made for each of my projects this year. I love a quick project - love to give them as gifts - and love changing them out in my house. They add the perfect splash of color to any room!

Valentine's Runner

I spent a few hours binding last night and finished up a few table runners - two of which are Valentine ones.

I love this quick and easy table runners using jelly roll strips or half a charm square and white fabric.  The white border makes it for a more modern feel which I love.

I also made another strip runner to put on my island - again, and easy quick project to add a little color throughout the house.

I am linking up this week to Finish it up Fridays and Whoop Whoop for my first time.  Trying to stay productive and having something to show each week!

WIP Wednesdays

This is my first time linking to WIP Wednesdays - but I'm so inspired and loving seeing what others are working on, I thought it would be fun to submit a few of my projects and help motivate me to get something done each week!



This last week I have been trying to get some Valentine's runners done for my Etsy shop and a few to have at my house also.  I got two done this week from start to finish!  Along with one ready to bind, another one to be quilted, and a fun heart wall hanging that just needs borders.  Gotta love pinterst for those great ideas!  Now if Sam would just stay alseep at night I could get things done.  Also, I wouldn't recommend sewing with the Kardashians on - its like a train wreck I can't look away from.  So slowed me down last night!

This is the runner I finished on Monday - its long for my entry way table - love how the white border makes this a more modern feel. 

I need a long runner to use on my entry table - fits perfectly!

Also finished up this runner, which will go nicely on my kitche island.  Making the house look a little more festive for Valentine's day! 

Now I just need to get the heart wall hanging done - its coming together so much cuter than I had thought.  Don't you love being surprised!

Grace Table Runner

Earlier this year - I first saw this quilt made out of the Grace line by 3 Sisters.  I fell in love and counted down the days til the line went on sale.  I bought all the fabric to make that quilt.  A few weeks ago I cut it all out - its sitting in a bag waiting for me to start it.  Goal is to have it done before Christmas. 

We'll see how that goes.

In an effort to use up all my scraps I had a few leftover after cutting up the quilt.  I had to make something with this beautiful line.

I pick this quick little table runner to display this great line.  I'm loving these runners with a pop of color in the middle surrounded by a solid fabric.  They are quick and easy, yet bold and fun!  Available in the shop and more to come in Christmas fabrics...whipped up a few more this weekend!

Queen of Hearts Bliss Style

I had a few extra blocks from my Bliss Buggy Barn quilt, so I decided to make another table runner.  I think I like this one even better than the first one!

A lot brighter and fun for spring.  I'm loving the aqua/red combo of colors in this line.  And of course the polka dots - I can never get enough of the dots!  I used the dots in the binding and the backing.  I love how fun these are to make and cute project for a gift or to add a little something to the table!

Queen of Hearts

Finished a fun little table runner this weekend.  I used a few Buggy Barn blocks as my inspiration.  I love the way it turned out!

I love getting a fun quick project done BEFORE the actual holiday hits.  Check out my etsy store for this runner and other Valentine inspired items.

Pinwheel Runner

Using this tutorial I whipped up a couple of these runners last weekend.  I had a few friends to get gifts for and thought these would fit them just right.  They were fairly quick and fun to make.

Looking through this blog I have seen this same runner done up in various color ways.  I think this may be my new go to pattern when I have left over scraps.  So cute!

I love finding fun patterns through other peoples blogs.  Sharing ideas and helping others, makes this blog world fun.

Simple Little Runner

In preparation for the Boutique I wanted to get some table runners done - yet didn't have tons of time.  So I reverted back to squares.

Using this tutorial I made a few table runners.  I love this pattern.  Its quick and easy - yet adds a little something different with the use of ric rack.

A Christmas version using Sandy Gervais current Christmas line Adoring.

A fall version using Sandy Gervais current fall line Awesome.

And a Halloween version using and old Minick and Simpson line Scaredy Cat.

The Christmas and Fall versions sold at the Boutique.  The Halloween version is still available in my etsy shop.

If you have any charms packs lying around and need a quick decoration or gift idea this is a great go to pattern!  Thanks Camille for another wonderful pattern.