Table runners!!!

There is so much going on and I am taking so many pictures, I can barely keep ahead of the game. But that is good because I love pictures - and it is always exciting to see what everyone else is working on.

I have been teaching the table runner class since September at Ruti's Needlebed. You could look at it in two different ways - a table runner class where the students need to FINISH the projects or a free motion class where they are actually making something instead of just practicing!   We will be running the class again starting September so watch for that. The students have learned loads.

Either way - I have seen improvements in leaps and bounds in the class. I provide some ideas, some technical advice and then it is up to the class to do their own interpretation. I am never disappointed.

Let's have a look - it was a bit quiet this week as it is March break and a number of people are away. I am not going to remember all the names!

Look at the colours on this one - they are stunning

See how that red border just pops off the background and look at the focus fabric used as a binding. Love it!!!!

Everyone is working at their own pace so we often see table runners from previous classes

But look at the free motion. I love it!!!!!

A nice Christmas runner

Some of the quilting - very nicely done and she used a gold embroidery thread - looks awesome

You cannot really see the quilting in the center - but I love what she did!!!

And every quilter's best friend - a BUSY BACK!!!!!

Nice colours - look how the binding echos the colour of that main frame!!!  Compare that one to the one above that used the focus fabric (the busy print) for the binding. Which one do you prefer???

These show n tell are excellent examples of discovering what you like and what you do not!!!!

Very whimsical quilting. There are kites in the big squares and kite tails (in a BOLD matching thread) in that black border!!!!

 I have discovered that Tish is like me.  We buy nice journals and then are terrified to use them because we don't want to make "mistakes!!!!"   I am happy to report that Tish has gotten over that fear and shared part of her quilting inspiration journal with us.   Way to go Tish!!!!!!  

Quilting inspiration journal

A St Pattie's day runner which was fitting since our class was on St. Patrick's day

Have a look at the difference when the binding is the SAME colour as the background. It is a different look from those above. Which one do you prefer???

The beauty of this is that there is NO RIGHT and NO WRONG way to do this.  It is totally up to you!!!!!  Hopefully you are getting some ideas.  BTW - all the table runner patterns are from a book by Atkinson Designs called Let's do Lunch.

Check out the quilting on this one (just double click on the pictures should bring them up bigger). Love what she did in the background

A keener who made TWO runners and had LOADS of fun experimenting with different designs. A great way to learn!!!!!   Also look at the difference of the two runners. Same colour - different background colour!!!

Beautiful soft colours!!!!

And this one will knock your socks off!!!!

Everyone did an amazing job and they tried loads of different designs which I am very happy for. We have the BEST BEST BEST show n tell. There is so much feedback for everyone and hopefully the others are learning from each other's feedback. What is so nice is that everyone is so open. They may not be happy with what they did, but they are willing to share. I am glad that the atmosphere in the classroom encourages that.

Awesome job everyone!!!!!   Can't wait to see what they do next month!!!!


We had a bit of "other" show n tell as well.

Judy had this gorgeous Sun Bonnet Sue quilt. She had brought it in before and I likely took a picture. BUT - the backgrounds were green. She entered it into the Brampton Fair (as a quilt top), won a ribbon. Then decided that she did NOT like it. Too much green. So she took it all apart and used pink!!!!   It is gorgeous. 

The backing is minky so it is soft and cuddly

Kay wax experimenting with another table runner design. Can't wait to see how she quilts it

Celia made a memory quilt for someone. The big appliques and the border are made from clothing. It is a super idea!!!!

Marilyn wore her funky socks!!!!

Oh yes - we have so much fun at our classes!!!   You just never know what is going to happen.

 I have been giving the students so much quilting homework, but they want MORE. So I am hosting a series of hands on free motion classes. The first one is this morning!!!!   In honour of them, I actually started quilting a quilt on the SEWING MACHINE yesterday, NOT the long arm. Well actually it is for QUILTSocial so I thought it best that I show that one can actually quilt a quilt on a sewing machine. You know - put your money where you mouth is!!!!!   ACK - I haven't used the sewing machine to quilt a quilt in YEARS - probably 8 years. But it all came back!!!!!  You will see.

On that note - I had better get ready - I have a feeling, the ladies will be here at 9 AM on the dot to get set up!!!!


Have a great day!!!!!!!!!!!


Ciao!!!!!!!!!!!