This table runner was made from a Frivols tin (remember them?) I received in 2016. The pattern in the tin was called "Faithful" and was for a square sized table topper. The fabrics were Polka-Dots and Paisleys by Minick and Simpson. I made it up, slightly smaller than the pattern called for and gave it to my daughter two years ago. At any rate, I had lots of left over fabric from the tin and even had made five blocks, thinking I would make up a table topper for myself in the future. Never did.
I dug out the blocks over the weekend, and decided I could add in a bit more Minick and Simpson fabrics, and have myself a nice long runner for my hall table. And I had five blocks already made, right? Only, they were useless. I do not know what I was thinking when I made them, but every single one was out of whack, the wrong size, and just strange. Turns out I must have not noticed the small print that said "trim the half square triangles to 2 1/4 inches", and "trim the block to 5 1/2"". Good grief, what a mess. I unmade those five blocks and was able to salvage the pieces and cut them down properly, then made a total of 14 blocks for this runner. I really like the way it turned out.
It needs an outer border, and I was determined to find a piece of one of the red or blue prints from that line of fabric. Not an easy task to find fabric that is over two years old. After lots of searching Etsy and eBay, I finally found a brick and mortar store in Oklahoma that one of the dark blue prints with red flowers. Or hopefully their website is current and really do have it. I placed an order for some anyway and have not had a call from them saying it was long ago sold out and they hadn't updated their site. As soon as I get it, I will get that thing quilted and on my hall table, where it will look brilliant all summer long.
Hope you all had a great weekend. Last week was the last week of first grade for Eva. Now she will be spending a lot more time with me, so my posting may be sporadic, as it often is in the summer. You will hear from me two or three times a week I promise. I have a plan to initiate Nana School, where we spend a good amount of time each day refreshing what she learned in first grade, and in particular, working on improving her reading skills. So that's the goal. Oh, and plenty of pool time too!
I have that Frivols tin too and was thinking it would make a great Fourth of July piece! Yours is awesome. Xoxo
Posted by: Carol | June 04, 2018 at 04:40 AM
Hey, I've got that frivols tin-and it's still not opened along with the backing and binding fabric. After ordering most of the frivols, I discovered that little quilts are not my forte, and the tins were placed on a shelf. I hadn't thought about making table runners-thanks for the inspiration.
Posted by: piecrust | June 04, 2018 at 05:21 AM
You did a lot of work to make those blocks and they are cute. ONe more short week here in the Creek and my granddaughters will be loose too! The heat the last couple of days was stifling! I did sew though. Have a good day!
Mary
Posted by: Mary Kastner | June 04, 2018 at 05:50 AM
Cute runner. I live in Oklahoma and am curious as to what shop had the fabric.
Posted by: Donna | June 04, 2018 at 06:42 AM
Love your table runner -- and the story that goes with it. Hurray for patience, a seam ripper and a little re-doing. Sounds like you will have a good summer. Enjoy all that time with Eva. Nana school sounds brilliant!
Posted by: Debbie R. | June 04, 2018 at 07:02 AM
That's a pretty patriotic runner! Nice that you were able to use the wonky blocks after all! I can see you & Eva choosing a nice stack of books at the library then spending Nana School time enjoying them! Followed by a refreshing afternoon in the pool when it's hot!
Posted by: Jan | June 04, 2018 at 08:08 AM
Cute table runner and I'm glad you found some fabric for the border. lthough I think with minick & Simpson you could also add a print from another collection and it would still great.
Have a fun summer time with Eva and enjoy your pool time.
Posted by: Hildy | June 04, 2018 at 08:42 AM
What a delightful table runner! It will be perfect for the 4th and thereafter. I, too, would have used a stash fabric from that (make that FOR) your outer borfer.
Sorry for the typos.
Hugs!
Posted by: Barbara Anne | June 04, 2018 at 09:05 AM
Love your tabletopper! Have a fun summer with 3va, looking forward to pool pics of her!
Posted by: Anita | June 04, 2018 at 11:26 AM
Super cute! It becomes a quest of track down just the right fabric via the Internet. Glad you found what you were looking for.
Posted by: Kyle | June 04, 2018 at 04:41 PM
Have fun with your little friend. *wink*
Posted by: Mary Flynn | June 04, 2018 at 04:47 PM
I love Minick and Simpson fabric and designs. I have several patterns in the queue from them.
Have a lovely summer with Eva and enjoy the library. So many fun books to read together! One of my faves is Bunnicula. It's about a group of animals in one family.
The dog gets it into his mind that the bunny is a vampire sucking all the juice out of the vegetables. It is just fun!
Posted by: ina | June 04, 2018 at 05:51 PM