Several weeks ago, a friend let me know about the call from our NWWA Synod @lutheransnw church leadership for table runners to decorate the tables at the upcoming Synod Assembly. The runners were to be hand-crafted in any way, in any colors and design, and approximately 12" x 120". I agreed I would be happy to make one for the event.
The fabrics I chose came from stash, and were a variety of cross-weaves in an eclectic color palette. I decided to make improvisational blocks inspired by a Josef Albers design I'd used in a Bee Sewcial prompt in 2023.
I just kept making blocks 13-14" tall and various widths until I estimated I had enough.
To put the runner together, I pieced two long pieces of batting into one, with straight and evenly-spaced sides. Then it was easy to line up the blocks one by one, sewing each to the next and so on. The ends turned out needing partial blocks, but I decided that was ok. For the backing, I was fortunate to have just enough Essex Yarn Dyed in Palm, leftover from making one of our son's liturgical stoles.
I quilted an uneven grid (between .25" and 2") with Aurifil 40wt 1231 [Spring Green] and bound the runner in Windham Fabrics Artisan Cotton Turquoise-Copper. As usual, I began by machine-stitching the binding onto the front, and then, as luck would have it, I was able to make good use of a weekend road-trip to hand-stitch it on the back.
Now to get it delivered with time to spare! I'm hoping I'll eventually see some photos of the conference room with some of the hand-made runners on display.
This is quite possibly the longest table runner ever! I'm sure you had plenty of fun making the improv blocks and using your imagination to make it all work. It turned out beautifully and hopefully will be enjoyed at many more Synod gatherings!
ReplyDeleteI love the connection back to your son's liturgical stole and the color palette seems really appropriate for the season. I hope you get photos of it in use, too, and I bet it will be interesting to see the other table runners!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun, creative project. I enjoy all the colors used, and pretty neat that you could use the left over yardage from the liturgical stole, too! The photo on the stairs is so clever!
ReplyDeleteYour runner is gorgeous and so are your labels! I need to get some labels. Can you tell me where you get yours from? I would really appreciate it. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThat's going to look lovely on a long table!
ReplyDelete