This month I am happy to be participating in a blog hop with Island Batik.
Today I’m sharing the table runner and napkins I made using the Whispering Feathers collection. I just can’t get enough of this color palette. I’ve been petting this collection and dreaming since January!
Okay. Business first. Whispering Feathers is available in stores now. It is available in yardage, and also in precuts stacks of 10″ squares and strip packs of 2 1/2″ strips. If your local quilt shop doesn’t have it, check out the quilt shop finder on the Island Batik website.
Everything used in these projects was given to me by Island Batik, AccuQuilt, Hobbs and Aurifil as part of the Island Batik Ambassador program. Even the Schmetz needle in my sewing machine!
Also, be sure to read all the way to the end to enter two giveaways! Both Island Batik and I will be giving away a prize this month. Most of the Island Batik Ambassadors also have their own give aways, too, so visit them all!
My first project this month isn’t super sexy, but it is one of the most useful things I have ever made. I switched my family over to using cloth napkins a few years ago. Of all of the environmental causes out there, overflowing landfills and waste management is the one that motivated. By switching my family away from paper napkins, less garbage goes to the landfill, less paper is used, and we save a few bucks per year on napkins. We also never run out of napkins, which was always annoying.
This is actually the first time I have made my own napkins, which now seems shocking. It has taken me years (maybe 10?) to try to make my own. So embarrassing.
To make my napkins, I started with a 13″ square. This is smaller than the store bought ones I’ve been using, but I don’t need an 18″ napkin for every day use.
I snip the corners, at about 1/4″. It just removes a little bit of bulk. Then I turn the edges over 1/4″, pressing with steam. Then I do it again, so that there are no raw edges. I struggled for a while trying to miter my corners, but I moved on from that, embracing the straight corners. These are for function, not competition. Then I take it to the machine, topstitching to hold it all together.
I was super lazy and didn’t do photos of this process. Just let me know if you want a tutorial. It seemed pretty intuitive to me, but I also have a few sets of store made ones that I’ve examined.
The second project was a table runner to coordinate with the napkins. In addition to being pretty, it will serve as a very large trivet to protect my table from hot plates.
I used my AccuQuilt system to cut the pieces for this project. The Log Cabin Block on Board die is my current favorite. I also used my 2.5″ square and 4.5″ square dies. I thought it would be fun to have different sized centers, and I could use a larger square to show off my favorite prints.
I cut an excessive amount of fabric for this small runner. I wanted to have access to the full collection, so I cut a piece of each fabric, at 18″ x 24″. I then folded them in half and ran them all through the Log Cabin die. I kept them sorted nicely next to my sewing machine.
When doing the courthouse steps layout, I need to do one block at a time, from start to finish. It is too easy to get ahead of myself when chain piecing this pattern.
One thing to keep in mind for this block is that if you start with an odd number sized block (1.5″ or 3.5″) in the center, you will finish with an 11.5″ block, if you want complete rounds of each color. If you start with an even numbered size (2.5″ or 4.5″) you can finish with a 12.5″ block. Since I wanted a 12.5″ block, I stuck with even numbers for my centers.
There are a lot of extra logs left over from this project, but they will all get used eventually. Probably next month, when I have a spasm and make myself a sofa quilt with this fabric, because I love it so much.
For the smallest center block – take 1 of the 2.5″ squares in a light color and 2 of the 2.5″ rectangles with some contrast. Then I pull out 2 of the 4.5″ rectangles in the same color for the other side. I try to always make sure I have the pieces for the round before stitching. (On an earlier attempt at this pattern, there was a lot of swearing and seam ripping. Please, learn from my mistakes.)
Once I have my pieces for the round, I sew the 2.5″ rectangles to either side of the center, then I press the seams open. (Open seams give me a flat, accurate block.) Then I add both of the 4.5″ rectangles and press open.
Then it is back to the strip pile. Next I pull 2 4.5″ rectangles of my next color, along with 2 6.5″ rectangles of the same color. As I’m doing this, I try to keep the piles in the same color order. I just take out the pair, and put the rest of the pile back down. Minimizing chaos is good.
(At this point, I decided to do a different tutorial style, but I started with a larger center square.)
These are all of the pieces you will need for a 12.5″ block with a 4.5″ center. Here I have already attached the two 4.5″ logs to the 4.5″ center and pressed the seams open.
The next step is to attach the two 6.5″ logs to the top and bottom and press the seams open.
Keep attaching logs to your center, alternating sides and top/bottom and pressing open. I do press after stitching each pair of logs. It is repetitive, but it keeps my blocks square. Otherwise they get uneven and make me unhappy.
Keep repeating these steps until you run out of rectangles. I made 5 blocks, for a table runner that finishes at 12.5″ x 60.5″.
Once I had all five blocks made (along with one dud and two that I started and didn’t finish) I put them up onto the design wall to make sure the colors worked.
Then it was onto the longarm for some quilting, followed by a quick scrappy binding. I used Hobbs Cotton Wool Blend for the batting on this one. It is my favorite – a nice combo of loft and stability. I bound it with strips cut from my purple scraps. And one little pop of red.
The quilting design on this table runner is one I love to hate. I love the effect, but my machine breaks thread while doing it, so it is slow and frustrating. I used Aurifil 28 weight thread, and it gave the quilting some serious punch.
Isn’t it pretty?
I am going to give away a bundle of scraps of this collection. I have a set of 8 pieces that are not quite fat quarters.
a Rafflecopter giveawayIsland Batik is doing two giveaways this week! Check out these fabrics!
Thank you so much to Island Batik, Hobbs, Aurifil, AccuQuilt, and Schmetz for supporting my creativity. It is a joy to work with your products every month.
Make sure you hop along to all of my fellow ambassadors. A lot of them will be hosting give aways of their own, in addition to sharing killer projects.
May 4
Janet Yamamoto ~ Whispers of Yore
Carol Moellers ~ Carol Moellers Designs
May 5
Carolina Asmussen ~ Carolina Asmussen
Suzy Webster ~ Websterquilt
May 6
Megan Best ~ Best Quilter
Emily Leachman ~ The Darling Dogwood
May 7
Connie Kauffman ~ Kauffman Designs
Denise Looney ~ For the Love of Geese
May 11
Pamela Boatright ~ Pamela Quilts
Michelle Roberts ~ Creative Blonde
May 12
Leah Malasky ~ Quilted Delights
Sandra Walker ~ mmm! quilts
May 13
Gail Sheppard ~ Quilting Gail
Maryellen McAuliffe ~ Mary Mack’s Blog
May 14
Vasudha Govindan ~ Storied Quilts
Carla Henton ~ Create in the Sticks
May 18
Joanne Hart ~ Unicorn Harts
Jennifer Thomas ~ Curlicue Creations
May 19
Mania Hatziioannidi ~ Mania for Quilts
Sally Manke ~ Sally Manke
May 20
Jennifer Fulton ~ Inquiring Quilter
Jennifer Strauser ~ Dizzy Quilter
May 21
Sharon Riley ~ Sew Riley Designs
Alison Vermilya ~ Little Bunny Quilts
May 25
Gail Renna ~ Quilt Haven Threads
I love the colors and design of your runner. Turned out wonderful.
My favorite non-quilt sewing project is usually craft irons or baby stuff. I hate making curtains and drapes. Pillows are OK.
Hi Jen. Love your dining room decor! The runner is so bright and cheerful and the napkins will definitely help dress a pretty table. My favourite non quilt sewing is making project bags and pouches by my Covid Crisis Project is to make bean bag chairs for two of my granddaughters! 😄 Carol
I like making bags, either simple totes or more complicated handbags.
For the Island Batik entry, I’ll say that Batik makes me think of people in colorful clothing.
Your dinner guest is adorable. I love the table runner and the blocks you did for it. I’ve got a stack of “scrappy” batiks place-mats in a work-in-process basket. Log cabin blocks make for fun fast sewing. We’ve been using cloth napkins and have probably 50 in the rotation, saving the “pretty” ones for holidays. My daughter lived in Africa and had “cocktail sized” made out of African wax fabric. I may have to update her daily use ones with new ones made from batik. They will wear very well.
Tote bags or carry-all’s are my favorite non-quilt makes!
Looks great. The only thing missing is Oscar’s snack. He was such a great model, showed so much patience and no reward? Too cute, I love that picture. I should really use Enzo the ham more but I could never accomplish this.
Oscar’a treat is being held above the camera.
So pretty! Whispering Feathers is my favorite collection from this season. I don’t make a lot of non-quilt items but I did make a batch of place mats for my dad last Christmas that I quite likes, may make something similar for myself.
I love the table runner; those colours are so me. Non quilting sewing that I like to do is hardanger; I love whitework and especially hardanger.
I love the colors in the Whispering Feathers collection. I usually make zipper bags, microwave bowls, project bags and now masks that I giveaway or sell locally.
I love that fabric, and your cute table runner with coordinating napkins. Very nice.
I enjoy making wall hangings and table runners. They are great gifts. When I hear “batik” I think blended colors. Love this table runner color palate.
I love making placemats to refresh the table and some napkins. I do double sided to avoid all the fuss! Works like a charm.
Love your table runner, very pretty. My favorite sewing that’s not quilting is making my own clothes.
Beautiful runner!! Love those colours!! My favourite non-quilting project are zipper pouches.
Great fabric collection. I keep thinking I should make napkins, but I never do. Well done. I love zippered pouches or drawstring bags.
Love your table runner and the napkins!! My non quilt project is pillowcases–they are fun to make!!
barbkaup(at)(yahoo)(dot(com)
I had not thought about cloth napkins as a way to be environmentally conscious–thanks for the suggestion! I think batiks are gorgeous–and love, love, love, the new feathers!
I sew clothing when not quilting. Love the colors of the fabric. Beautiful runner!
My favorite non-quilt sewing projects would be pillows and pillow cases. Love these batiks and your projects. Thank you.
I love making back packs and skirts.
Oscar is darling! And your table runner with matching napkins is lovely!
Cloth napkins are a great idea! My favorite non quilt sewing project is wall hangings. Although usually I make quilts 🙂
Great ideas and loved your w explanations!
Your runner turned out beautifully! My favorite non-quilt sewing project is embroidering seasonal hand towels or pot holders for the kitchen.
Pretty colorful table runner. Bags to organize craft projects.
I have been quilting 50 years. Yet I never thought of using cloth napkins…before this crisis…I am going to make some now..to see how I like them…I am raising my three grandchildren..Did you double the fabric or just use one piece of fabric? Did you use any Batiks? I guess I will just experiment. Thank you for this post.
Hey, Diane – I used one layer of batik in my napkins.
This is beautiful! I have made a few pillows, but really want to try a table runner for myself. I might even make a few coordinating napkins!
Love your cloth napkins and runner. One non- quilting project I love is the sew together bag. Really useful and a fun gift,
I have really enjoyed making pillows lately.
When I’m not quilting, I like to make doll clothes.
Hi Jennifer, I love making coiled fabric bowls and love to see how they come together. I love the Whispering Feathers and how the fabrics really complimented the runner you made! Lauratawney7at gmail.com
I like making pin cushions
I love making baby bibs when I’m not quilting. I use my embroidery machine to add a sweet applique and the baby’s name.
I do love your table runner, especially the quilting which gives it so much movement! It almost makes the squares look wonky, but I know they’re not!
duchick at mchsi dot com
I enjoy making pillows. They allow me to easily add fun color to my living room and porch.
Great projects, and think Oscar has great table manners. I enjoy everything, from mug rugs to king size quilts, and also make costumes and curtains.
I like counted cross stitch projects, jewelry making, costumes, and painting.
My favorite non-quilting project is weaving. I love this batik line and your table topper. Thanks for sharing.
Fabulous table runner
and I love the quilting
on it. I love making
storage bags.
Carla from Utah
My favorite non quilt sewing is making napkins and clothing. Love your table runner and your dinner guest!
I really enjoy making wallets, purses and bags as well as quilting. Thanks!
I also use cloth napkins and no longer purchase paper plates for in-home use. Love your colors and ideas! You’re so creative!
Your dog is so cute! I love making aprons, now and then.
Beautiful!
non-quilt sewing project? I’m going to start making easy stuff for my grandkids. Easy shorts and skirts
I love this palette! Now I want to make a table runner and napkins too, so yummy. My favorite thing sewing right now is cosmetic bags with linen and canvas fabric.
Thanks for sharing your table runner. I am trying to improve my crochet
What a neat idea to use different sized centers. Very pretty. Thx for sharing.
Oh but your runner is gorgeous. I love the idea of different sized centers and making them a focus. Those fabrics are so wonderful. Thanks for sharing and inspiring. I love to make table runners, place mats, and my latest is pillows. Oh and I had a blast recently making bowls for the microwave. Caution: those are addictive. LOL quilting dash lady at comcast dot net
Besides making quilts, I like making items for the younger grandchildren.
Beautiful runner!i love hand embroidery and crocheting.
My favorite non-quilt sewing project would be Children’s clothes. When my daughter was little I made all her clothes.
My favorite non-quilt sewing project is probably minis for the wall!
My favorite non-quilting project would be making children’s clothes. I used to do that a lot when my kids were little.
Pretty and practical, best of both worlds.
My favorite non-quilted project to make is probably pillowcases. During the summers when our nieces and nephews (and great-nieces and nephews now) come to visit, I like to send them home with pillowcases that reflect their personalities and interests.
I love cloth napkins too! A great way to see your favorite fabrics on the daily! Also love to make zipper pouches!
Your table runner is gorgeous! Thanks for the inspiration. My favorite non-quilt project is making coiled clothesline baskets.
I love the colors, the design, and as always your little man stole the show with those big eyes saying where’s my food at that table! I think I need to go out and buy this die next!
I love cross-stitch or wool applique as a break from quilting. Thanks. I love your runner
Pretty napkins and table runner. I like to make pillowcases for my grandchildren.
slrdowney at hotmail dot com
My favorite non-quilt projects are making dog blankets and cat beds.
This turned out so great! Well done and I love the napkins too. I made some that go with a table runner, too. Love how the blocks go together.