Braided Table Runner

Tropical Braided Table Runner by Karen Brake. This beauty was hanging at the quilt shop.

Last week I decided to take advantage of my new found leisure time and attend a class at the Suwannee Valley Quilt Shop. Once a month they hold a Sit and Stitch...free....and teach a new method or project. This month was the Braided Table Runner.

We used a pattern, #GE-101, from GE Designs of Chanhassen, Minnesota. The runner is a "Quilt as you go" pattern. The finished table runner is 17 inches wide and 52 inches long (42cm x 130cm). 

Two examples of the table runner to inspire us.

The runner starts with a six inch square in the center. I used a light color for my center square to create a light-to-dark effect but that is not necessary. Karen, the class leader, used a dark center for a dark-to-light effect.

Before starting we basted the backing and binding together. We used very thin binding, very low loft, since a pouffy effect was not desired.

We then marked the center of the fabric to place the center square on point. This is a very important step.

The strips are added on to the ends, making a point at each end....sort of the opposite of a log cabin....points on the ends and open triangles on the sides. The strips are 2 1/2 inches wide with 4 strips of each color, two 6 inch and two 8 inch. The strips are sewn in place, on each end, with a 1/4 inch seam, then pressed.

Adding the border.

When the strips are all in place the first border goes on, first across the length meeting each triangle.

Carefully adding the border.

The ends of the border are next to keep the braided effect. The wide border goes on next in the same fashion, then the binding to complete the runner.

When we finished the class we weren't done with the runners but they were close enough for pictures. We had the basics down. 

Table runner in blue and purples.

Table runner in Gator colors...go Gators!

Karen, our class leader, with hers. 

And here's me with mine. 

Ta Da! The finished product. I used brown and sage green calicos for a vintage look. It will look good on my old, I mean antique, dining table. 

It wasn't too difficult but it did take concentration. I didn't pull my hair or chew my nails so I think I might do it again, maybe in blues for Hanukkah. Got to think on it. 

Happy Stitching!

Post by Eileen of GoofingOff Sewing....getting the UFO basket emptied out, one project at a time. 

Sit and Sew at the Suwannee Valley Quilt Shop

Made by Karen Brake from "Skinny Quilts for All Seasons" 

Happy Thursday! 

Yesterday I took a trip to one of my favorite sewing/quilt shops for supplies (Yes, I needed more fabric....stop laughing). I spent quite a while just walking around...until I realized I was getting lost in the fabric. Ever do that? I'm sure I'm not the only one. 

Anyway, while checking out I noticed this adorable quilt hanging on the wall. One of our local quilters, Karen Brake, made this lovely and is going to teach others to do the same. 

I don't know if anyone remembers but a few months ago I sat in at the monthly Sit and Sew. It was wonderful. I could sew for hours, get tips, have lunch with good company, and not be disturbed by the phone, dogs (please walk me, whine, whine), hubby, or something on the stove (Babe, are you cooking something? Oops). I watched Karen as she started the table runner and was amazed by her work. She is also quite knowledgeable and taught me how to do French seams on the pillowcases I was making. Mais oui!

If anyone lives in this area....as in North Florida.....stop by for the Sit and Sew. You can make the table runner if you want to or just take advantage of the time away from the house and do anything. I worked on pillowcases and made a strip quilt.....it was good to have people there who had experience so I could ask questions. 

Besides, time with the girls is always good. 

More about what I bought and what I am making (a baby quilt) later. 

Enjoy the day. Pack it full of good stuff. Savor every moment. It only comes around once. 

Post by Eileen of GoofingOff Sewing.......Helping you make magic with every stitch.