Table Runners-Finished

A few weeks ago I finished piecing four table runners to donate to my guild's upcoming boutique to raise money for various charities and projects for the year.  I am happy to say they are all finally quilted.  You can read more about piecing them and where to find the patterns in my previous post Table Runner Weekend.

Realistically, I knew that I needed quick finishes with the dead line quickly approaching, so for two of the quilts I chose to add some simple straight line quilting.  First up is Vintage Bow Ties.  I wanted those cute little bows to remain the focus of the quilt, so I chose threads that would blend in with the fabrics.

I used Aurifil #2785 Dark Navy to quilt diagonal lines through the blue sections (I also used this in my bobbin), #2250 Red and #2021 Natural White in the diagonals through the bow tie blocks.  I could not be happier with the simple traditional look of this little table runner.

I also chose straight lines for the Scrap Squares quilt, but it didn't start out that way.  I auditioned several different things before I decided on straight lines.  Time was one of the deciding factors and as much as I did love the bottom half of this quilting plan, the lines just felt right.

 So after stitching in the ditch between the blocks, I stitched lines 1/4" from each ditched seam.  I used Aurifil #2021 Natural White in my bobbin and a new thread I purchased on sale from Connecting Threads a while back, Essential Thread Dusk Variegated for the top.

I love how the simple straight lines framed each of the print blocks and allowed Moda's Papillon by 3 Sisters to be the star of the show.  Some times it's better to KISS...keep it simple sister (not going to use the word stupid as I've normally heard it said)

And just as KISS-ing is good sometimes it's good to spice things up a bit.  The last two table runners received a bit more attention and some free motion action.  For Answer All Invitations That Ask Your to RSVP (yup that's the title) I again wanted the quilting to blend in as much as possible.  I chose Aurifil #2130 Medium Butter, #2310 Light Beige and #2021 Natural White.  Each seemed to blend in the best in the sections where they would go.

I also audition several motifs before deciding on the finial answer.  There were several different ways this one could have ended.

 Even though this one is the largest of the four, I think it quilted the quickest.  I stitched continuous curves for the four patch blocks and cursive l's for the HST's, these designs allowed for easy travel and few thread breaks.  That, my friends, is my favorite type of quilting.

And last but not least, is Moda Marbles Star Table Runner made from Mrs. Carver's fabric.  This was the one I was looking most forward to quilting, because I knew I wanted to spend a bit more time with it.  For threads, I chose Aurifil #4026 Forest Green, #1240 Dark Eggplant, #2330 Light Chestnut and #2021 Natural White.

This one, hands down, took the longest to quilt.  The plan started out simple enough.

But grew into something bigger than I expected...with lots of threads to bury.

You can see a gob of thread waiting to be buried at the top.

So eventually I had to call in the big guns to keep myself on track.  Miss Sandra (mmmquilts) Face Timed in from Canada to lift my spirits and give me a few laughs.

Sandra hanging out at my machine while I tackled those pesky threads.

But in the end all the hard work paid off.  

How about a few more pictures before I wrap things up.

Vintage Bow Ties

Scrap Squares

Answer All Invitation That Ask for RSVP

Moda Marbles Star Table Runner

If you happen to find yourself in the Buckhannon, WV area for the Strawberry Festival May 19th through the 21st the first three of the table runners will be for sale at the boutique located in the back of the quilt show.  I may end up purchasing the last one for a gift, but I haven't made my mind up yet.  I can say this will be the first time I have purchased something I've made...but it's for a good cause.

Today I'm linking up with Can I Get a Whoop! Whoop, TGIFF, Let's Bee Social and Midweek Makers.