Thursday, September 14, 2017

A simple tablecloth with tutorial...

The other day I showed you the two embroidered and trimmed kitchen towels I'd made for the kitchen in our new rental home and mentioned plans to sew a few more.

Well, that plan altered slightly.

I had another extra large flour sack kitchen towel ready to cut into two smaller towels when an idea popped into my head that I could trim the towel slightly to a 30" square and make one small tablecloth instead, the kind used for relaxed afternoon teas with friends.

So that is what I did. 

After cutting the flour sack to a neat 30" square I added a lemon floral fabric trim around all four sides and then traced a vase of tulips and daises (from my Vintage Kitchen pattern set) into each corner to embroider.





I think once my tablecloth has been stitched it will look very pretty laid out under a basket of fresh scones and a pot of steaming tea, don't you?





As I was preparing to trace the design into the corners it occurred to me that I needed each corner placement to be the same and needed to find a way to do this.

It worked perfectly so I thought you might have use of this simple process as well (or perhaps you've thought of this yourself already) so here it is.

1. Print the design you wish to embroider and gather a pencil and quilters ruler. Because my tablecloth is a square the corners are a perfect 90 degree right-angle.








2. Decide how far into the corner you want your embroidery and after positioning the ruler over the design use a pencil to trace the corner under the design.






3. Place your fabric over the pattern sheet and line up the corner pencil lines with the corner of your fabric before tracing the design.

I decided not to add the doily under my vase stitchery as I have another idea for some extra embroidery along the sides. This will be a nice easy project to stitch in the evenings next week after packing our moving boxes each day. 

I've even sketched, traced and prepared the new designs for November already! This means no rushing once the move is complete, everything is in one place with correct threads, scissors and extra needles. 




I have a feeling that a few quiet weeks will be needed to restore energy once the house is unpacked and we find our feet again, and my remedy shall be a comfy chair, old movies and these stitcheries just waiting to be brought to life with thread.

As the move draws closer I am becoming even more resourceful than usual in the kitchen. We're eating our way through the freezer and fridge so that we have nothing in either by moving day.
The same process is happening with pantry staples. Planning meals with what's on hand is important but it does mean extra creativity will be needed sooner rather than later.

This morning's breakfast was tiny pikelets made from leftover pancake batter I made a couple of days ago, with jam and butter. We also finished the last of the yoghurt, frozen blackberries and canned apricots. 




In so many ways this is fun, but more importantly it is helping me appreciate that we don't need to grocery shop as often as we used to. Knowing we could creatively eat for these next two weeks from what I have on hand, and that I've avoided all wastage of fresh produce, inspires me to simplify our menu once we're settled again.



Just a few things...


This may be my last blog post until after the move so I just want to remind you that membership for the next issue of The Stitchery Club closes at midnight on September 16th.




And about my knitting of that sweet bear.

One lady left a comment asking how it was coming along and I apologise for taking so long to answer.
I had wanted the bear completed for Cully May's 1st birthday last month but alas, an old issue with my hands flared up so I had to put it aside for the time being. I only have this problem when I knit or crochet and must leave my pursuit behind for a while until it settles.

The legs and the body are finished...





...and my new deadline is Christmas. I shall only do a few rows every couple of days which should see this delightful bear come to life in time. 
The pattern itself is just lovely to follow, with many different variations to choose from. 
If only I had knitters hands, eh?

I had also hoped to share a tutorial for THIS gardening book cover before we moved but time is against me so I'll do that in October.

If I am able I shall drop another line here next week, but if not, take care of yourselves and ponder your blessings until I return again.

"Oh taste and see that the Lord is good,
blessed is the man that trusteth in Him"
Psalm 34:8

hugs


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21 comments:

Rosie said...

I can't wait to sample some of those scones and tea (on the new cloth of course) when you are settled in.

Catherine said...

Good luck with the move!

Leeanne said...

MMMMmmmm piklets! Sweet tablecloth. I bet the knitted bear will look very cute.

selina said...

beautiful table cloth, love the bright colours in the border you have chosen

good luck with the move & hope it all runs smoothly for you

take care too

thanx for sharing

Suze said...

I pray that your move goes very well. It seems you are well on the way to sorting your way into your new home.

Love the techniques you shared.

I am well pleased with myself today. My local quilt store has a Tilda afternoon tea once a month and I actually managed to make my square today. I am often overwhelmed or very tired when I am at this group as I truly seem to need an afternoon rest. I felt blessed this afternoon. While I chatter about me. The baby is home and eating all day long but sleeping well at night. I reckon this is pretty good for a 5 pounder.

God bless.

Jill at emeraldcottage said...

Good luck with your move and well done on the "creative eating". I am the same, buy and waste so much, quite enjoy a good store cupboard challenge!
Jillxo

Tammy said...

Cant wait to see the finished table cloth. I know it is gonna be beautiful in your new home. Hugs to you each and every day sweet Jenny

Maria said...

Pretty table cloth..
Your brekky looked delicious..Great idea to eat your way through the things in the fridge, freezer and pantry before the move....
Hope all goes well for you both..

knitster said...

Prayers for a good move for you. Make sure to take lots of breaks. Can't wait to see the finished tablecloth.

Anonymous said...

I hope you have plenty of help in moving, and everything goes smoothly. That would not be the day I'd want pouring rain. =) Blessings on your and your new home-to-be. I know it won't take long for you to turn it from house to home. That tablecloth is a great step on the way, and your way of making all the corners the same is something so simple, I'd never have thought of it. =) Happy moving, but I hope you don't overdo it. See you when you are moved!

May said...

Gorgeous tablecloth Jenny, Thank you for the placement of the stitchery tutorial... Looking forward to seeing it complete...good luck with the move it is such a busy time... so we shall see you when you are all settled... don't forget to rest in between as it can be exhausting..
Take care.... May x

Unknown said...

Jenny,

I might have been one of the ladies asking about the bear. I'm going to say prayers that the good Lord sends extra care for your hands (and your body) to get you through the move and also to get you back to that lovely bear that I know your precious grand-daughter will love and treasure. Good luck with the move and enjoy the process.

Jacqueline said...

Please pace yourself and all the tasks ahead with your move. I hope all goes as smoothly as possible and it is a pleasant journey.

Maureen said...

Jenny, so happy for you and Mr E that the Lord has provided this new home for you!

Christine M said...

Your tablecloth looks lovely, Jenny. Good luck with the move. I hope it all goes smoothly for you. xx

Janice said...

All the best with your move. I'm sure your new home will look delightful with your new accessories.

Little Quiltsong said...

This tablecloth is beautiful with the lovely edging and pretty embroidery design ready to be stitched. You are also so creative in organizing your move and getting everything ready - including the kitchen. Kitchens can be the hardest part. Wishing you lots of enjoyment and fun in moving into your new place.

Lorrie said...

I hope your move goes well and that you will soon feel settled in your new home. Adding your pretty pieces of sewing and embroidery will contribute to that.

Martha Roberts said...

I love this post! Some of our best meals are the ones I make with ingredients on hand. I am so excited for you and praying for good weather, smooth packing and moving, and your health during this process.

Mary in Peoria Handmade said...

I love your embroidery! I pray your move is safe, healthy and happy. Best wishes. mary in Az

Karen B. said...

Dear Jenn,
how do you do it?! You are packing and stitching and knitting and so much more. You are amazing!
Hugs,
Karen B.