Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Sewing just for fun...

I had an idea about two months ago but it wasn't until this weekend it became a reality. 

It all began with one fat quarter, a few charm squares, five blue vintage buttons and some simply drawn applique shapes...

After a bit of re-arranging till they were 'just right', the bright tonal shapes were fused in place on my floral linen background...

...and the raw edge applique begun.

Stem stitch through the leaves and running stitch lines along the stems, before a touch of blanket stitch secured the flower pot.

Lastly, long straight stitches and those sweet old buttons held my cheery flowers in place.

After the applique a piece of cotton quilt wadding was fused behind the linen and I did some hand quilting around the vibrant bouquet...

After deciding against a binding edge I chose pretty pink check as the backing fabric, and rounding the corners of what was going to become a table runner, I sewed the front and back together around all four sides before turning right side out and finishing with a simple hand quilted edge.

I love my new little table runner.
It was the perfect project to kick off spring...

When I wash it the flowers and leaves will fray a bit which is exactly the finish 
I'd planned for...

When these fabrics crossed paths back in July I could 'see' they were meant to be together, kind of like love at first sight, or destiny.
It's such a soft pastel linen, yet it came alive with the boldness of a few carefully chosen brights.  
What do you think?

hugs

23 comments:

Kylie said...

Very pretty Jenny! Xx

Createology said...

You are absolutely right about the perfect match of these fabrics and buttons. Simply Sweet Serendipity...

Julie said...

I think it is just beautiful Jenny ... simple but beautiful. And it does make me think of spring as the ground finally begins to warm up here.

Melody said...

Perfect for Spring. So cheerful and happy

Baa. xxx said...

Gorgeous Jenny! And yesterday here was a simply beautiful spring sunny day! Just like your runner! Perfect!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jenny i love it,it makes you happy to look at it,i love spring time,hope you have a wonderful day my friend xx

Allie-oops Designs said...

Absolutely adorable - those fabrics were made for each other!

Christina said...

Great job! Very spring like.

Debbie said...

A stunning project Jenny and such pretty fabric. Debbie x

Águeda said...

Muy bonito. Las telas muy bien coordinadas. Besos.

Sharon - creativity and family said...

It's gorgeous Jenny. I feel as though I could reach out and pick a flower two :-)

Maria said...

How sweet ! I remember those buttons.. Mum had some in her button tin I used to play with.

Rosa said...

Super cute.Love your fabric combo!

Cattinka said...

I think ists fabulous!
KATRIN W.

Anonymous said...

I like that the vase is off-center, allowing you to put things on the other end without messing up the applique. Very pretty, Jenny!

Brenda said...

Jenny, You were right with choosing the bright various fabrics to applique on the soft lovely floral fabric. Applique is such a fun technique with endless options. Thank you for sharing your beautiful table runner. Also for the first block from yesterday. I was with my Mom and Dad pretty much all day for some work and laughter. Have a wonderful creative day!

Lin said...

Very pretty Jenny. xx

Anne said...

lovely as always,

Natureluvr57 said...

So adorable. Did you find it difficult to sew on the buttons? I just finished a table topper for my Mom that has 4 owls on it. The owl was fused on (I much prefer needle turn applique but not when I need it in a hurry). I had to use pliers to get the needle through the button eyes!!! I will have to try the fusible applique method where you cut out the center portion and leave about 1/2 inch around the edges. Seems like a waste though.

Anonymous said...

It is beautiful Jenny. Perfect colors and perfect stitching and the creativity is excellent!

Ondrea said...

Another very sweet and pretty creation. Just perfect for Spring. Those colours bring great joy.

Jenny of Elefantz said...

No, Natureluvr57.
I use Vliesofix because it's not as 'gluey' as other brands, so there's not as much resistance when sewing through applique layers. :-)

Carla said...

So sweet looking. Love the stitching on the flower with addition of a button center.