Christmas table runner

Here is that table runner I mentioned a couple of blogs ago. I actually began it before Christmas 2014 with good intentions to finish it, but life got in the way. Plus, I couldn't for the life of me decide on an outer border. I decided not to go to the shop to buy more fabric cos I already have lots and lots and desperately wanted to use what I already had. I decided to go with a fabric that was a bit left field and not Christmasy at all, but seems to work. I just had to do some joining of seams to make it all fit. The binding has yet to be hand sewn (not pictured).

All in a row

First border

Second border

Star Wars happenings

So, last weekend I was merrily sewing away doing my Star Wars bag when it occurred to me that I didn't have any contrasting thread to sew my straps. I could have picked out a darker colour to highlight them, but at the end of the day I wanted the thread to blend in.

I really wanted to continue with my project, but the next step was, "attach straps to top of bag".... Thus during the working week I popped along to Cottonfields and got the desired thread.

Don't you hate it when you don't plan ahead before the weekend and run out of the necessities to sew with! It's not like the nearest sewing shop is just around the corner. Haberdashery shops are hard to come by here in Canterbury. Last year alone three quilting shops closed up. It appears more and more shoppers do their fabric purchases online. That is all and well, but you can't get to caress the lovely fabrics before you buy...

Lower contrast added and braid

Closer shot of braid

As I typed in the word 'braid' above it reminded how overly expensive it is. I believe it cost about $25 metre. I got it 25% off at Fabric Vision last year. As I sewed each side of the braid, every now and then the footer would make "bump" noises. I hoped that all the domes would stay connected and they did, thank goodness. My next step is to add the straps WITH THE CONTRASTING THREAD!!

2015 rolling along nicely

Believe it or not, but I am still patchworking, but as I often do, I forget to blog my progress... 

I have two themed Christmas projects ready to the binding stage, only 11 months to get them ready! One is my first advent calendar and another, a very long table runner.

Detail of advent calendar

I also started on my Star Wars bag, but progress has been slow in the sewing room due to the hot days and nights. I would rather it be a warm day than cold, but I'm not used to 30 degree days with nor'west winds making it even drier. I have a bottle of water at my side as I type and one of my cats is sitting on one of my projects so that's a good excuse as any not to sew!

Star Wars themed bag

Quilted and ready for next step

Bella asleep on my other project...