Balinese Garden Table Runner
In early May, I did a quick trip to Hingham, Massachusetts, to do a lecture and day workshop for the Herring Run Quilt Guild. They selected one of my few project classes, the Balinese Garden pattern.
It has been quite some time since I taught that class, so I decided I had better refresh my memory and re-make the project. Since I wrote the pattern (true confessions here) for both pillow and table runner, but had only made the pillow, I opted to make a table runner. Here it is before the applique stitching:
I wanted to use something interesting for the background since there is a fair amount of blank space in the center (useful so that dishes don’t wobble), but that means that achieving a good contrast with the applique pieces can be a challenge. I TOTALLY LOVE the way this turned out. I came up with a two-layer method for using medium-value fabric for the background AND the leaves, but having them “pop” by using a highly contrasting “under-leaf,” in this case one that is darker. (In my Blue Applique Vest, I used a lighter under-leaf layer; check that out in my post dated July 14.)
And here it is with the applique stitching done (it is still in the “top” stage…ahem):
And some detail shots so you can see how I used the utility and decorative stitches on my machine, and a lot of great colors of cloth and thread, to pop the applique:
In the next photo, you can see how I layered the purples and deep blues under the leaf greens. This pops the batiks on the busy aqua-lime background fabric and means I don’t have to satin stitch to achieve good contrast and sharp edges. I used a feather stitch in aqua or leaf-green to secure both the main leaf shape and the under-leaf to the background. After there many washings, there may be some fraying at the outer edges of these fused leaves, but I am OK with that.
And it is my favorite “Caribbean” colors!
August 4th, 2010 at 3:25 am
I really like this, Sarah. The colours are lovely. Dorothy.
August 4th, 2010 at 7:06 am
Loving it! What a great way to use all those fun decorative stitches! Have you gotten the 7700 yet?
August 4th, 2010 at 9:36 am
Just lovely! What an inspiration you are! Why not write another book with your techniques–hint, hint. Sally
August 4th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
This is great. Wish I could attend your class but learned something (layering) through the blog.
August 4th, 2010 at 11:48 pm
So pretty!
August 22nd, 2010 at 2:06 am
Classic but contemporary, traditional yet fresh with beautiful stitching. Love it. Also love your book.
October 17th, 2011 at 3:22 am
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