The ten minute table runner...

Last Tuesday was craft day. THE craft day. The day I'd put in front of myself to sew something at. While I had no idea what to make, I had bought a couple of fabrics I liked. My community of crafters was prepared to take care of me though... they were ready. To help me make.......

The TEN MINUTE TABLE RUNNER

7:30 am. Machine is in the building. And the coffee is brewing. (Priorities)

 This is literally everything I own relating to sewing. EVERYTHING. The sewing box was a gift from my oldest sister - 28 years ago - and I'm still using it today.

8:50 am. Pattern is photocopied (so I have my own copy).
   *note - we have a system at craft day - it starts with coffee, sweets and catching up - no hurry
8:55 am. Fabric is chosen.
    *An amazing friend brought a selection of fabrics, saving me. The pattern called for two, I had only one for the dining room, but she had one that coordinated!
9:00 am. FIRST CUT!

I can do this, right????

9:05 am. Coffee break. Who knew sewing could be so stressful?
9:12 am. Bobbin loaded!

 Full speed ahead on the bobbin filling..full speed ahead!

 

re-threading!

9:25 am. Pressing of the fabrics
9:35 am. Coffee break. Seriously though - I've already done a lot at this point. I deserve some coffee.
9:50 am. Pinning!!!!!
10:05 am. I sewed my first seam!
* we should note. At this point, I have been in the building with my machine for approximately 2 1/2 hours, working on the project for over an hour. I am now sewing. On this TEN MINUTE TABLE RUNNER.
 

I am going to do this~

10:12 am FIRST FULL SEAM FINISHED!

 I did it!

 10:12:05 am. We realize that the machine is not working properly.

10:30 am. Seam ripping commences

  

 I'll be completely honest. At this point, I was pretty defeated. The seam looked SO nice on the top. I thought I'd DONE it. And then... But kudos to my support team, they kept pushing forward. Kept working with me on the machine, checking tension.. We thought all was lost until Laura sat at the machine, and recognized a miss-step in the threading!

10:45 am. Laura saves the day!!!!!
11:05 am. Pinning take two
11:21 am. First TRULY successful seam complete! I really DID sew this time!

Let's take a second to ponder our progress thus far, on this TEN MINUTE TABLE RUNNER. I have been working on it now, for approximately 2 1/2 hours, and I have sewn one seam. Ok. Back to the story.

11:28 am. I flip Laura off for the second time. Two things need to be considered here. Flipping someone off is a sign of affection. And Laura is REALLY sarcastic. (Just sayin')
11:35 am. Second seam is sewn (I am FLYING now) - creating a tube of fabric!

Tube O' Fabric

 Turning and pressing the corners after the final two seams

12:05 am. THE TEN MINUTE TABLE RUNNER IS COMPLETE, after a whopping 3 hrs. and 10 minutes.

(hands up! step away from the ironing board!)

A very proud lady.....

 

 

I wanted to add buttons from my vintage button collection once I got home... Here is the finished product, on my dining room table at home.

 

I just love this. All kidding aside - I love it, I loved the process, and I REALLY love the amazing group of ladies that helped me through this process. This blog, and this TEN MINUTE TABLE RUNNER are dedicated to them. The unselfish group of amazingly talented women that shared that day with me. Without them, I would still be the old me. The non-sewing me.