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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!

7 Responses to “Balinese Garden Table Runner”

  1. Dorothy Karman Says:

    I really like this, Sarah. The colours are lovely. Dorothy.

  2. Maggie Szafranski Says:

    Loving it! What a great way to use all those fun decorative stitches! Have you gotten the 7700 yet?

  3. Sally Says:

    Just lovely! What an inspiration you are! Why not write another book with your techniques–hint, hint. Sally

  4. Gari Says:

    This is great. Wish I could attend your class but learned something (layering) through the blog.

  5. Vicki W Says:

    So pretty!

  6. Cheryl Says:

    Classic but contemporary, traditional yet fresh with beautiful stitching. Love it. Also love your book.

  7. Header images « Words about Indonesia Says:

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