Art, Craft and Needlework, January 2011

[Harriet]

Thanks to everyone who made this thread so interesting in 2010.

I know I am always so interested whenever I see a new post here. I always wonder what you all are up to, or whether you have a new idea for finding time for creativity!

Last month we got to chatting about how we're going to prioritize the projects we want to finish in 2011. Check back to read that start of discussion (and come add to it here), plus see the photo from Twins Mom of a new card. (Remember, if you haven't posted photos before, Indiana and Kathryn have "how tos" in the Tips, Hints and How-Tos thread in the News forum.)

Did anyone have end-of-year compliments to report? Gifts you were able to give or decor in your homes that received compliments? Do tell.

[Nancy]

I have a few crafting goals for 2011.
Included but not limited to learning a few more stitches I've been making progress on that this holiday season w/out dgkids here I can focus on that.

I still want to make up some slippers and mittens need to learn how to crochet those up.

[Indiana]

I listed my projects for the year on a card. As I start a project I will let you know what I'm working on and tell you when I'm done. I haven't been reporting and that is one of my goals to report progress.

[Lisa B.]

Hello Ladies,

This is the first table runner top and would like some advice as to whether I should add a border or not. If so, I do have enough to do a border in the maroon colour with the binding and backing fabric as the same colour.

[Lisa B.]

Here is a photo of one of the blocks as a close up.

[Lisa B.]

Here is the 2nd table runner I have sewn up so far today.

This one just needs the backing, batting, quilting and then binding done on it. I have the backing and binding fabric. I have some batting but not sure if it's the right one.

[Lisa B.]

Here is a close up of one of the blocks for the 2nd table runner.

A huge thank you to my DH for holding up the table runners.

[Harriet]

Both of them are gorgeous, Lisa! More perfect piecing. You've been having fun. On a table like my dining table here, since it is about the same light color as the first runner, the runner would probably need that contrasting border to make it stand out. If it will be used on a darker table, it would be very pretty finished like this, and the binding would still add a pretty finish. Trying to envision it, I think it would look "richer" with the maroon border, as long as you were still happy with the width. Yes, thanks to your dh for photo-staging help! Loved getting to see these.

Looking forward to your reports, Indiana!

As for me, I cut out a couple "windows" and planned a little on the bookcover.

[Harmony]

Lisa, those are beautiful and you do nice work. I think the border would add a very nice dimension to the runner. Thank you for sharing.

[Lisa B.]

Thank you Harriet and Harmony for your input.

I will add the border. I think I will use table runner 1 on my dressing table in the bedroom which is a light wood finish. The 2nd table runner will be for the coffee table in the lounge as this table is short in length and dark wood finish. I think that the shorter table runner will be the better option on this specific table.