Christmas Home Decor

Hello Friends, it’s lovely to have you visit again! Today, I am sharing with you my “Christmas Cheer” table runner that is featured in the Autumn 2013 issue of Quilter’s World.

This “inspired by old ceiling tiles” table runner uses template piecing method in its construction. If you have never tried template piecing, this is a small enough project for you to attempt the technique.

[image source: Quilter’s World]

The fabrics I used are from RJR Fabrics’ Claridage Manor collection. Click here to view the entire fabric range. The fabrics are presently current. Look for them at your local quilt shops. Alternatively, you should be able to locate them online at www.quiltshops.com.

I pieced and quilted this table runner with Aurifil Mako 50 cotton thread. I share with you often I use Aurifl Mako 50 cotton threads to quilt my quilt, but I actually also use the same threads to piece and applique 98% of my quilts. The batting I used is Hobbs Tuscany Silk batting.

The quilting is a mixture of straight line quilting, pebbles, and feathers.

This table runner is one of three Claridge Manor projects I have featured in various magazines. So, stay tuned for more Claridge Manor projects to appear. Here are a couple more photos of the table runner…

Now, nosy mind wants to know if you fancy looking at old ceiling tiles too when you are out and about.

Thanks for stopping by. I always enjoy reading about what you think – let me take this opportunity to thank you again for your comments. And I am glad I squeezed in all my “Christmas in July” posts before July ends. I find it hard to believe July is just about over….

p.s. My workload is still crazy, but I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

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Have you spotted my other 2013 published projects?

Annie’s Love Those Precuts Book (January 2013): Apple of My Eye

Annie’s Sweet Layer Cakes Book (April 2013): Sunburst Melody

Fons and Porter Easy Quilts (Spring 2013): Baubles, Baubles

Fons and Porter Easy Quilts (Summer 2013): Curious Cats

Fons and Porter Easy Quilts (Summer 2013): Fabrique Foursome

Fons and Porter Easy Quilts (Fall 2013): Interlock

Fons and Porter’s Love of Quilting (March/April 2013): Now I know my ABC’s

Machine Quilting Unlimited (March/April 2013): Quilting Curvy Feathers

QUILT (June/July 2013): Color Burst

QUILT (June/July 2013): Pattern Play

QUILT (August/September 2013): Enchanted Forest

Quilt-it…today (July/August 2013): Yay Day

Quilt Trends (Winter 2013, Cover Quilt): Tango

Quilts and More (Spring 2013): 2 Wishes

Quilts and More (Spring 2013): Watercolor Sketches

Quilter’s World (February 2013): New Life

Quilter’s World (April 2013): Monkey Around

Quilter’s World (Summer 2013): Garden Mist

Quilter’s World (Autumn 2013): Quilty Christmas Ornaments

Quilter’s World QUICK & EASY QUILTS (Spring 2013): In & Out

Quilter’s World QUICK & EASY QUILTS (Spring 2013): Garden Maze

Simple Quilts & Sewing (Spring 2013): Stained Glass

The Quilter (December 2012/January 2013): Not Too Square

The Quilter (April/May 2013): In the Meadow

The Quilter (August/September 2013): Rising Stars, Cover Quilt

Benartex Free Pattern (March 2013): Pumpkin Patch/Autumn Fauna

Benartex Free Pattern (March 2013): Flora Linda/Catalina

Lecien Free Pattern, Lynette Anderson (April 2013): Forest Floor/Wildflower Wood

Quilting Treasures Free Pattern (January 2013): Mediterranean Dream

Quilting Treasures Free Pattern (February 2013): Butterfly Kisses

RJR Fabrics Free Pattern (May 2013): Nature’s Harmony/Silent Harmony

RJR Fabrics Free Pattern (May 2013): Tied with a Bow/A Gingerbread Christmas

Quilting Treasures Free Pattern (June 2013): Simply Sweet using lief!Lifestyle

Benartex Free Pattern (June 2013): Birds on a Wire using Let’s Tweet

Benartex Free Pattern (July 2013): Silver Lining using Urban Oasis

Quilting Treasures Free Pattern (July 2013): Rooster Royale

When it comes to Christmas, my colors are definitely the traditional green and red, mixed in with just the right amount of gold.

But I am also very much a blue and white type of gal, and would not even contemplate shelving my blue and white dishes for Christmas.

So, here is my compromise — mix in the red and green in the midst of the blue and white, and I still get to maintain a traditional Christmas look. The following pictures were taken from past Christmases.

1. I filled empty serving dishes with green and red Christmas balls, and added other accents like a Christmas-related book and a holly garland. The book was a gift from a friend years ago, and the reindeer ornament was a handpainted ornament from one of my first American friends when I came to the States 14 years ago.

2. I filled unused teacups with some blown glass ornaments to create more of a focal point. Christmas sprays also come in handy in adding a little something. That Snoopy ornament always gets an honored place because it is from my husband’s childhood.

3. It’s the little things that count. Those red/gold stripe balls are probably my favorite-st. They are only about 1″ in diameter, and are perfect to go with my tiny salt dish.

4. I also like to use natural things to add to the festivity. Shown is a heavenly bamboo berry sprig.

5. I also placed Christmas figurines that have red next to the blue transferware pieces to force a bit of red in the color scheme. The figurines are by Swedish artist Carl Larsson.