Festive Whirligig Table Runner

As the end of May approaches, my list of deadline finishes decreases. I'm happy to check this off my list of finishes. It's the Whirligig table runner pattern by Cora's Quilts.  It measures 43" x 15" and is just adorable (even if it's too long for my small table).

It's a gift for my cousin who is getting married this weekend. When trying to decide on a project to make I asked her mom to do some stealth research for me. Her kitchen dishes are going to be a mix of Fiesta Ware in these colors:

I decided the gray would be for the accent cornerstones but that left me needing a 4th color for the whirligigs so I added in the lighter turquoise color. This project has a few firsts for me. It's the first time I used just solids. Well, it's not 100% solid colors since the lemongrass fabric has a slight texture to it, but it was the perfect shade so I used it anyway. It's also the first time I used a flanged binding. I learned this little trick from Lorna over at Sew Fresh Quilts. Her tutorial is perfect. I also love that I was able to use one of my cute little labels on the back.

This project was on my 2nd quarter list for the 2016 Finish Along and my One Monthly Goal for May.

May Is For Makers

By now I'm sure you've heard about the May Is For Makers movement that Lindsey at LRStitched started. Supporting independent artisans is important to the advancement of creativity. Lindsey pointed out that we take for granted so much of what is free on the internet and, as a result, it has skewed our perception of what something is worth. Her proposal was to support an independent pattern maker each week in the month of May.

I've enjoyed seeing what everyone else has purchased throughout the month and I thought I'd share what I've added to my sewing room. I'm a little behind but I've made 2 purchases so far:

1)  Terrazzo Paper Pieced Pattern by Lee of Freshly Pieced.

2) Acrylic Rulers from Kelly Cline. I've been wanting to try using rulers with my DSM and I discovered these thanks to Stephanie at Late Night Quilter, who also purchased them as part of May is for Makers.

Not sure what my other purchases will be yet, but it's fun looking at all the wonderful offerings!

WIP Wednesday

I can't remember the last time I posted a work in progress photo, on a Wednesday no less! Here is the table runner that I've been working on. I just finished piecing the top today. It needs to be trimmed to a rectangle and I'm considering adding a bit of a white border around it. I plan on trying a new binding on this one - the flanged binding that Lorna, from Sew Fresh Quilts, uses, and I think having the white border will help that pop a bit.

The colors in this photo aren't very accurate. The blues look good but that lemongrass color is definitely off. But I really like how this is turning out.  Linking up to any of these parties.