Sew Mama Sew and Oakshott Fabrics challenged me to make something for the table using the Lakes collection, a beautiful set of blues, purples, and teals. I challenged myself to make something meaningful after reading Thomas Knauer’s Modern Quilt Perspectives (more on that here).
My response to both challenges is the Connect the Dots table runner.
When I think of sitting around the table for a meal with friends and family, I think about the connections that we make as we share thoughts and experiences. The idea of connections got me thinking about circles. I made the circles different sizes to represent the different people that sit around the table, from the littlest ones to the biggest. The circles overlap to reflect the shared experiences and relationships, like a Venn diagram.
To make Connect the Dots, I appliqued the circles onto the background fabric and quilted them with lots of paisleys. I kept the theme of connections going with the quilting by using the same thread on all the circles and overlapping the paisley design across the circles.
For the background, I quilted back-and-forth lines as a contrast to the curves of the circles and paisleys.
I enjoyed working with the Oakshott fabrics. The colors are vibrant and the fabrics are lightweight, making them perfect for applique since they don’t add a lot of bulk.
Now that Connect the Dots is done, I think it’s time to invite a few friends over for a meal, don’t you? Connect the Dots will be my reminder to make the most of the opportunity to connect with others.
If you’d like to make your own Connect the Dots table runner, check out my free pattern. Connect the Dots measures 16″ by 64.”
For more ideas for the table using Oakshott fabrics, check out these sites:
Anjeanette KlinderAnd stay tuned to Sew Mama Sew for a giveaway of a Oakshott fabric bundle!
35 comments
Beautiful runner, and I really like the thought and meaning behind it. The way you continued the paisley quilting across the circles is a really nice touch, and is a reminder that our interactions influence and shape us.
Very very pretty Nicole. Love the thoughtfulness behind your design and quilting. Aren't the Oakshotts just a joy to work with?
This is beautiful. The colors and the gorgeous oakshott. Plus of course the quilting. Really beautiful. Thank you for the link.
Wonderful finish…you will have to bring it to the next sewing we do. I caved yesterday and bought the autumn bundle for a couple of the modern josef albers like designs I have been doing of late. Anyway congrats on the post 🙂
Just beautiful.
Oh Nicole! I am your biggest fan! This is gorgeous and you whipped it out so quickly! Well done, as always 🙂
This came out so lovely, both the idea and the execution. And thank you so much for sharing the pattern, I think I'm going to try to get this done as a gift for my MIL before Christmas.
WOW!! I am blown away by your runner!! beautifully done.
OMGosh!!! I love, love, love this runner!!! The colours, design, quilted stitching are all beautiful and perfect!!! Thank you for the free pattern!!
Love this! Great job!!
The quilting on this is amazing!
Oh my gosh! I am in love! Purple and blue is my most favorite color combination so this runner is just gorgeous in my opinion. Beautiful job.
I not only love how this runner looks, but also the meaning behind the design and quilting – it's a wonderful project in every way, Nicole!
Another beauty Nicole! Your quilting is absolutely gorgeous.
So beautiful in every way, the quilting, the colors, the design. I love everything about it!
Nicole, never saw this coming.
I've not followed you for very long, but
Still never saw the circular design coming.
Perfect!
Hugs
Gerry
Lovely! Just lovely! And your quilting as always is stunning!
Looks fabulous Nicole!
The table runner is very effective. The way you quilted it made all the difference. Great job!
Wowza. A great piece to practice FMQ.
Wow, what a fabulous runner and it highlights the beautiful colors of the Oakshott cottons! Bravo!
Just gorgeous! I love the quilting so much, it just enhances the piecing. Beautiful!
an absolute stunner!
Oh this is beautiful…..thank you so much for sharing your pattern and as I have holiday dinners I think this one will be my Christmas table runner this year.
Love the colors, FMQing, and the concept of connections. Lovely, simply lovely.
I love the way you chose to quilt it…very effective.
That is really beautiful.
Those colors are amazing! Great design.
Your designs and quilting are spectacular. I just recently found your blog and am begining to read more of your older posts. I'd love to hear how you go into long-arm quilting. Thanks for sharing your work!
Beautiful table runner! That collection of blues contains my favourite colours. Love your quilting on this project too.
Beautiful design and I love the thought behind how you made and quilted it. Can't wait to make one for myself and other family members.
Beautiful table runner! I want one just like. I guess I will need to learn FMQ.
Thank you for the lovely pattern, I am making one in red and white and grey for my table as its my birthday soon and getting friends over!
Your Connect the Dots table runner is awesome – I have just discovered your site and I have really enjoyed having a look around – love your work. All of your quilts are fabulous. I was prompted to visit by your 3″ log cabin post on Facebook today and now I am a devoted fan.
Pauline
Awww, Pauline! I’m so glad you found my little space in cyberspace. And thank you for the kind words!
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