Sew Mama Sew/Oakshott Table Linens Challenge

by Nicole

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’sĀ Modern Quilt Perspectives (more on that here).

My response to both challenges is the Connect the Dots table runner.

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.

Connect the Dots Table Runner_Closeup1

For the background, I quilted back-and-forth lines as a contrast to the curves of the circles and paisleys.

Connect the Dots Table Runner_Closeup2

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:

 

Mary Claire King atĀ Remember Wren
Michelle White atĀ Falafel and the Bee
Jessica Skultety atĀ Quilty Habit
Sara Peterson atĀ knottygnome crafts

Anjeanette KlinderAnd stay tuned to Sew Mama Sew for a giveaway of a Oakshott fabric bundle!

You may also like

35 comments

Yvonne @ Quilting Jetgirl October 16, 2014 - 2:06 pm

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.

Debbie October 16, 2014 - 2:08 pm

Very very pretty Nicole. Love the thoughtfulness behind your design and quilting. Aren't the Oakshotts just a joy to work with?

Lynn October 16, 2014 - 2:10 pm

This is beautiful. The colors and the gorgeous oakshott. Plus of course the quilting. Really beautiful. Thank you for the link.

Michelle@factotum-of-arts.com October 16, 2014 - 2:46 pm

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 šŸ™‚

Pieces of Cotton October 16, 2014 - 3:16 pm

Just beautiful.

~Diana October 16, 2014 - 3:38 pm

Oh Nicole! I am your biggest fan! This is gorgeous and you whipped it out so quickly! Well done, as always šŸ™‚

Crafty Coffin October 16, 2014 - 3:50 pm

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.

Falafel and the Bee October 16, 2014 - 6:29 pm

WOW!! I am blown away by your runner!! beautifully done.

Michele T October 16, 2014 - 11:37 pm

OMGosh!!! I love, love, love this runner!!! The colours, design, quilted stitching are all beautiful and perfect!!! Thank you for the free pattern!!

Diane October 16, 2014 - 11:59 pm

Love this! Great job!!

Rachel October 17, 2014 - 12:39 am

The quilting on this is amazing!

VickiT October 17, 2014 - 1:11 am

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.

Miggsie October 17, 2014 - 6:40 am

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!

Lea October 17, 2014 - 12:54 pm

Another beauty Nicole! Your quilting is absolutely gorgeous.

PT in SC October 17, 2014 - 12:58 pm

So beautiful in every way, the quilting, the colors, the design. I love everything about it!

GerryART October 17, 2014 - 2:22 pm

Nicole, never saw this coming.
I've not followed you for very long, but
Still never saw the circular design coming.
Perfect!
Hugs
Gerry

Anjeanette October 17, 2014 - 2:49 pm

Lovely! Just lovely! And your quilting as always is stunning!

pandchintz October 17, 2014 - 10:35 pm

Looks fabulous Nicole!

Diann October 23, 2014 - 4:24 pm

The table runner is very effective. The way you quilted it made all the difference. Great job!

kathy October 23, 2014 - 4:45 pm

Wowza. A great piece to practice FMQ.

Cindy Pilkington October 23, 2014 - 10:42 pm

Wow, what a fabulous runner and it highlights the beautiful colors of the Oakshott cottons! Bravo!

Taya@TypeB October 23, 2014 - 10:55 pm

Just gorgeous! I love the quilting so much, it just enhances the piecing. Beautiful!

Carol Q October 26, 2014 - 9:20 am

an absolute stunner!

Sharon Joyner Griffith October 26, 2014 - 9:45 am

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.

I am Just One Mom October 26, 2014 - 2:11 pm

Love the colors, FMQing, and the concept of connections. Lovely, simply lovely.

Audrey October 29, 2014 - 10:16 am

I love the way you chose to quilt it…very effective.

Needled Mom October 30, 2014 - 12:57 am

That is really beautiful.

Lauralyn Connor October 30, 2014 - 12:22 pm

Those colors are amazing! Great design.

Dillender Clan November 2, 2014 - 11:13 am

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!

Sarah November 5, 2014 - 11:55 am

Beautiful table runner! That collection of blues contains my favourite colours. Love your quilting on this project too.

Fred January 28, 2015 - 4:20 pm

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.

Darla June 24, 2015 - 9:56 pm

Beautiful table runner! I want one just like. I guess I will need to learn FMQ.

Tineke Williams January 7, 2016 - 1:26 am

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!

Pauline July 18, 2016 - 4:53 pm

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

Nicole July 18, 2016 - 9:54 pm

Awww, Pauline! I’m so glad you found my little space in cyberspace. And thank you for the kind words!

Comments are closed.