I’m so darned excited to talk about this! Back in June I finished up two projects for Quilting Arts Gifts. Last month an e-mail from Pokey Bolton surprised me with the news the table runner would be on the cover. Whoa. Other people have their projects on the covers of magazines, not me. That news was completely unexpected and a true delight. It still feels weird to look at it and see my stitches. I’m feeling extremely thankful right now.
Talk about a project packed issue, this is a one-stop, holiday-crafting inspiration station. It will be available on the newsstand September 16 or you can order directly from Quilting Arts. Click on the table of contents link to see all the fabulous ideas. I’ll talk about the mini tins in a separate post.
I’m really proud of the table runner pattern. A simple piecing formula combined with fun fabrics and fused snowflakes. A quickie project using fat quarters. The snow flake templates are included in the article too. I’ve put together fabric packs in the shop if you want to re-create the version in the magazine, or if you just want to know which fabrics I used you can see that too.
As I was processing pics for this post I came across images of previous iterations. I often take digital pictures of my work in process. I find looking at the image on the computer screen is useful for identifying the good, the bad and the ugly.
I thought you might like seeing where I started and ended. Here’s version 1 and 2:
The design began with more pieces in the mixing bowl. Gosh that first one is LOUD. Pulling back it seemed a little boring. Time for a different mix:
Vintage fabrics out. Fun, bright, matchy-matchy holiday prints in. I truly LOVED that large disco dot fabric but it wasn’t happy sharing the stage once the snow flakes went on so it was out.
The addition of the Kona cottons into the piecing was also driven by the snow flakes. They needed some solid relief to stand out. Final version:
Another interesting thing that shows in these pictures is the difference between the Kona cotton reds. I absolutely adore Chinese Red. You can see it in the first two photos. As I noodled over the colors I finally came to terms with the fact my beloved favorite color was dragging down the whole project. Enter a new love: Tomato. It’s a subtle difference but amazingly powerful. I think it makes the final version pop like a good table runner should.
The snow flakes are fused on. I added simple embroidery around the outlines to add movement. I cut the peppermint stripe on the bias because it made me think of candy canes. The final size of the runner is 13″ x 40″.
I’m getting excited about Christmas just talking about it!
Kathy Mack
Carrie + Diana
Kathy, that is just MORE than exciting! Way cool! This might be the project for me!
I just got my copy in the mail yesterday and was so excited to see you name in lights! You did a great job of picking fabrics, but what I REALLY like are the just-a-little-bit-wonkiness of the snowflakes! FUN!
Hey! I was just at Barnes and Noble today and looked through that entire magazine, though I didn’t notice it was you on the cover. I forced myself not to buy it – I’m trying to put myself on restriction – you know my problem…. But now it’s a must have. I’m stopping by Walmart in the morning! — Michele
Congrats! What an honor to be chosen for the cover–it’s really a beautiful, festive piece!
Congrats – such good things are coming your way these days and I am so happy for you!
This is so exciting for you — congratulations. I love the fabrics that you chose. Reading about your thought process regarding how you went through selecting the final fabric combinations was insightful, I always find this the most challenging part of any project. It obviously is your forte!
Congrats on having your project featured on the cover. It’s really cute. I enjoyed seeing your design process.
Check you out! Awesome. I do like the strip of stripes going the other way in the first version though
That’s so grand! Congratulations!
How cool to be on the cover! I’ve never been into table runners, but this one has changed my mind. I know what’s on my shopping list for September 16th!
-Mariah
http://www.talkingofmanythings.wordpress.com
Wow! Wow! Wow! Congratulations!
The table runner is fabulous….I’ll be picking up this magazine for sure!
Carol
Fabulous job, Kathy! We already knew you were a star.
Congratulations! I will have to find that mag for sure
I am so happy for you Kathy! You totally deserve the cover! The table runner is lovely, fresh and most of all current. It’s so nice not to see the same tired old thing on the front of a quilting magazine again.
Congratulations, Kathy! It’s a really cute project. I’m planning on picking up my copy as soon as it’s out.
WOW! congrats to you! ^-^
I will so order this issue!
Congratulations!!! That is a super fun design too. Very “weekend quilter” friendly. ~jen~
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU!! How wonderfully exciting and so deserved!
Celebrating YOU!
sarah
Congratulations Kathy! How exciting! As it is with all the “Pokey” Publications, I look forward to it. D~~~~
Congratulations Kathy, that is exciting news. I love the runner and that striped binding is so cute!
congratulations! It’s lovely.
How exciting to be on the cover! It is a really fun table runner. And it is really interesting to see how you got to the end product. Thanks so much for sharing the process.
That’s is such a gorgeous piece! Congrats on the cover!
Kathy, congratulations on being a “cover Star”! Your style always seems so fresh, colorful, and current. I can see why Pokey chose your table runner as the cover. Also, wanted you to know, my daughter LOVED the Carousel Quilt I made from your kit. She looked at it, said, “I actually LIKE this. Did you make it?” It is now resting comfortably on her bed at the University of Arizona. Thanks for making me look good. : )
Congrats!!!!! It is adorable. I will get my copy tomorrow.
Congratulations Cover Girl!
Wow! I just stumbled across your blog and I am excited for you! The spirit is contagious. The table runner is divine, you deserve to be on the cover! Did you do that all by hand, or did you use a sewing machine? Just curious
Way to go Kathy!!! I always enjoy seeing your work. Your fabric mixes are always great. Congratulations, Sandra Clarke
Congratulations and thanks for sharing a bit of your design process with us. I’m always interested in how and why people choose the palette and prints they do.
Lorrie
Wow, the cover – how wonderful!! It’s a great looking runner too. I love how you photograph the creative process from the beginning to the end.
Congratulations Kathy!!
I am originally from Illinois and in that state we require every grade school student to study quilts and quilt making before they can graduate from grade school. It is a wonderful program. Well because of my kids I fell in love with quilts and I just rand into your site… great site … I am turning it Thanks Diane
I love seeing your thought process!
Everyone: Thank you for all the lovely comments. I truly appreciate it and LOVE you all.
Tommy: I machine quilted the runner. I did some hand embroidery embellishment after the quilting to give the snow flakes a little more movement and pizazz.
Congratulations! I have to go to B&N tomorrow (pickup dvd order), I’ll definately buy this issue. Oh btw, I recieved my order today, such speedy service!!
Wow, Kathy! I am so excited for you! Congratulations!! I will definately pick up this issue – I need to make that cover project!! Hugs!
That is exciting! Congrats!
OOOH!! I love this- definitely on my “to do” list before Christmas!! Thanks, Kathy!
Kathy, now i know a STAR! The *star* on the front of a quilting magazine! i didn’t realize you were on the front until i picked it up at Barnes and Nobles tonight! (guess i didn’t read the fine print in the blog!) Congrats to you and your entries! I cannot imagine how excited you must be! You are such an inspiration to all of us! I just had to tell you before I look at the rest of the issue! You are the best! Now……. back to the mag!
That’s is such a gorgeous piece! Congrats on the cover!