Friday, April 1, 2011

Burlap and Ruffles

Back in December, I saw a beautiful burlap table runner at my favorite barn sale. It was red (didn't even know burlap came in red) with ruffles. But it was bit out of my price range, so I made a mental note to add this project to my to do list. Since we woke up to snow again this morning (I thought it was spring), painting was definitely not an option. Good day to tackle the to do list. And here is the result!

My local fabric store had natural, chocolate brown and sage green burlap. Of course, I bought some of each. For the record, they also had orange (not sure why) and white. Then I grabbed a few drop cloths for the backing and the ruffles. Burlap and drop cloths, what could be better?

Now first up, here's a fabulous tip for working with burlap! This is what the first few cuts at the fabric store looked like. Not exactly the straightest cuts I've ever seen. I was trying not to cringe. Luckily a second sales person saw what was happening and gave my sales person (and me) a lesson in how to cut burlap.

Start by measuring of course, then just make a small cut along the fold.


Now reach in the cut and pull the string that lines up with the cut.


You will actually be able to pull the string right out. And then you will have a perfectly straight line to follow to make your cut.



Here it is in the natural fabric. Pretty cool, huh? I love when I learn a new little trick!



Ok, now on to making the runner. I really didn't have a specific size in mind. My kitchen has a long farmhouse table. I took the easy, least amount of measuring required approach. Since my fabric and my drop cloth were 48"wide, I decided that was a good length, especially with the added ruffles. So I cut my fabric in 18" strips. I also hate wasting fabric, so you can get two strips (runners) out of each single yard of fabric with absolutely no waste and a minimum of measuring. I did wash the drop cloth first and I ironed both fabrics before cutting. Then just pin the right sides together (just pick the side with the least flaws) and stitch the lengths. The ends don't even have to line up perfectly.


Then open the fabric so the wrong sides are together and press the seams flat. While still at the ironing board, fold the ends inward about an inch or so, again, no need to measure, just make straight lines. Now set this part aside to make the ruffles.




Normally if I am making something with ruffles (like a curtain), I use double the width to allow for generous gathering. But burlap and drop cloths are pretty thick and my sewing machine is a relic, so I didn't want to tax it too much. Again I took the easy way and just cut 48" long strips about 5" wide. That's not quite one and a half times the width, still enough for a gentle gather. I had already decided on 3 1/2" ruffles.




Cut your strip in half and stitch around three sides.





Clip the corners, turn your fabric back to the right side and press open.




To gather your fabric, use a long running stitch and gather to the size of the opening in the runner panel.




Pin your ruffle fabric inside the runner and stitch it all together. This was probably the hardest part of the whole project.




It is a generous 16 1/2" wide by 52" long. But of course, you could make it any size you want. And you know this same technique would work with a variety of fabric choices.


I love the combination of the soft gentle gathers and the natural rustic feel of the burlap.


I'd show it to you on my kitchen table, but it's covered in projects at the moment!


And isn't this chocolate brown burlap yummy? And by the way, I broke my last sewing machine needle, so I need another trip to the fabric store to finish the natural burlap runner. Note to self, buy some heavy-duty needles. And I'll definitely be on the lookout for some red burlap before the holidays roll around again. I'm so glad I didn't buy the runner I saw at the barn sale. Now I have the satisfaction of having made my own runner with burlap and ruffles!



And a huge thank you to all of you who take the time to check out what's happening at Elizabeth & Co. and leave such wonderful comments! Your positive thoughts, encouragement and friendship is so greatly appreciated! Yesterday we reached 500 followers! Seriously, that touches my heart!

So, how about a giveaway to say thank you? Something with burlap and ruffles perhaps? You can even choose the color - natural, chocolate brown or sage green. Just leave a comment if you're interested. It would be nice if you were following along, since this is a follower thank you. I'll announce a winner on Monday morning, April 11th. Thanks so much for being here!

I'm linking to...



The DIY Show Off freckled laundry Designer Garden Visit thecsiproject.com


A Glimpse Inside Photobucket
Make it Yours @ My Backyard Eden Very Merry Vintage Style Blog Button Savvy Southern StyleAnything Related


craft Photobucket UndertheTableandDreaming


Funky Junk's Sat Nite SpecialBWS tips button






83 comments:

Joy@aVintageGreen said...

The table runner is a very pleasing fabric marriage. Your photos are so clear and you gave very clear instructions. Thank you.
- Joy

Sarah, Three Boys said...

Oh it is gorgeous! Congratulations on 500 that is awesome!!!

Kim @ A Brush of Whimsy said...

They are just lovely! You are one multi-talented lady! Great tips!

Janet said...

Oh my goodness I LOVE this!!! So beautiful!!

www.iheartmygluegun.com

NanaDiana said...

Sharon- What a great tutorial...and I love the runner with burlap and ruffles. I am not being funny here (this time) but please DON'T sign me up for the giveaway. I have won several give aways in the last few weeks so I would like to see someone win that hasn't won something yet! xxoo Diana

Tanya said...

These are just beautiful and I'm already imagining an Easter table with the green one!

Tanya said...

I'm also a new follower!

Laurie at Turner Farm said...

FABULOUS! I really need to learn to sew. I love this ~ look forward to seeing it on your table. btw ~ we had the same kind of day ~ We are snowed in and I pulled out the burlap.
http://welcometotheturnerfarm.blogspot.com

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Fantastic runner. and Great instructions!!

Laurie at Turner Farm said...

I'm a new follower ~

Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal said...

I really love the combination of ruffles and burlap. I am going to have to make a runner this way. It is just so cute!

Rachel @the house redeemed said...

What a cute idea! I bought a ton of burlap and I can't remember what I was going to do with it!! But.... I'd rather just win the giveaway!! :)

Something Nice and Pretty said...

Beautiful! Love all of them but the natural one has my heart!

Judy said...

Ohhh, I love that runner! I would love to win one for my kitchen table. BTW, I just hit 506 followers and I'm so excited!

I'm also a follower of your blog...
Judy

Stacey said...

I am a follower...I don't post alot-I don't have my own blog but I love all of you wonderful ideas and the tutorial today was awesome. Got some burlap & drop cloth material just waiting on this! Mine is the natural color so I would love to win the chocolate brown!!!

Simply Bungalow said...

Love these! Simple and sweet. Just wonderful.

Cindy said...

I love the drop cloth ruffle! I have spring break this week and had planned to make a burlap table runner for my kitchen table...and I think I will use drop cloth for the ruffle instead of the burlap that I was planning to use. Thank you for the timely good idea! :o}

Karen said...

I love burlap and canvas together and your runner is gorgeous. Thanks for visiting and leaving such a nice comment.

Karen said...

Oh! I'm a new follower!!

Brandi said...

Love your table runner! Drop cloth and burlap, it doesn't get any better than that! Thanks for sharing the tutorial!

Tote said...

I love the burlap runner! What a great idea. I really enjoy reading your blog. You have some wonderful ideas that really inspire me.

Susan

Cassie Bustamante said...

that turnd out so nicely, sharon! isn't it great when you know you can do it cheaper! :)

~Kristin~ said...

This was a lovely, lovely table runner! I found red burlap here at Christmas. So fun for the holidays and that was an amazing tip for cutting the burlap!
Thanks for sharing and stopping by and commenting at my blog!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Love, Kristin

~Sues Treasures on the Porch~ said...

Great idea as always you inspire me and I am going to try this one. I hope mine will turn out as pretty as yours I would love the sage green on my 6 ft farm table this spring when I bring in some of my flowers from my cottage gardens hope I win and you don't mind if I copy this like you I love the softness of the ruffles and the rustic feel of the burlap! Thanks for another great idea!!!

Kathy said...

Burlap envy...sigh....Thanks so much for the great tutorial. They are all just beautiful!

Jennifer@Woodley Cottage said...

Congratulations on the following. I'm definitely one of your faithfuls...
Thanks for the fabulous and easy to follow tutorial. Your runners are just beautiful.
Jennifer

Teresa@magazineyourhome said...

Thanks for the great tutorial, they turned out beautifully!

Unknown said...

A very beautiful runner, thanks for the tutorial!
Congratulations on your 500 followers!

Hugs
Charo

Chris at Red Gate Farm said...

This is beautiful! And the burlap cutting tip is so timely since I'm about to start a little burlap art project! Congrats on 500 followers, I'm one of them of course :)

~Chris

Marianne said...

What a nice project and a great tutorial. I am still looking for the burlap in different colors. Haven't found a source yet, your green one is such a lovely color.
Oh and funny about the needles. I always buy them 20 at a time because I keep breaking them.
Thanks for linking up to GD! And yes now you can see that you are not a procrastinator but a very early project manager LOL.

Ming said...

Love the way you show step-by-step directions. Would absolutely LOVE a sage green runner. What lengths (may have missed this while reading) do the runners come in?

scrappy25 said...

thank you for this tutorial! Looking forward to your tag sale

Unknown said...

Beautiful job. I so want a burlap runner like yours for the top of my piano, but I don't sew or own a sewing machine. Boo Hoo! None the less, you did a great job. So glad you linked it. winks- jen

Rebecca @ My Girlish Whims said...

these two textiles look so pretty together! love it

PS: I'm doing a giveaway on my blog for $20 to my etsy shop, so if you like pretty jewelry you should come enter!! http://mygirlishwhims.blogspot.com/2011/04/my-spring-fling-giveaway.html

Emily said...

oh wow! i was going to comment anyways and a giveaway to go with it? too much excitement for a sunday night = ) congrats sharon!! i hope to make it up there friday! xoxo

Jamie @ DIY Home Sweet Home said...

It looks amazing. Thank you for the tip on cutting. I would have never thought of that. I would love for you to share it on More The Merrier Monday's Link Party!!

http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/

Kim @ A Brush of Whimsy said...

Oh yes, I'm a follower, and yes....totally want to win the burlap runner!!!!

~The Bargain Babe from *Zucchini Summer Blog* said...

Saw you at Dittle Dattle. What a great project you made. You make ruffles look easy. I made my first ever pillowcase recently (and blogged about it!). The ruffle nearly killed me.

Alison said...

Ooo. I love the simplicity and beauty of it. So pretty!

❦Bayside Gal❦ said...

Very cool! I have some nice burlap to use. My DH must have some unused drop cloths..I'm going to check his shed our right now. Thanks for the tute!

Anonymous said...

Those are just too georgeous!!!! I bet the red is great! Personally I like the chocolate best but I'm afraid it would not show real well on my dark cherry table so I'd have to choose the sage green! Thank you so much for the instructions on how to make these!! Great tutorial. I'm going to give it a try, if I find some red burlap.....I'll let you know if I find any!! I've been a follower for quite a while and it's nice to be one of the 500....

atrendymom said...

Love the simplicity of your runner. Check out fabric dot com for red burlap. They also have terracotta burlap as well. I'd love to own a natural colored runner :)

Becky
http://bucketofbuttons.blogspot.com

Phyllis said...

You give very clear directions and make it look like anyone could do it.....LOL...hope I can. I am wanting to make and Asian runner for a tablescape and your have given me the inspiration to do it. Thanks a bunch! I love your burlap and dropcloth runner....very nice.

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

This has been on my list to do, but just need som tie to make one...would love to win one of yours...all thee colors are great! I'm a happy follower:) I got some red burlap two years ago and use it for a tree skirt for my family Christmas tree.

Blessings,
Linda

Inspired by you said...

It turned out lovely!

Lynn said...

What a great tutorial - I think the runners are lovely. I'm already a follower and enjoy learning new things from your blog. Thanks for sharing for for this fun give away.
~Lynn
www.cottageandcreek.com

Unknown said...

I'm loving the burlap with the soft fabrics... esp. burlap and white frills!!! I'm in love!

I'm following you from the Dittle Dattle bloghop.
Please follow me at:
www.daughterbydesign.blogspot.com

BeingBrook said...

Loving the burlap and ruffles! Great job!

These Defining Moments said...

You ladies are fabulous! Your tutorials are wonderful too! Very inspiring!

Amy Kinser said...

You did a wonderful job. It looks so professionally done.

Tammy @ Type A said...

love them, they are beautiful. i love burlap and drop cloth! thanks for sharing this at my party!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Your runners look great, Sharon!

Kimberlee, The Spunky Diva said...

Those are beautiful. I have been wanting to play with burlap, but haven't gotten any yet. Thanks for posting such wonderful delights to drool over. Visiting from Show and Tell at Blue Cricket.
~Kimberlee
{$15 Amazon GC Giveaway} 

Kim @ Too Much Time said...

FABULOUS! I am a VERY beginning seamstress. I cannot wait till I can actually create something as beautiful as this. The rustic paired with the ruffles is fab!

www.kim-toomuchtimeonmyhands.blogspot.com

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Sharon, Great tip for cutting burlap. Both the runners are beautiful! I love anything made with burlap and ruffles. Thanks for sharing this project at my Open House party and please enter me in your giveaway. I am a follower.
Hugs,
Sherry

Olive said...

It is so pretty. Well done.

Beverly@southernhomesweethome said...

Love it! I made a table runner w/ the drop cloth but didn't try the burlap.. I did make a pillow it shed all over the place.. did you have the same problem? I am a new follower. Over from Sherry's party.

very merry vintage style said...

Beautiful--I love the combination of fabrics and thanks for the tips on sewing with burlap. Thanks for linking to the Share the Love Link party!
Mary

Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage said...

I had to do a double take when I saw that the burlap project linked to my party was you, Sharon. lol I'm used to seeing your pretty painted projects at the party. But I love your table runner and appreciate the tips on working with burlap. By the way, orange burlap makes really cute stuffed pumpkins for fall. ;)

Thanks for linking to the party!

Hugs,
Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

Sonya Badgley said...

Hi Sharon, I just found your blog and loved your tutorial on your burlap table runner. Beautiful job. I would love the chocolate brown one since I have brown transferware dishes.
Thank you for sharing.
Hugs,
Sonya

Twigs and Twirls said...

My two favorite things...burlap and ruffles!!! Great job.

Pamela said...

Nice job and thanks for the tips, I will remember the "pull the thread for a straight cut" for sure. I have just recently fallen for burlap, I need to order some so I can make up some home decor items soon.

Bridgett said...

Thanks for the tutorial. This is fabulous! I've had the burlap and have been wondering where to go from here. This gave me a great idea! The green is my fav.

Sommer said...

Oh so beautiful! I've been wanting to try this for some time now and haven't remember to buy fabric. I want one of these so bad, thanks for the wonderful reminder and great instruction! I would be delighted if you would link this up to my VIP party Friday =)
Cheers! Sommer

Becky@Beyond The Picket Fence said...

I love ruffles and burlap, such a great combo! Thanks so much to linking up to Beyond The Picket Fence.

Anonymous said...

Hi, I found you at the burlap linky party. Love your table runner, the gentle ruffle with the burlap looks wonder. I bet it's going to look really awesome when you decorate with it! Thanks so much for sharing with us1

Sommer said...

Thanks for linking up!

Ann from On Sutton Place said...

Hi! I found you at Time Travel Thursday but I probably could have found you anywhere! I can't believe the linky parties...what a find. Thanks for adding me to your give away...I'd LOVE to win a table runner. I'm a follower too. Looks like you're pretty busy but if you have time please stop by my blog. Thanks! ~Ann

Susan said...

I never knew that burlap could be so beautiful!

Holly Kennedy said...

This is FANTASTIC! Thank you for the very clear tutorial! i will definitely try this one!

Beth@The Stories of A to Z said...

Your runner is gorgeous and your tutorial is fantastic!

gail@My Repurposed Life said...

Sharon! I love the runners! projects on the table? nah... surely not! hahaha

Thanks for sharing @ Catch as Catch Can!
gail

~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~ said...

Well let's make it 501 I am now a follower. Nice job on the runner, lovely.
~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

grammy and papi said...

Oh, I love the runner, I just purchased some burlap and think I may need to make a runner. That is, if I don't win this one. LOL I have been a follower for a while.

Have a God Filled Day
Shirley

The Painted Parlor said...

Soo adorable! I would LOVE to win one :).

Julie ~
Paintedparlor.blogspot.com

dmw212 said...

I am a follower and I NEED a natural runner for my farm table in my kitchen!! Hope you pick me!!

KimMalk said...

I just don't get tired of this combination. You did such a great job on the finishing, too. Nice work, Sharon!

Rustown Mom said...

I found a burlap remnant today at Joann and I remembered you did such a cute runner - so guess what is on my next week's list of projects? Hope mine turns out as cute as yours!

Stacey said...

I followed your tutorial & made my own table runner yesterday...not with your fabric combination but it still turned out so cute! I am learning to sew as I go & I was so afraid of ruffles! You did a great job on the tutorial & mine isn't perfect but I learned alot & I am very proud of it! Thank you so much!!

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

I love it!!! Burlap and drop cloths are a great combination!
Thank you for sharing your tutorial :)

xoxo
Lori

Jennifer said...

LOVE! It is lovely in it's simplicity!

Jodi said...

This is so pretty! What a great tutorial too. I am definately going to try this for my Thanksgiving table!

Jodi

WhisperWood Cottage said...

Love that chocolate colored burlap and the tip for cutting it! Thanks for linking up to the Burlap Week party at WhisperWood Cottage!