Finished Table Rug: 46˝ × 13¾˝
In drawing inspiration for my pieces, I often turn to antique quilts for their comfortable elegance and functional beauty. Whether they are pieced quilts or appliquéd, there is much to be gained by studying their designs. Often they were the original work of the maker, who may have been inspired by her surroundings, or they were a pattern reflecting the popular trends of that time. Quilts have never gone out of style and continue to give us joy and warmth.
This table rug is my interpretation of the many floral motifs used by those early quilters. I am constantly drawn to the bold, simple designs of flowers and leaves, and I use them in my patterns, finding new joy each time. The colors I used here give the piece a fresh look, while keeping it warm with just a touch of color. I’m sure you’ve noticed my affinity for brown and earthy tones. They are a versatile group and an endless palette from which to draw. Here again I have used a textile in addition to the wool. I used linen for the base of the wool appliqués, although wool will work just as well. The linen lightens the piece up and lends an early feel through its woven texture.
Album quilts, such as this early example, are a marvel of creativity.
This was a very satisfying piece and can be used in many ways. It hangs over the railing in my stairway and I look at it first thing every day. Enjoy stitching!
MATERIALS
Wool
•1 rectangle 40˝ × 13¾˝ for backing
•1 dark brown rectangle 12½˝ × 25˝ for appliqué background
•1 medium brown rectangle 12½˝ × 12½˝ for appliqué background
•1 dark green rectangle 8˝ × 15˝ for leaves
•1 light green rectangle 10˝ × 14˝ for leaves
•1 dark brown rectangle 6˝ × 10˝ for flowers and bud accent
•1 mustard rectangle 4˝ × 5˝ for flower centers and bud
•1 orange rectangle 6˝ × 8˝ for flower and bud
•1 dark red square 3˝ × 3˝ for flower
•1 blue rectangle 1½˝ × 11˝ for berries
•1 brown rectangle 4˝ × 30˝ for tongues
•1 tan rectangle 4˝ × 20˝ for tongues
Other materials
•1 linen rectangle 42˝ × 16˝ for background
•Embroidery floss: 3 skeins of dark mustard, 2 skeins of antique white, and 1 skein of dark brown
GETTING STARTED
Refer to Preparing the Wool Pieces as needed for additional details on these steps.
1 Cut out the wool appliqué pieces for Panels A, B, and C and the wool for the tongues using the patterns.
2 Lay out the appliqués for each panel to be sure you have all of the pieces.
3 Cut the dark brown 12½˝ × 25˝ rectangle in half to make 2 squares 12½˝ × 12½˝.
SEWING FUN
Refer to Stitching Your Project for details on the blanket stitch and embroidery stitches.
1 Stitch the appliqués for Panels A and C to the dark brown squares and stitch the appliqués for Panel B to the medium brown square. Add the embroidery details.
2 Using steam, press each piece on the wrong side and trim to 11½˝ × 11½˝. Refer to Finishing Your Project, as needed.
3 Pin and stitch the squares to the linen, leaving 1¼˝ in between each and centering them across the 16˝ width.
4 Using steam, press the piece on the wrong side.
5 Trim the linen to 41˝ × 14¾˝.
6 Stitch the smaller tan tongues to the brown tongues and blanket stitch the outer curved edges. Press using steam.
7 Turn the linen under ½˝ on all sides and press using steam.
8 Pin the finished top to the wool backing, leaving the short ends open.
9 Line up 5 tongues on each short end, placing the flat sides between the linen and wool backing. Allow about 3˝ of the tongues to extend beyond the edge of the linen and wool backing. Pin the tongues in place.
Arrange tongues and pin in place.
10 Blanket stitch the outer edges all the way around the piece. Stitch on both the front and the back of the short ends to secure the tongues. You’ll stitch through the linen and tongues on the front, and through the backing and tongues on the back.
11 Press once more, using steam, and you have a new treasure!
