I’m not a runner, but I can make one. I used to run track and cross country in middle school and high school. I actually ran a 5:09 mile once (with the help of some downhill portions of a course and the fact that I was like 80 lbs). It happened once and never again (I usually clocked in between 6:20 and 7:10). But those days are gone (due partially to an ankle injury but mostly to laziness). Now I only run when I’m being chased. Or when I lose track of the baby. But making a runner? That I can do. You guys actually got a sneak peek of my recent runner creation in this picture from Clara’s party:
And let me tell you, it was child’s play compared to my big quilt project (nothing like a little confidence-building quick & easy sewing project to get your sew-mentum up). Yes, I just made a sewing pun for my mom. Happy birthday Momma (it’s tomorrow)! Anyway, here’s how it went. First I sorted through all of the leftover fabrics from Clara’s weekly photo project and picked four that I liked together (for a sort of cheerful and happy-go-lucky mixed & matched effect).
Then I found a runner that I already owned (from Target a while back) and folded it into quarters so I would have an idea of the size of each of the four squares of fabric that I should cut out (so that when sewn together they would equal the approximate width and length of the runner that I already had). I left about an inch of overhang on all sides to account for seams, so it looked a little something like this:
And for some reason I like to over-share, so I’ll point out how insane I am about my “good scissors.” I actually wrote this message on them with Sharpie because I was sick of John using the good sharp ones to do something crazy like trim a thick branch outside or slice open some crazy-thick plastic package. Do you like how it specifically says “no John cuts”? I think it’s hilarious. That’s like Kate Gosselin level micro-managing right there. But it works. John won’t touch these scissors anymore. And I love you for that babe.
Anyway, next I ironed all of my four fabric rectangles so they weren’t all junky and wrinkled looking (they were already washed, btw, which is important to combat shrinkage – because nobody likes shrinkage).
Then I pinned each section together with the bad side facing out (which would create invisible seams – which are my favorite since they’re harder to mess up). Oh and to all of those who gave me the tip about pinning it perpendicular- I love it. I just somehow forgot so I’ll have to try that next time.
With it all pinned together it looked a little questionable for a while, but I (surprisingly) had faith that when I ironed and sewed those seams they’d look a lot less ganked up then they looked at the pinning stage of the game:
And sure enough, after a little bit of sewing things were looking a lot more promising. Who ever would have thought that me + sewing machine = something looking better than it did before. I’m telling you, this is serious growth for me as a person. I would have defined my relationship with sewing machines as tumultuous before this month. But times they are a changing. I might even have a tiny crush on Oh Brother.
Anyway, then it was time to iron down those seams from the back so they would lay nice and flat and look good from the front (as opposed to looking all bunched from the front like a big ol’ runner wedgie going on under the surface).
Then I ironed the outside seams on each end of the runner down to create the finished seams that would be seen from the front. I went straight to ironing because I was feeling gutsy (and didn’t feel like pinning the entire outside edge since the baby was about to wake up from her nap any minute and I was feeling all jumpy and why-the-heck-not about it)…
… and then sewed those two seams (these seams would show, which still kind of scares me but it wasn’t a big deal in the end- I just tried to go slow and steady and keep things nice and straight).
In about five minutes I had a nice tailored looking seam on both ends of my runner (without any pin usage – saweet). Then I had to deal with the unhemmed sides of the whole thing.
So I ironed them down too. I have to admit that not pinning felt good. Like I found some sort of shortcut to the next level in the video game of sewing.
Then I just slowly and carefully stitched around my ironed edges to create a nice neat hem around the outside of the rest of the runner. Aside from my bobbin running out halfway through (which pisses me off every time, I’m not gonna lie), it wasn’t annoying or frustrating. I was almost – dare I say it? – enjoying the process.
Cue the collective gasp.
Anyway, after making out with turning off my sewing machine and removing my freshly completed runner, I just ironed the whole thing again, just to make sure it was nice and tailored looking. Houston, we have a runner:
I hope to use it at lots of Clara parties to come. And probably for a bunch of other parties too- it’s just really happy and festive. It even looks kind of Easter-ish so it could work for a fun little egg dying party or something. Oh and the total cost = zero bucks (thanks to already having the fabric on hand). As for how long it took, I knocked it out in about 45 minutes to an hour. So it’s perfect for any beginners out there who want to kill me because they think I’m getting good at sewing. I’m not. I’m not even junior varsity. I’m the water boy of sewing. I don’t know the right terms for things, I make tons of mistakes as I go, but I’m telling you – just messing around until you end up with something you like is a surprisingly effective approach thus far. So take it as a sign that if a cursed sewing-machines-revolt-in-my-presence person like me can tackle some simple projects, you can do it too. Probably much better than I can.
Psst- Our baby-proofing adventures continue over on BabyCenter today. Can you handle the excitement?
Jackie says
Cute runner, but I’m seriously impressed with your mile time!
Jenna {Jenna Sais Quois} says
I can already tell I’m going to love reading about all your future sewing endeavors! You are off to a great start using that machine of yours. It took me much longer to figure it out… Plus, it opens the blog up to a whole slew of other fancy fabric-related DIYs. Great job, Sherry!
Angie says
I LOVE that you are writing so many sewing machine related articles right now. I got a sewing machine for Christmas… 5 months on I’m still too afraid to use it! But after reading this I might be brave and tackle some of the projects on my to do list (maybe!).
Kristen @ Popcorn on the Stove says
I think you’re a little better than the water boy (although I did just get a flash of the Adam Sandler movie in my head)! You’re getting so good at sewing. It makes me wish I had a sewing maching. Kind of.
I’m not there yet.
Emily says
Did I really see a shrinkage joke in there? lol.
Great use of the extra fabric!
YoungHouseLove says
I tried so hard to delete that but the 13 year old inside of me wouldn’t let me.
xo,
s
Jamie says
lol all I could think through the rest of that blog was…that’s what she said. Lol!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha.
xo,
s
Sara says
I was in the pool!!! ha ha ha
Mina says
that’s awesome! I will have to make one for my next partyyy
mina
http://www.meetmina.blogspot.com
Robin says
I have a friend who had a very expensive pair of sewing shears that she wanted to prevent family members from borrowing (you know, to trim branches or — heaven help me — BONE A CHICKEN.)
So she put a combination lock through the finger holes. Sure, family members could *admire* her very expensive shears, but like a chastity belt, it kept out those who were not authorized.
YoungHouseLove says
Wow- that’s a whole new level of scissor protection.
xo,
s
Chantel S says
Wow!
Colleen P. says
I am totally doing that!
annabelvita says
I love this!
braelin says
That just made me laugh out loud— chastity belt for keeping out those who are not authorized- love reading the comments on this blog almost as much as the posts themselves! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Amen. You guys have no idea how much you crack us up. Love you. Mean it!
xo,
s
Maya says
Hilarious – I second that, Braelin.
My hubby used my Tweezerman tweezers to open a cardboard box the other day (oy!). I may have to resort to your Sharpie note plan for those, Sherry! :)
Lisa says
Yes, FINALLY a trick that might stop my less-than-careful partner. I was laughing approvingly about your writing on the scissors Sherry, but the lock is at a whole other level completely. A level I need!
I’m just so happy there are people out there who are as careful (=anal) about their things as I am. My partner is the complete opposite, and after 10 years, I’m about an inch away from hiding EVERYTHING that he might misuse/damage/break/misplace/lose.
Kim says
Very cute, and looks pretty easy to tackle-I even think I could do it, and I have the non-sewing gene, too!
Janell Beals says
Great title, the finished product looks great and the table, so fun!! Janell
Born And Raised RVA says
I love that you have found so many uses for the surplus of fabric. I await more creative posts of things like bean-shaped pillows and lamp shade covers for Clara’s room.
BTW, your middle school athletic flash back cracked me up. I won the Presidential Fitness Award [headed up by pre-Gov’na’ Schwartzneger (sp?)] in the 6th grade for my mile time and got to meet two of the original American Gladiators. I’m not gonna lie, they were really scary. When I said “Yes, sir” to the woman (I think her name was Lazer) I thought she was going to knock my block off!
YoungHouseLove says
Woah. That is hardcore and I bet everyone at your school was totally jealous. And a for the whole “sir” confusion, it’s 100% understandable.
xo,
s
tara says
I’m like you, I know nothing about the technical side of sewing, but I can cut a square or a rectangle and stitch things together. To date I’ve made countless place-mats,napkins, embellished flour sack towels, and an apron that ties around the waist . . . If I waited to learn all the “right” terms for things, I’d never have gotten started. My mom and my grandma both sew things like quilts and clothing – they know a lot. Bless their hearts, they act impressed that I just go for it without a pattern or the technical know-how. There is something to be said for creativity.
banclothing says
I notice you are pinning the wrong way. I find pinning perpendicular to your seam really helpful. It’s easy to take the pins out and you can sew right up to them. On the topic of pins I totally suggest upgrading to long pins with the ball of plastic on the end. They will make your life SO much easier especially now that you are graduating from beginning projects. The running totallly pulled the table together; way to go!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah, lots of you mentioned trying that when I posted about my quilt and I just had some sort of colossal brain fart and forgot to try it. Next time!
xo,
s
E.Lefebvre says
I was going to say exactly the same thing! It’s really nice that way because you don’t have to pull the pins out as you sew (although it is good to slow down near them). And I second the long pins with a plastic ball at the end… so much easier to find, etc.
cafenoHut says
it looks very simple but I am not brave to try:)
Amy says
Great job! I don’t think you can call yourself a beginner any longer. Have you sewn any clothing for Clara yet? Nothing like seeing your little love in something made with your own two hands! I was going to tell you that when you are pinning fabric together, if you place your pins perpendicular to the selvage, you can sew straight over them! Just a sewing lesson I’ve learned! Love your blog! Love your perspective and fun commentary!
YoungHouseLove says
Well I made her that quilt and birthday banner, but not clothes yet. I’m working up to that since a lot of things involve elastic and snaps and zippers and all of that scary stuff. Haha. Oh and thanks for the perpendicular pinning tip! I heard that from a few others on my quilt post but I just somehow forgot to try it. Next time!
xo,
s
Jennifer C. says
Yes, I marked my “fabric scissors” too. It will totally ruin your scissors to use good fabric scissors on paper. (At least it will dull them, ever so slightly). But, you can get them sharpened at Joann’s and places like that. I recently got a serger from my Mother-In-Law. You think sewing machines are frustrating…it takes a good 20 minutes to thread that baby and then it’s not always serging right. But you’re right…I am also a “keep trying and you’ll figure it out and come out with something half way decent” kind of sewer!
Ashley says
“because nobody likes shrinkage” Hehehe! Yes, I’m 13 too!
YoungHouseLove says
I just couldn’t help it. I tried deleting that five times but just couldn’t resist.
xo,
s
susan says
I immediately thought of George Costanza!
Ashley says
Me too!
Jen says
I am a very mediocre sewer, but I have two tips for you that have helped me along the way. The first is that I take a pencil (although I am sure you are supposed to take the disappearing ink pen)and a ruler and draw the straight lines for seams (especially for pillows. I find it is much less stressful for me to follow the lines. My second tip is to pin perpendicular to the seam. You don’t have to take the pins out – you can sew right through them – I promise. It’s very liberating. Happy sewing.
YoungHouseLove says
Great tips one and all!
xo,
s
susan says
Ack! Don’t sew over pins! That can potentially damage your machine and will wreck your needle. I actually had the tip of the needle break off and fly right at my face when I did that once. Always take the pins out.
RebeccaNYC says
I sew over pins, but be prepared to have the needle break at the most inconvenient time. Also, using tailors chalk is the best for marking seams, or anything else for that matter!
April says
Haha, I totally used a Sharpie to write a message on my “good” sewing scissors too! And I got hot pink ones, so it’s more obvious that they are MINE ALL MINE!
April says
I once used some scrap fabrics to make a small runner for my entry table one time. I didn’t use a pattern either and it turned out great! I am new to the sewing too and I like sewing straight lines only. The only thing I did differently with my 3 sets of fabrics was I just sewed them together like you did but then I folded it in half length-wise and sewed around all the edges (leaving a little hole to turn it right side out) and then pressed it and patched the hole. That way you can flip it over to either side if you get something on it. Since you are new to sewing too I need to recommend that you try some of the Ellen Medlock patterns if you ever want to tackle making a purse or tote. They are so easy!!
Jill says
“I’m the water boy of sewing” may be my favorite Sherry quote yet. Thanks for sharing your sewing progress and projects! You’ve inspired me to hypothetically consider what it would be like if I could sew things. That alone is a huge step for me. Like Kristen, I’m not there yet, but maybe one day I will be. Thanks Sherry!
Donna Huebsch says
Your runner is sew nice — haha, sorry I couldn’t help myself…nice step-by-step instructions and photos. And the no-pin stuff — it’s such a daring feeling! I totally understand the scissors-labelling…I don’t sew a lot, but when I do, I want a pair of scissors that will cut the fabric and not just chew it up into a pulp!
Sara S. says
The runner looks great! I love that you were able to make something memorable from the fabric. You’ll always look at it and be reminded of the baby years. Love!
Also, holy shazam! A 5 minute mile? Even though it was in the past, can we please refer to you as Sherry “The Flash”? Because, well, that would be awesome.
Julianne Hendrickson says
I also just started sewing myself. Runners are so easy and very fun! I actually added a contrasting backing to mine and beleive me…SO EASY. Just like a pillowcase you sew three right sides together and then turn it inside out, pin the fourth side and top stitch all the way around. Love it! Something fun I have found recently is a “purse organizer”. It is the BEST! Makes as many pockets as you want in this long rectangular roll up to fit your phone, notepad, lip gloss, etc. and there is not more searching around your purse for the things you need!
Jessica says
I’m crazy about my good scissors too….and I actually have that exact same pair at work…..or at least I did, until I read this post and looked over to my trusty pencil/pen/highlighter/scissor holder on my desk and realized that they have been STOLEN!!!! Unbelievable….now I’m officially on the hunt for the culprit.
YoungHouseLove says
Stolen?! Oh no. My thoughts are with you during this challenging time. Godspeed little scissors.
xo,
s
Jessica says
When I find them, I will have to lock them away going forward….lol Thanks for your support….haha
Amy @ Triangle Honeymoon says
Looks great! You’ve made me so much more confident about learning to sew and using a machine. I love that you’re using meaningful materials in a meaningful way too. Thanks for all the inspiration.
Mary Lozano says
Ok I have to agree that the whole bobbin things makes me go insane, not only putting the thread on that complicated little wheel but then feeding through!!!
PS. I have a pair of scissors that are also OFF-LIMITS in my house :)
Beautiful-Whimsical party!!! Great job Sherry!
I may have missed the post, but where did you find the fabric with Clara’s name on it?
YoungHouseLove says
We made that on Spoonflower (that’s John’s handwriting that we had printed in two colors so it wrapped the fabric). Here’s the post about it for ya: http://blogs.babycenter.com/life_and_home/creating-personalized-fabric/
xo,
s
Mary Lozano says
Thanks Sherry!!!
Kimberly says
So proud of you! Sewing with no pins, even! I knew you could do this…can’t wait to see what you do next! :-)
Nicole says
Woohoo, look at you go! (Or “look at you sew”)
If you haven’t seen it yet, I think you would really enjoy Amy Karol’s “Bend the Rules Sewing”. It has quite a few cute and easy project ideas with instructions that are very easy to understand. It taught me a lot about sewing and construction, and when my then-puppy (now well behaved dog) ATE MY BOOK I literally cried.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the recommendation! I’ll have to check it out (and tell Burger not to have it for lunch).
xo,
s
Lauren B. says
My mom is a pretty big sewer, and is NUTS about her scissors too, sooo, when I was an adolescent and feeling gutsy/bratty I would take them and cut things like paper, toilet paper, plastic bags, anything terrible I could find! Then I would sneak them back into her sewing drawer, heh, heh, heh….
Lauren the Terrible
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man. That totally sounds like something I would do except I would get caught and grounded and would have to buy new scissors for my mom with my allowance. It was like my mom had some psychic ability to know whenever I did something naughty.
xo,
s
Michelle from The Cooking Life says
Great mile time (I’ll never be able to do that and I’m a runner, hehe), LOVE the sunroom setting and props on your growing sewing skills! I’m still nervous to get out my machine but you’ve inspired me to try and make a runner!
Gina says
holy smokes! 5:09! And I thought my time of 5:32 was fast! So, truth is, there is a runner inside of you. Great to see your progress on sewing. I too will take the plunge into the sewing machine that was gifted to me when I attempt to make a cushion. Eeep!
http://beatbeatheartbeat.com
Jakki says
Looks fab Sherry! I am totally addicted to sewing and I tell you what-I can not believe they haven’t designed a machine that uses a 2nd rolls of thread instead of a friggen bobbin! I detest winding them! LOL
YoungHouseLove says
I would buy it! Best invention ever. My mom did pass on a tip about threading like three bobbins at a time while you’re on that setting and then when one runs out you can pop in the next one without going back to threading them and interrupting everything. Of course I have yet to do that because I’m so ready to get back to sewing that the idea of making a bunch of bobbins is a snoozefest.
xo,
s
Shay says
I have a pair of Gingher scissors that I found on ebay for $19. They are about $39-$49 full price at the store. I don’t cut anything but fabric with them. I don’t even cut thread with them. My Husband knows not to touch them. He’s not allowed to use them at all.
My mom also had a pair of Gingher scissors and she threatened me within an inch of my life if I used them for anything but cutting fabric. She’s had them for at least 28 years and they still cut fabric like a hot knife through butter.
Lori and Ethne at wom-mom.com says
It’s amazing what you can do with a fabric stash! I love it!
Lori
http://www.wom-mom.com
Victoria R says
One more tip that I don’t think I saw… When pressin a seam, if you open the seam up and iron down the middle it will create a much smoother seam. It also cuts down on bulk when you are hemming a side that the seam runs into. It’s not a necessity, and it’s completely personal preference for the most part, but sometimes it is a big help. Try checking out the pictures here to see what I mean: http://sewing.about.com/od/beginner1/ss/seampressopen.htm
YoungHouseLove says
Oh my gosh, why didn’t I ever think of that?! Thanks!
xo,
s
Becky G says
I’m about 2 years ahead of you on the sewing front, but was just as nervous about it as you were/are. I have not yet graduated to zippers and that “scary stuff” as I got completely discouraged in the beginning when trying to make a “Sew Easy” dress. However I did watch a YouTube tutorial and think I could handle it now. Maybe I’ll go experiment…:)
Anyway, I do make a lot of aprons for some reason. I find top stitching scary, too (although, you really shouldn’t – you did an awesome job!), so now everything I make is reversible or lined so I can do a 95% invisible seam all the way around, with just a bit of hand sewing at the end. Like everything is a giant pillow case in different shapes.
Seems like it would be more work, but it’s really a lot easier, I find. A LOT less ironing, which is the worst part of sewing in my opinion!
Keep up the good work! You are motivating me to stay with it.
Carly says
First, love the scissors, hilarious! Second, I have always wanted to conquer the sewing machine because there are so many great things I can make with it, but it’s scary. With your inspiration I just purchased my own Oh Brother, but I got it for free thanks to my American Express rewards points and Amazon.com! You can understand how exciting that was for me! My first project will be throw pillows for the bedroom. I’ve done it by hand, I’m hoping I can do it by sewing machine too!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man that’s going to be awesome. Everything you make is going to be “free” for the most part- since the big expensive machine was purchased with points. Love that.
xo,
s
Sara says
You should look into making some clothes for your little one! I have made a few twirly skirts for my daughters, I don’t consider myself a clothes maker, more of a thing maker, but the twirly skirt tutorial from houseonhillroad (just google twirly skirt tutorial) is so easy, no pattern just straight line measurements.
It’s very forgiving of mistakes too since it gathers so much.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll have to check it out!
xo,
s
Lindsay says
Congratulations on another successful sewing project! Remember that making mistakes is part of the process. It’s why they invented seam rippers!
Shari says
You’re momma and I share the same birthday! And today is MY mom’s birthday! Yep, I was the BEST (belated) birthday present my mom ever received :)
Georgia Rowe says
My dogs ate the handles off my good scissors, its really hard to use them without handles! haha
YoungHouseLove says
Oh noooo! So sorry Georgia. I can imagine the pain.
xo,
s
Melissa says
So easy and super cute! Reminds me that I have some fabric which I could use for a runner for a console table… hmmm. I made a temporary no sew runner for my friend’s baby shower. I didn’t want to sew it in case you she wanted to use the fabric for something else down the road (which we did – we made pillows!). You can see it at the bottom of this post – http://houseography.blogspot.com/2011/03/french-themed-baby-shower-decor.html
YoungHouseLove says
So smart!!!
xo,
s
Julia @ Chris loves Julia says
My husband got me my first sewing machine for Christmas. It came with 4 sewing classes. I went to the first three and then dropped out. All of the other ladies were so advanced and as much as I kept reminding themselves and myself that I am a beginner, I couldn’t face that seamstress crowd again–so, I guess what I am saying is, “THANKS FOR ALL OF THESE UN-INTIMIDATING SEWING CLASSES.” I usually just figure things out as I go along, it’s like a happy adventure when it all turns out.
Chris Loves Julia
Barbi West says
I totally feel you on the scissors thing! I am a sewist and a hair stylist so my scissors are precious…but it runs deeper than that. Genetically deep. My mom was so ocd about her special sewing scissors that she actually kept a pad lock through the handles so us unruley chillins couldn’t cause damage! OH the horror when I accidentally used them to cut wire edged ribbon. My babysitting money was seriously depleated but I was the proud new owner of Gingers with nicks in the blade, which I still use to this day (sans padlock).
Carol N. says
Thanks for the George Costanza shout out about the ‘shrinkage’. I have finally broken my husband of using my ‘good’ scissors by keeping a lot of cheap ones around. And I agree with your mom, I keep a whole bunch of bobbins done up ahead of time with various thread colors and can just pop them in when I need a new one. Boring to do it but it really helps when you are in the sewing zone.
ginger says
Ha ha I love the end of this post, because I was totally hating you for being so good at sewing! I got a sewing machine for mother’s day and so far have sewed large blocks for my daughter. They are totally NOT square, but who cares?! Not the baby :-)
Jyl says
Sherry I think you’re ready for… dun dun dun! Pinking shears! And the zig zag stitch!
Also, if you ever want to get yourself a good how-to sewing book, I highly recommend Sew Everything Workshop by Diana Rupp. It starts with the very basics of choosing fabrics, to getting to know you machine, tips, and basic sewing projects with patterns included. I’ve been sewing for years, but I picked this up and my whole world changed. It’s very easy to understand- and even a little funny. By far the best sewing book I’ve ever read- and I’ve read quite a few! Good luck- I hope you get inspired to do even more with Oh Brother!
Megan Brewer says
Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous! I love your color palette for the party! I am home this week trying to get my 3 year old potty trained (it is NOT going as well as I had hoped!) so I am doing some decorating projects (sewing and nail gun involed) too:
http://cottagebluedesigns.blogspot.com/p/decorating-projects.html
Happy decorating and living! Thanks for inspiring us!
Megan
YoungHouseLove says
Aw good luck with the potty training and the projects!
xo,
s
Loren says
You are absolutely allowed to have ‘sewing scissors’ my BF is not eve allowed to TOUCH them. They are for cutting fabric and ONLY fabric. Not paper, not plastic, not the dogs hair.
But they also live in my sewing kit so he doesn’t get tempted.
(You should probably hide your good scissors from John.)
Jo says
My grandmother worked in a tailor shop and her “for fabric only” scissors had her full name engraved in them. My scissors (I have a regular size pair and an extra large pair)from my days in the costume shop have my personal ribbon tied to them. In the costume shop everyone had their own scissors and they were identified by a ribbon through the handle. It would be more acceptable to use someone’s toothbrush than to use their scissors. My answer at home is to keep the ribbon on the handle but also have plenty (and I mean lots) of pairs of scissors for cutting anything other than fabric. Nothing dulls scissors like paper that’s why that rock-paper-scissors thing in a little mixed-up to me.