Patriotic Table Runner

Oye, things have been busy around here recently!

Lots of bbqs with awesome neighbors, lots of coffees with other mommies nearby, lots of new projects and sewing, but sadly, not lots of blogging. Right now, blogging is near the end of my list, although I hope to change that eventually (as in, when at least one of my children is in school and I have an iota of free time to myself!)

I have big plans and big ideas swirling around in my brain for my blog and where I want it to go, but now is not the time to act on those ideas. With another deployment coming up, as well as another mini-cross country move, there's a bit too much on my plate as it is. So big plans are going to have to wait.

Moving on!

I'm not usually big on decorating for holidays, with the exception of Christmas and Halloween, but this year I did do a 4th of July theme on my dining table. A few weeks ago, I had a lapse of sanity and decided to take all three kids to Wal-mart with me. Amazingly, they were wonderful and I found some good deals in the fabric section. I always take a peak in the remnants to see if there's anything worthwhile and I snagged a long piece of navy duck cloth for cheap which I decided to pair with some blue stripe ticking fabric to make a reversible table runner. For the pop of red I needed, gerber daisies in old wine bottles did the trick.

I love that it doesn't scream, 'It's the 4th of July!!!!' but is still patriotic. I'll be able to break it out for Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Military Spouse Appreciation Day, the Marine Corps Birthday...it will get plenty of use!

Here is what it looks like on the opposite side.

I love how it turned out and now I'm on a table runner frenzy. I first got the idea from Elizabeth & Co's burlap and ruffles table runner, which I love! Burlap is my new favorite fabric. Who knew that it irons so well? And it doesn't hurt that it's super-duper affordable. If it wasn't quite so scratchy I would totally cover my couch in burlap. I'm not joking. Cause I'm cheap like that.

Here's my version of the burlap runner (with cotton drop cloth for ruffles, also cheap-o!!)

I love how a simple table runner can dress up the table instantly. I think I might make one for every holiday now. As long as I can keep the kiddos from touching it when their hands are covered in maple syrup or tomato sauce.


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