Wednesday, January 25, 2012

[ diy french runner ]



I'VE LOVED french linens for as long as I can remember and not only the popular grain sacks, but the hand embroidered tea towels and table linens.


{I've even been lucky enough to find a couple of pieces with my actual initials!}

But they are not always easy to find, and when you do, they can be pricey. Inspired by Chania at Razmataz and the pretty runner she made from tea towel yardage from the fabric store...

... I decided to pick some up in the blue colour to make my own. Then I decided to try my hand at embroidery to personalize it and create my own French runner.

I picked up some yardage {enough to make a very long runner to use later on a long farmhouse table} and some embroidery floss to match. I've had this embroidery booklet I had picked up at a yard sale for a couple of years but hadn't used it yet {you can google to find stitch instructions online as well}.


I searched the internet for some free antique alphabets that I could use as my pattern. I printed it out and transferred it to my linen by tracing it with carbon paper.


ok, now for the fun part! I chose the simple stem stitch to outline the letter...


then filled in the wide areas using a satin stitch...


It really wasn't as difficult as I expected it to be. It took a couple of hours but not bad for my first attempt...


Because I only have our small round table for now, I doubled it over {it would look better on a table with a square edge}.






I think this runner now gives our place a French seaside feel. Two of my favourite things!

This was a fun project for an afternoon and I admit that now I'm kind of hooked on monogram embroidery. I have a feeling there will be more monograms in my future!

lisa
[dreamywhites; simplyfrenchvintage; laManche; razmataz]



22 comments:

Leanne said...

Ok...so something else to add to my forever growing list! Pretty work Lisa xo

Carolyn@Sweet Chaos Home said...

Seriously?? You are so stinkin' creative! Could you please open a shop where I can buy your art and one of these runners? I think it would take me a month to try and stitch an initial.

Love how everything is coming together in your home. You have such a great eye and great style :)

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

Girl, I am majorly impressed with you!! Wowzers! It is SO GORGEOUS!!! I just love it!!

Jo @ In Corners of My Mind said...

Another beauty! I love it,and you make it look so easy that I may have to find some time to embroider something myself. Thanks for sharing.Happy Wednesday!

Lynne said...

Lisa! Beautiful!
You have transported Nice to Dubai!
~Lynne
[w/L]

annie@mostlovelythings said...

Wow...that was your first attempt at embroidery? It's beautiful! I just purchased a grain sack from a flea market a few weeks ago and the guy did suggest using it as a table runner...I didn't give it much thought until I saw your blog on Style for Living. Now I want to attempt to add an initial to mine. I love the letter style you chose.

Anonymous said...

This is just gorgeous!! I love the idea.

Marianne said...

I am constantly amazed by your talents! I love the monogram. It's the perfect touch to your runner! P.S. maybe you need your own TV show!

jeanette from everton terrace said...

It's so lovely.
I have zero sewing skills. Seriously, I can barely manage a button.

Robynne's Nest said...

Just lovely Lisa, you've done a great job. The whole setting with your lovely seaside picture looks amazing! Robx

Formerly known as Frau said...

Wow.....it turned out gorgeous!!......you are so talented!! I love it!

Pinecone Camp said...

Nicely done! That looks beautiful. You have so many talents!

Carissa @ the Fabulous Design File said...

Wow! So pretty! I can't believe you did that by hand!

Meghan @ Wishful Thinking said...

Oh it's beautiful! I haven't embroidered anything since I was in school but I am itching to try this!

girlygirl said...

What a lovely idea - your embroidery is amazing - fantastic work!

Razmataz said...

Wow you did an amazing job. That would make a beautiful gift too.

Lynda @ Happenstance Home said...

Such a pretty detail to add. I really like the monogram you chose. I can see that it was really relaxing to stitch up. I work on cross stitch here and there and always enjoy it!

Meeling said...

Looks fabulous Lisa!! I haven't embroidered anything in a really long time...this looks like a great afternoon project!

Heaven's Walk said...

Wow! I love this project! It's just beautiful! ♥ What type of fabric did you use - and where can I find it? Thanks for sharing your talent and a great tut! :)

xoxo laurie

Barbara Matson said...

fantastic! Looks vintage! Your space is coming together!

jessica said...

Wow!! You did a fabulous job! I love it!!

SHERRY HART said...

I love this!!! Many years ago I used to do needlepoint, and stitching...along with knitting!!! It amazes me that this art is becoming popular again. You did a great job....

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