Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Repurposed and Reused

I really admire people who have the patience to make an entire quilt.  I suppose I'm more of an instant gratification crafter...but I wanted to give quilting another try.  The instructions for the "log cabin"  pattern seemed clear enough...I had oodles of scrap fabric...I was ready.  I came up with a color scheme that I liked and then decided to pair these fabrics with denim.  Oh how I love denim.  Just ask my daughter...she rolls her eyes at me when I suggest that every outfit is cuter topped with a denim jacket!  One week later (and a sewing machine accident to disturbing to recollect) this runner was born,



and became the inspiration for this tables cape.  With my newly repurposed blue jeans, I felt the rest of the table should feature items that I already had around the house. Of course the first things that came to mind were my favorite  navy blue plates (The Blues by Arabia of Finland).


They are quite large, so I chose to use them as chargers.  Time to pile on more blue.


Next came these blue dotted dinner plates for West Elm.  Oh, how I wished I had some shabby chic salad plates to go with my scrappy runner, but nothing I had seemed quite right.  I could make one exception...certainly the many vintage shops or antique stores around town would have the perfect plates. No luck again.  Every so often, I like to make a quick loop around Home Goods...and look what I stumbled upon!  OK, so they're reproductions....but exactly the look I was going for, and only $3.99.


I had hoped to finish my table setting with items I already had...but I really do love how these little toile plates contrast with my modern dotted plates.  To keep my table from becoming too blue, I selected these tropical print napkins that I had sewn for another occasion.  It just so happens that the same fabric appears here and there in my runner.  I chose to use, and reuse, my mom's wedding silver...


...and I thing it looks just charming.  Of course, blue glassware would be a perfect choice.  I paired these gorgeous goblets,


with their gold stems and cobalt accents with my green footed, cobalt water glasses.  Time to reuse my favorite centerpiece.


This time I filled the center with shiny blue glass pebbles and nestled tea light into them.  For a bit of height, I also pulled out these chunky square glass candle holders...


...with navy blue tapers.  Would I be able to find blue flowers?  Must have been my lucky day.  Whole Foods had these beautiful and huge hydrangeas.


I think of hydrangeas as an old-fashioned flower...which seemed to fit with my slightly mismatched theme...but I chose to show them off in this very modern ceramic vase (an art show find from many years ago).  I couldn't be happier with this table.



Creating that runner was really a lot of fun.  I'm already thinking about starting another one...pink and purple and linen perhaps.  You'll just have to stay tuned!  My mind is now focused on that big meal coming up soon.  Of course, my mind is spinning...deciding how to set the table.  Need some inspiration? I am sure the following parties are full of fabulous ideas, so please join me at...

Centerpiece Wednesday (The Style Sisters)
Tabletop Thursday (Between Naps on the Porch)
Feathered Nest Friday (French Country Cottage)
Home Sweet Home Friday  (The Charm of Home)
Seasonal Sundays (The Tablescaper)
Let's Dish (Cuisine Kathleen)
Open House Party (No Minimalist Here)

Loving all the blue?  Want some more?  Please take another look: Singing the Blues

14 comments:

  1. Hi, I found your runner and blog via No Minimalist Here: Open House Party.
    I have never been a fan of quilts (I know-sounds so un-American, but truly I am a lover of my country, baseball and apple pie....just not quilts). But I must admit, I really really like the runner you made. It almost has a bohemian look to it. The ball fringe is the perfect touch too! Your table looks fabulous all decked out. You must invite your daughter to lunch with you on the new runner and tell her to wear a jean jacket. ha ha
    Thanks so much for sharing!

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  2. Awesome job! Wow...I've never had the patience to quilt. I like the combination of dinnerware you chose to go with it and your favorite centerpiece candle holder! I noticed that fringe you put on your quilt runer- what a great accent!
    I've been guilty of telling my daughter my opinion about denim many times too, but somehow she doesn't quite see it the same way!!

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  3. Your runner is gorgeous. And the details of your table are perfect with the runner. Bravo on both!

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  4. I love quilting and hope to get a few sewn this winter!!! Your runner is very funky, boho, and gypsy style from the 60's.....love it!!!

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  5. So pretty! I love your greenish sideboard, great color! The quilt is gorgeous.
    Jenna

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  6. Fabulous table! Love the runner. Great colors.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Hope to see you on my blog:)

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  7. Very pretty. Love your color scheme. I have those same salad plates. They are just lovely..

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  8. What a lovely tablescape and a beautiful table runner. I am a fan of denim and quilting (especially Log Cabin) so this caught my eye right away. Such a lovely piece. I am stopping by from The Charm of Home.

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  9. Love that runner! I want to make one now too. Have a great weekend.

    Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

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  10. I am so enthralled with your gorgeous runner. a machine mishap... i'm taking it all worked out okay though? It's really pretty. The decorative stitch really brings it from quilty to fabulous. Your table is wonderful. I love the aesthetic floral plates with the dots! You couldn't have set a prettier table! Just love it. xo marlis

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  11. Love your runner! The color choices are great, I am a denim lover as well. Perfect plates to go with it!

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  12. Look at who's sewing! Careful - Kathy & I will start dragging you to modern quilt events soon! Love the runner - especially the trim & how you incorporated it.

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