Welcome to the Lake, table runner

 It's hard to believe but the end of summer seems to be fast upon us. 

But, before summer ends I needed one more project for picnic dinners on the deck.

I've had this cute fabric in my stash for about 4 years and didn't quite how to use it. This week I decided it needed to be used and enjoyed.  

I love each of these cute by the lake themed panels but I had been unsure how to use them.  Today I decided on a tablecloth with a layout for a table setting for four. One panel facing each person around the table. 

(Fabric panels are  At The Lake by Laura Marshell for Wilmington Prints, yellow fabric and misc. blue and gray fabrics are leftovers from my stash).

As I like to do I was working on my design wall designing things as I go.  I enjoy seeing how things develop bit by bit as I move my fabrics around on the design wall. I quickly noticed I had worked myself  into a little problem.  I had developed four oversized blocks (blocks 16.25" x 19") using each of the four panels as a base (each panel was: 11 .5" X 16.25"). I loved how each block turned out but putting them together cause a problem!  I was almost done when  I realized; "but what about the middle!' That 4 inch square in the middle was really going to need some help.

The answer of course was a block inset with the dreaded Y-seam.  I've worked with Y-seams before but it had been awhile. After a lot of fussing around I finally got things to work out.  The final piece is lots of fun and I really like it.

As I  have done with other table coverings this one uses flannel as a batting.  The flannel is a bit flatter than a bat so your dishes sit nicely on it.  The flannel is also a bit heavier so it stays down outside against the wind.  Backing is also flannel. Free motion quilting was done on my domestic machine.  Finished size: 38" X 38"

Hope you are enjoying your day!