Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Liberty Lemonade Tablecloth Tutorial & Giveaway


liberty scrap challenge banner1 Liberty Scrap Challenge   June Edition

Life gave me unexpected Liberty. So I made this reversible table cloth and called it Liberty Lemonade.

Liberty Lemonade reversible table cloth

Actually 'life' didn't really give me the gorgeous 5" charms of Liberty Tana Lawn. In reality, they came from none other than Jo at  The Organic Stitch Co, via the lovely Nova, who invited me to participate in the monthly Liberty Scrap Challenge. Nova and other design bloggers have been busy creating all sorts of beautiful things using precious Liberty charms and scraps. You can check out the full list of amazing tutorials here. If you make any of the projects, please share photos in the flickr pool!

While I patiently awaited the arrival of what I thought would be one of Jo's incredible scrap bags, I came up with a few ideas for very small things that I could make with my Liberty fabric (tutorial coming later this month for Little Liberty Somethings). When an envelope arrived containing TWO charm packs, I was so surprised, but immediately inspired to make a light, summery tablecloth for our little kitchen table.

Liberty Lemonade reversible table cloth
Our pretty napkins were sent to me by berlinquilter on flickr in the Table Top Swap!

I chose the floral, summery charms and paired them with Michael Miller's Old Script for a blendy look. I first tried using a solid ivory as the alternate block, but the effect was so flat. I think the swirly lines of hand-writing mirror the sketchy outlines of the Liberty floral prints so nicely; I really love the way they look together.

Liberty lemonade sneak peek

Our kitchen table is only 35" in diameter. The four of us eat meals together here, so I wanted a smallish table cloth that would not hang down too far and get caught on people's laps as they sat down. I thought it would be fun to piece the cloth on point and retain the pointy edges instead of trimming it round. My cloth finished up approximately 45" square (measured point to point across the horizontal). In this schematic I drew on our iPad using Touchdraw (look at me go, Lynne!), you can see and read how to do it.

Liberty Lemonade table cloth tutorial
click through to flickr so you can view in full size to read the text

You'll need 45 - 5" Liberty charms and 36 - 5" alternate charms, plus a 46" square of backing fabric.  The basic instructions are all there in the diagram, but I've made a flickr set as a basic photo tutorial showing some details of making the table cloth. It is a beginner sewing project and as long as you can maintain a consistent seam allowance, you can make this! I used a quilting seam allowance of 1/4", but the edge of a standard presser foot would work just fine, too. There is no batting, but the two layers of fabric are secured with a narrow zigzag topstitch along every seam. I used a light blue Aurifil 40wt thread for this.

Liberty Lemonade reversible table cloth

Would you like to be a Liberty Scrap Challenge designer? Would you would like to play with my leftover Tana Lawn charms (mostly in grey/charcoal/blue colours)? The winner would have to design a project, make it using the Liberty fabric (other fabrics can be added) and then publish a tutorial on their blog. If you're up for this extra challengey-challenge, let me know in the comments and I'll include your name in a draw for the charms.  ALL OTHER comments will be up for a surprise Little Liberty Something that I'll send to one lucky person chosen by Mr. Random. I must have a way to contact you from your comment, either a linked blog or email address. Please leave only one comment.

Right then, I'm off to enjoy a little cup of tea over my sweet new table cloth. Thanks Jo and Nova!

62 comments:

Di said...

Nice way to enjoy your Liberty prints. Di x

Brenda said...

I'm up for either -- a tutorial, or just playing with your scraps. pick me!

Amy Friend said...

Nice choice to pair the liberty with the script-perfection! Your table shot looks so lovely.

{Leila}Where the Orchids Grow said...

SO pretty!! Love the Liberty squares combined with the script, it's the perfect combination.

robin said...

I love the tablecloth!

Taisia @ Piecing Light said...

I've been using that script print for a quilt just at the moment - so lovely and scribbly. Would be happy to try a tutorial!

Taisia
http://piecinglight.wordpress.com/

Jennie {Clover and Violet} said...

Oh yes please! I would love to make something with Liberty and publish a tutorial! And your table cloth is so pretty, I'd be afraid to let my family eat on it though! :)

Susan said...

I'd love the opportunity to i) add to my meagre Liberty scraps ii) design something fun to use them in !! Your tablecloth is lovely!

sandra said...

Very sweet table cloth for the summer,I to love those Liberty prints they are so delicate.

Katy Cameron said...

Oh so pretty, it's always a good day when life gives you Liberty! I'd be up for thinking something up at some point...

Katie @SwimBikeQuilt said...

Love this! Liberty makes everyone happy!

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

i would love the challengy challenge to do a tutorial using some Liberty charms.. what fun!!

Heather D. said...

I'll pass on the challenge, but I'd love to win a little something from you. Thanks for the chance.

Patti said...

I know exactly what I would make with Liberty charms, but it's not an original idea, so just add me to the "little liberty something" giveaway! Thanks!

Anya said...

Not up for the challenge of a tutorial - but love your tablecloth - especially the shape!

Leanne said...

Would love a little liberty something. I have a stack of my own that I am hoping to make into something so I don't need another challenge right now.

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

Lovely table topper! I don't own a single piece of Liberty, but I would take the challenge and add a few of my faves to it. Thanks for the fun!

Anne said...

Yout tutorial on the tablecloth is timely as I'm working on one now myself. Thanks.

Tamie said...

Lovely topper. I'm not quite up to a tutorial but love Liberty.

felicity said...

She's a beauty, all right. I loooove how this finished up, Krista! And I am impressed with your Touchdraw mad skillz.

hueisei said...

Very pretty tablecloth!

Kirsty @ Bonjour Quilts said...

Gorgeous - and the script inclusion is brilliant, it really brings the prints out. This is great because you get to see and enjoy your Liberty every day, which is how it should be.
I have a little stitching project in mind that would require not very much Liberty at all, so I will throw my entry in for your scraps!

mary mahoo said...

Love the tablecloth. I'm not up for a tutorial, but would love the scraps to go with my Liberty Tana Lawn scraps left over from my Wiksten Tank!

meli B said...

I've been restraining myself from buying Liberty because I know once I start I will be hooked. Your tablecloth is very clever and I like the way you mixed the other fabric in. Would love to win and I guess I could blog about something I make as long as I get a few weeks to do it in!

Nina Lise@Mrs Moen said...

I would not mind some pretty floral scraps at all! I am running out of steam and time on my current project and could use something light and pretty. I would also love a week in London but that's not in the cards this summer.
Your table cloth looks proper for an English tea party - so beautiful!

The Pied Pedlar said...

such a lovely way to make your table cloth. have you backed it?
Tricia

Kay said...

The tabelcloth is just stunning. I would never have thought tohav eput Liberty with text fabric but it works so well. Thank you for doing a giveaway for a cute Liberty surprise.
ks(dot)eyles(at)yahoo(dot)co(dot)uk

Beth said...

I'm up for the challenge - I love those prints - would like to see and work with them in real life. Your tablecloth is wonderful - I love the look with those text fabrics. And Igreat job with touchdraw - I need to practice more with those tutorials.

noodledogknits said...

I'm new to this world, but I've had a lot of fun with the sewing I'm doing. I'm up for either option!

Elsa said...

Beautiful table cloth! I just love Liberty lawn fabric and have a little stash of it. I haven't posted on my blog for a long time but would do it for the prize and even make something too!

Ariane said...

Love your table cloth. I'm up to doing a tutorial and would love to use those scraps. Thanks for the chance to win.

PinkGranny said...

This is such a lovely tablecloth. I love the homey feel it gives to the table. It looks so warm and cozy for a family dinner.

I have never designed a project like this but I would like to try. It could be the twist I need to feed my creative spirit.

Cynthia said...

Oooh pick me pick me!! I love Liberty and your tablecloth is just perfect!!

Linda said...

HELLO! The tablecloth is so neat! Sure I'd love any leftovers from this table! Thank you for sharing!

msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

legato1958 said...

Your tablecloth is so pretty!
I'd have so much fun with the leftovers!

Thanks for the chance!

sue
legato1958 at aol dot com

Mrs Flying Blind... said...

Fab tablecloth and fab Touchdraw skills xxx

Dianne said...

It turned out beautifully Krista and looks so lovely in your kitchen with T's artsy vase sitting on it!

Lucy | Charm About You said...

Playing with liberty? Yes please! Your table looks beautiful :)

Amy's Crafty Shenanigans said...

That is a sexy tablecloth - looks so romantic too!! I would love to use up your scraps - what a great idea!!!! Please put me in your draw!!! Thanks!

Ramona said...

Your tablecloth is so lovely and I totally agree with you on pairing the script fabric. Perfect. The pic tutorial is SO clever!

Katie B said...

So beautiful! I love that you left the points in tact.

Celtic Thistle said...

How great to be able to use your Liberty charms every day. Your scraps sound like just the push I need to get to grips with Liberty lawns.

verykerryberry said...

Love it Krista! The script and the Liberty are a lovely pairing and I like that it is reversible- and for any spills just flip it over! I am such a lazy house keeper! Don't include me in the draw I am already planning a Liberty scrap challenge project. Nice touch draw pic too!

Karen said...

What a lovely way to enjoy a cup of tea! Thanks for a great tutorial

VickiT said...

What a great post. I first heard a lot more about the Liberty fabrics from blog posts coming from Spring Market this year. From those posts, this fabric sounds wonderful.

I will say that I do not have a blog(I do have a blogger profile as I have plans to get a blog up and running some day though) so I can't be 'in' on your giveaway/challenge, but I still had to make a comment to you.
I wanted to thank you for the information/tutorial you've given to create your beautiful tablecloth from this fabric. My son and DIL have a round table and I wanted to make them a nice table something or another for that table, but I hadn't decided what exactly and hadn't take the time to research how exactly to do it. Your post has helped me tremendously in that aspect as well so thank you for that.

Judith said...

This would be a nice pattern for my table that I just received from my Uncle who is moving in a few weeks. I will enjoy a tall glass of lemonade during these hot summer days. Thanks for sharing...Judith, Texas

Margaret said...

Nice job! I want to make one for the table in my fifth wheel camper. It can't hang over due to the tight space around the table. I think I will start one tonight. Looks like it is a one night project. Did you do a sew and flip it right side out for the binding or did you do a regular binding?

Sallie said...

I love your tablecloth! Very nice pairing of charms!

♥Duff said...

YOu know what I like about you? You use words like "schematic" in a quilty blog post. I am in love with text/script prints right now--yours is fabulous with the Liberty prints :O) What a lovely table to share with the ones you love most ♥

Isisjem said...

This is a great idea - although I'm not sure I'd let anyone actually get food or drink near the lovely Liberty stuff while the tablecloth was on the table. :-) And yeah I'm up for a challenge!

tusen said...

Your tablecloth is lovely - the addition of the old script fabric was a brilliant touch.
If it's OK to publish the tutorial in the second half of August, count me in for the challenge.

Suzanne said...

What a sweet table cloth. Perfect for the summer.

marcella said...

Your project is lovely and that script print fabric is really the perfect choice. I'd never have thought of it, but it's great! Now I'm totally inspired to dig through my liberty stash and see what I can come up with.

Elaine said...

Such a pretty table cloth. I'd love the chance to play with your scraps and challenge myself to write a tutorial!

Unknown said...

I'd LOVE to be in on the challenge! So many ideas popped up as soon as I read "Liberty scraps"

trudys_person said...

No blog, but I would love to be in the running for a little Liberty! Colleen is bringing some Liberty treats back from the UK for me ... yay!

andri. said...

Wow it's so so pretty!:) i want to say that I am up for both, but I am not confident that I can do a lovely tutorial like this hahaha but nevertheless, i am up for some little liberty!
andri_chama(at)yahoo(dot)com

andri. said...

Edit: i just got an inspiration and want to try making a tutorial using liberty!:)

Darlington Delights said...

I'm up for either. Thanks for the opportunity.

melissa thomson said...

Love the script fabric! Tablecloth is great! Scraps are great! Yea!

Shirley said...

Love your table topper you made with the Liberty Tana Lawn charms!
Its so cheerful and charming.

Thinking of what I could make with the charms...

Thanks for sharing your talents!

Unknown said...

Your table cover is really very gorgeous.I also love printed text table clothes.Your is really very awesome.