Halloween is only one day behind us, but when I look around online, it's apparently Christmas!
Hold on, I say.
Aren't we forgetting another important holiday?
I mean doesn't Tom Turkey deserve even a little attention?
I certainly think so.
So in honor of all things Thanksgiving, today I'm going to set a table and share a craft.
It's an upcycle of a table runner I won last year in a Halloween raffle basket. I couldn't believe it when my name was called. There were so many neat gifts inside.
However, one of them, the table runner, wasn't something I could really use.
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| My Instagram Post From Last Year |
Plus, the pumpkins fell off the side of the table and it was hard to admire them that way.
So instead I decided to cut that runner up and turn it into 4 placemats for fall.
And my Thanksgiving table.
How To Turn A Table Runner Into Placemats
This was a super easy DIY. I did use a sewing machine but you could fusible web or fabric glue and get the same results.Now, I've turned placemats into pillows and aprons before, but never attempted to upcycle the other way.
This was a first for me.
The Step by Step
I started with this fall themed, reversible pumpkin table runner.
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| MY EXACT TABLE RUNNER// PRETTY TABLE RUNNER OPTION |
When I opened the package and expanded the runner, I could see there were two pumpkins and a beautiful green plaid on the back.
Lovely.
It was clear that the runner was large enough to make four really good sized placemats.
Measure and Cut
I started with the pumpkins. I measured and marked my fabric with a pencil, leaving as much space above the artwork as there was below.
Leaving the pumpkin centered.
Then I cut.
I used my very sharp fabric scissors, to get as clean an edge as possible.
Stitch It Up
Next, I needed to finish the cut edges nicely.
To do that I turned the pumpkin inside out.
And I stitched the open side up with my machine.
As I said, if you don't sew you can use iron on fabric tape, like I used on my skirted chair and my pom pom trim sofa.
For tasks like this though, I really prefer sewing, simply because it's more durable and washes well.
I left a small opening in the corner so I could turn the placemat back, right side out.
It took a little work, since I left a very tiny hole to push the fabric through, but the larger the hole, the more sewing (or gluing) necessary to close it up.
For that, I used a very basic stitch that was almost invisible when I was done.
Iron
When all the sewing was complete I went over my new pumpkin placemats with a tiny craft iron I ordered recently. Red. Big surprise. 😉
I bought it to use mainly for decoupage, but turns out, it also removed wrinkles in a jiffy.
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| TINY IRON FOR CRAFTS |
Repeat
Once the pumpkins were finished, it was time to move on to make the green checked mats from the remnants of the original table runner.
Waste not, want not, as my mom would say.
To do this I simply repeated the same process I used to make the pumpkin placemats.
I will say that since I had so much fabric leftover, I made the second set a bit larger than the pumpkins.
It worked out really well, since that meant I could use them on their own, or layer them for a more interesting look.
Which looked quite beautiful on my Thanksgiving table.
Set with my grandmother's crystal, my mom's gold flatware.
And a few thrifted glass plates, because those pumpkins were just too fabulous to cover up.
Much better than the table runner. My makeover put those pumpkins front and center.
Ready to welcome good old Tom.
And the next big holiday on the calendar.
Even if everyone else thinks it's Christmas.
🦃
Gobble, gobble!
Are you ready for more Thanksgiving fun? I hope so because now it's time for a little November blog hop.
Well, it's not really little. There are 14 of my creative friends to visit today. So grab something yummy, get comfy and let's start hopping!
- Shop At Blu
- Cloches & Lavender
- Sweet Valley Acres
- Gathered In The Kitchen
- An Organized Season
- Everyday Edits
- My Home and Travels
- Now Choose Life
- Birdz Of A Feather
- From Farmhouse To Florida
- At Home With Kristy
- The Stylish Maker
- Bushel And A Pickle
- Houzewize
- Exquisitely Unremarkable - You are here!
These placemats are stunning Kim; I especially love how they look layered! So funny; I have a set of the same crystal from my mom too (just the tall ones), but my table has never looked as beautiful as yours!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sara! Those gold rimmed crystal glasses are some of my favorites. I use them and put them out whenever I have a chance.
DeleteI love them! It's a much better use of that runner. The pumpkins are so cute and show up this way. Putting the green check ones under makes a lovely place setting!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mari! I think runners are so pretty and I always admire them in other people's decor. Placemats are just so much more functional for us. Thankfully, the transformation was an easy one. Have a great weekend!!
DeleteWhat a very creative work-around! I think I have seen that pattern table runner at Hobby Lobby. Its perfect with your clear plates. And I'm with you - let's not rush through Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gina! It's very pretty in person, too pretty not to use in some way. I'm glad I was able to make it over...and have a reason to use my clear dishes!
DeleteSuch a great idea Kim and using the clear plates on top is perfect so you can see the pretty detail underneath! It adds to your beautiful tablesetting!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! Having those glass dishes were a stroke of luck. Without them those pretty pumpkins would've been hidden from sight.
DeleteOH MY GOSH! For real?? Those turned out amazing! Seriously, you are so talented...what a genius idea! ...ummm and that little red iron, hello! That is adorable! Your table looks gorgeous, I want to eat Thanksgiving there! ....you decorate, I'll cook!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Stephanie...and that's a deal! Cooking is not my thing, but I do enjoy setting a pretty table.
DeleteI love this. Makes me want to get back into sewing! The clear plates are great! xo laura
ReplyDeleteI say do it, Laura! I'm a terrible seamstress, but I know just enough to get the job done.
DeleteBeautiful Kim. I wish I could sew. I have said this to you over the years. And using clear dishes to see the beautiful pattern is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I'm so glad I was able to finally use my glass plates for something other than crafting.
DeleteYour table is gorgeous, Kim and the clear plates allow your placemats to take center stage. Great upcycle!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Ann! I'm glad I picked up those plates at the thrift store. They were the perfect addition to the table and a great way to show off the pumpkins.
DeleteHi Kim! Such a great idea to turn a table runner into placemats! I love how you made them different sizes and can layer them, that's genius! Another great idea to use clear plates! Thanks for all the inspiration my friend! Pinning now!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Donna! I had fun with this one. I was also glad I had those glass plates on hand so the pumpkins could take center stage. Thanks for the pin, I love that!
DeleteBeautiful place settings just in time for the holidays so beautiful! - Beth
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Beth! You always leave the sweetest comments.
DeleteWhat a great idea, my smart, crafty friend! And that layered placemat look--I haven't seen that before, and I love it! How wonderful, too, that you have flatware and crystal from family; that gives your GORGEOUS tablescape precious meaning. I was delivered by Dr. F.L. GOBBLE, on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1957, so Thanksgiving has always been a big deal in our family, and I love a beautiful Thanksgiving table!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! Thanksgiving must be the most special holiday of the year at your house. Dr. Gobble...that's so funny. Happy Birthday month to you!!
DeleteOK! You made it look easy enough that I might be able to do it. They are so cute!
ReplyDeleteYou totally could, Sharon! It was super simple.
DeleteSo clever! I love table runners, but so many are too long for a normal table. This would have also made two placemats and a smaller table runner from the plaid. I believe I saw this at Big Lots, might have to go and look for one in their closing sales.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea, too! I actually had a tiny bit leftover and used it to make napkins, but a smaller rummer would've look lovely on my pine server.
DeleteThe place mats turned out so beautiful! I much prefer your mats to the table runner! - Briana from Texas
ReplyDeleteThank you, Briana! I'm very happy with them. I can use them for the holidays or everyday now.
DeleteKim this is such a great idea! All the better that you won it in a contest. I used to win things all the time when I was young but now I would be like you. If I heard my name called I would be in shock and then absolutely love it!!! Funny how prizes can bring such excitement. I think you were so smart in creating the placemats from the runner and I love that you layered them!!! I have never done that but now that you shared this I hope you don't mind that I will be using this technique on my upcoming tablescapes. Love that you used heirloom pieces from family members - I love using the pieces I have inherited. It makes it feel like they are there with me or at least watching and I know my mom and Grandma would be so happy to see me using their china, etc. Fantastic post as always Kim!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Crystal! Thanks so much for your lovely comment. It sounds like we have so much in common! I'm so excited that you want to use this technique! That's 100% why I share. I love hearing that one of my DIYs has inspired someone. Best compliment ever! ❤️
DeleteI love these! They turned out so cool.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carol! It was a fun DIY.
DeleteSuch a great idea Kim and using the clear plates on top is perfect so you can see the pretty detail underneath! It adds so much to your beautiful tablesetting!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Sherry! I love those clear plates and I'm so happy I had a chance to use them. They worked really well with the placemats.
DeleteThese are BEAUTIFUL! What a clever idea. You have me thinking, because I have a number of runners that would lend themselves to such treatment. I have an irrational fear of sewing machines, so that’s a handicap, but otherwise, I think it’s doable.
ReplyDeletePattie, you can do it! If you're really afraid of the machine, then I would use the fusible web. However, I can tell you that once you get that machine threaded, it's just like driving a car....foot on the pedal and go straight!!
DeleteVery creative and so pretty Kim. How wonderful you won this gift to also re-purpose. Your table looks beautiful with the gold accents.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda! I take that as a great compliment from you! ❤️
DeleteMy goodness, your pumpkin placemats are the prettiest creation! It's not just that you didn't waste the runner but that you made it a star for Thanksgiving. I completely agree with you, Kim. Halloween is over but here in the U.S. we have another holiday too beautiful to rush past. I admit that Christmas will be appearing gradually around my house in November but my dining table will be Thanksgiving ready through the big day building to a Horn of Plenty the last week. I don't see that Thanksgiving and Christmas are incompatible, do you?
ReplyDeleteI loved the comment above about being born on Thanksgiving Day, delivered by Dr. Gobble! Isn't that delicious?
Thank you so much, Dewena!! ❤️ That runner was just too pretty to let sit, unused, in the linen closet. I'm glad I was able to make my vision a reality and that I can use them throughout the fall. The green ones can be used all year long, including during Christmas! Like you said, they can live harmoniously! Oh and yes, Dr. Gobble!! Isn't that the best?? What a story!!
DeleteKIm, what a fabulous idea! And so easy. I love the colors and I'm glad you were able to repurpose that runner. Pinned.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Sue! I love getting pinned!!
DeleteI have several table runner that just don't work too usually because of length. The is a wonderful, creative idea to be ablate use these beautiful runners many of us have. Linda
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda! I always pass those runners by for just that reason. I'm so excited that I was able to transform this one and make it work!
DeleteKim, congrats on winning the basket. I love how you made the runner into pretty placemats. You are so talented with sewing and I love all of those projects you create. I love the pretty gold silverware and that cute turkey. I hope you have a nice week.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Julie! I was shocked when they told me that I won! The basket was filled with so many great items, including that runner. I really like it as placemats. I'm glad it worked out. Have a great week!!
DeleteSuch a pretty runner, and I really love how you actually got 4 pieces out of it. Also great for those runners that get horribly spotted by some unremovable stain. Hugs, Sandi
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, Sandi! There are a lot of spotted runners out there. I should add that to the post. Believe it or not, I also was able to make two napkins out of the green checks.
DeleteThis is such a clever idea, Kim! The original table runner was darling, but I really love how you created table placemats with it...much more functional for a round table! I especially love how you layered the check and the pumpkin placemats! And using clear glass plates to showcase the pumpkin placemat was the perfect choice!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kristy! It really worked out well for my table. Placemats are just much more functional for us. I'm glad you like the glass plates.They really put those pumpkins in the spotlight! Happy November!
DeleteThe placemats are gorgeous. I bought the cutest red table runner last Christmas, but realized (like you) that the "cute parts" fell off the end of the table where nobody can see it! Unfortunately I can't sew, but I did find a use for the runner. Wish you lived next door so you could teach me all your talents!
ReplyDeleteCheri, if I were your neighbor, I'd be happy to help you out with a few stitches. I'm sure you could do this though. Even if you can't sew you could use fabric tape and I know you could make some lovely placemats. I'm glad that you were able to find a use for your cute runner though. Those cute parts should be front and center!!
DeleteTurning a table runner into placemats is such a clever way to upcycle! It’s a fantastic way to give a new life to an old piece and adds a personal, handmade touch to the table setting. Plus, it’s eco-friendly and budget-friendly, which makes it a win-win project.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I really didn't want to give it away and yes, it was an easy way to upcycle it. I'm a waste not want not kind of girl, so this DIY was right up my alley! Glad you like it, too! Thanks for the visit today!
DeleteI have a small round dining table so runners and rectangular placemats are hard to use. I like round. Will check to see if my HL has any of these left. I actually have the plates to match. I'm a dish hog. LOL
ReplyDeleteOh the plates sounds lovely, Rosemary! I'm a dish lover myself, I can't help it when I see a pretty one, I have to have it!! I guess there could be worse habits right? Haha!
DeleteBeautiful!!! :-) Love your creativity.
ReplyDeleteHappy November!!
Thank you my friend! Happy November!!
DeleteOh Kimmy, that is such a gorgeous transformation of a table runner! I absolutely LOVE the idea of double placemats (or triple if including the rattan one underneath). And the clear plates perfectly display those wonderful pumpkin designs! All of your dishes and centerpieces set everything off perfectly! You are a wonder!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!! What a lovely comment. Kim, you just made my day!! And you are so observant, I didn't even really notice that 3rd placemat! Haha, it's just always there!! Happy November!!
DeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by and for your kind comment!!!
Love what you did with the place mats....When I started doing my Church's Harvest Tea as a hostess, I bought clear plates so the place mats or the charger plates that I used could be seen under them...You just reminded me that I still have those clear plates....
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
Aren't those clear plates the best, Debbie? I forgot I had them, too!! They were super fun to play with and yes, the perfect accent when your placemats and chargers are too pretty to cover up!! Hugs to you!
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