Inexpensive home décor project makes great gift if you’re handy…
By Vicki Payne

You’ve still got time to create a great homespun gift for you or someone you love. You don’t need a pricey interior designer or a major makeover to create a brand new look. A simple inexpensive tabletop treatment made with fabric can create a stunning new appearance just in time for a fall potluck, a luncheon with friends, or daily dinners with the family.

Simple Projects for

big Impressions

Try simple projects such as matching napkins, table runner and place mats created from an autumnal fabric design to help establish a design theme for your table. For a little variety, consider mixing the designs in a collection to add interest and excitement. Affordable cotton fabrics provide a fresh, clean look to any décor.

Decorative Flourishes

for Elegant Flair

Choosing decorative objects that complement your fabric design can accent your design choice and highlight your room’s best features.

Fresh flowers that match your color scheme bring not only color but also fragrance into your room. Try using a simple white pitcher as a vase for a really fresh look.

A bowl of fruit as well as candles are inexpensive but tasteful centerpieces for any table. I especially like green apples, limes or lemons in a clear glass or white pottery bowl.

Adding a nicely framed recent family photo brings a fresh look to your walls while also acting as a conversation starter over an informal luncheon or dinner.

Before You Begin

Read project instructions carefully

Use a small notebook to record your ideas, accurate measurements, proper yardage and materials list

Be sure you remember to take your notebook and any coordinating swatches or paint chips when you shop to avoid a return trip to the fabric store

For more project ideas, log onto www.cranstonvillage.com

Table Runner:

Finished size: 16 x 60 inches

Materials Needed:

V.I.P by Cranston Apple Orchard Border Fabric by Leslie Beck

V.I.P #61140-ER 2 yards

Polyester Fleece 2 yards

1. To remove fabric borders draw line 1/2 inch from outer and inner border edges 63 inches long. Cut off on drawn lines. Cut piece from center fabric 9 1/2 x 63 inches. Illustration 1

2. Sew one border (right sides together) to each side of 9 1/2 x 63-inch piece. Open and press flat.

3. Fold runner in half lengthwise. Mark 8 inches down from top side. Draw line from mark to top center fold; cut on this line. Repeat at other end. Illustration 2

4. With right sides together, pin runner to remaining fabric and fleece; fleece on bottom. Cut backing and fleece to fit.

5. Sew around edge of table runner leaving 5-inch opening on one long side for turning.

6. Turn, press and hand stitch opening closed.

Place Mats:

Finished size: 13 x 18 inches

Materials Needed for 2 Place mats:

V.I.P by Cranston Apple Orchard Border Fabric

V.I.P #61140-ER 1/2 yard

V.I.P by Cranston Apple Orchard Words n’ Apples Fabric

V.I.P #61142-Z 1/2 yard

Polyester Fleece 1/2 yard

1. Mark border fabric 1/2 inch from outside of border; mark 19 inches across from that line. Mark down 14 inches. You will have a piece of fabric for the front of the place mat 19 inches across x 14 inches down. Repeat for second place mat from other side of fabric. Illustration 3

2. Cut piece of fleece and backing fabric 19 inches across x 14 inches down.

3. With right sides together and fleece on outside, pin all three pieces together. Sew around edge of place mats leaving 4-inch opening on one side for turning.

4. Turn, press and hand sew the opening closed.

Reversible Napkins

Finished size: 17 x 17 inches

Materials Needed for 2 Napkins:

V.I.P by Cranston Apple Orchard Words n’ Apples Fabric

V.I.P #61142-Z 1/2 yard

V.I.P by Cranston Apple Orchard Whole Apple Fabric

V.I.P #61141-J 1/2 yard

1. Cut two 18 x 18-inch pieces from each fabric.

2. With right sides together sew around edge leaving 4-inch opening for turning.

3. Turn, press and hand stitch opening closed.

While all possible care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of these instructions, Cranston Print Works Company is not responsible for printing errors or the way in which individual work varies.