Another Table Runner

Inspired by this, this and this, I made another table runner, this one more autumnal than the last one.

This was one of those walls I had to break through--I struggled with what to use for artwork and I struggled with the crazy-quilt effect of the patchwork; it was very hard for me to put together fabrics that didn't "match." I kept trying to put together ones that had similar color schemes, but that left me with orphan fabrics.

But I didn't care for a totally random look either.

Finally I realized that if I just alternated lights and darks, I would have a pattern, but the colors didn't need to match. Whew. (I'm generally very not type A, but sometimes I have my moments).

I have to admit that I was surprised by Z's unorthodox approach to decorating a handprint turkey, and must have said something to that effect, because I found it crumpled in the recycling bin the next day. Only then did I realize how great it was...and now Z will forever make a conformist handprint turkey with beak and wattle...sigh. When will I ever learn?

I also love M's comical turkey with pilgrim shoes and a braided, bowed wattle (which didn't turn out all that well in the embroidery).

And of course I adore E's classical turkey too.

I was feeling nostalgic for the present while I put this together, imagining myself as an old woman, all alone on Thanksgiving, my children in far-flung corners of the world, taking this runner out and putting it on the table, measuring my shrunken, gnarled, withered old hands against the turkeys. It was a sad scene, I must admit.

When the handprints make me too sad, I can just flip it over on the back, which is wide strips of late-autumn golds, aquas and olive greens.

Hope you have a great and grateful Thanksgiving, however your table is decorated, and, speaking of table runners and gratitude, don't forget to sign up for my blog anniversary giveaway.