Tape Measure Runner

 

Oh Country Living, it never fails to inspire.  In this issue, on newsstands now...This crazy cute tape measure runner.

  

I have a trestle table almost identical to the one shown in the photo. What a cute and modern way to dress the table.

  

The directions are all there in Country Living, but here is my take on it. I started with a drop cloth that I purchased at the Home Depot and laundered. I tore the cloth while saving one of the finished sides...lazy, short cut...anyway you look at it a great idea if it works and it didn't.  These are not sewn straight, as say a tablecloth or other finished piece might be.  It took me a while to straighten things up and next time I start with a drop cloth I will square it up by tearing. 

  

I used a sharpie marker and a ruler and my cutting board to mark off one inch increments, following the photo.  I thought this would be the hard part, but having the right tools really helped.

  

Then I took a 6 inch stencil to trace the numbers with a fine tip sharpie, then filled them in.  The number one I painted on, tried the number 2 with the sharpie and the results were similar.  With the marker you don't have to wait for the numbers to dry.  Bonus!

  

My drop cloth was short, so I just got to a little over 4 feet.  I will make another for my trestle table and will have to go to 6 feet.  This is the first time I worked with the drop cloth fabric.  It's got a gray cast to the color.  I might go with some canvas or cotton duck in a more ivory tone next time.  Since I don't have my table up right now, I displayed it on the guest room bed.  Sure is a cute idea.  Joy from Savvy City Farmer put a tape measure pattern on a coffee table...trend setter that she is, before this cute idea showed up at my door.  Watch out, I have number stamps and stencils...everything will have a number on it!!

BTW, here are a couple of new pillowcases...I'm ready for company. 

(Hint Hint...Penny, grandma needs a visit.) 

Enjoy this beautiful day my friends.