Wednesday, June 13, 2012

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.
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5 comments:

Debby said...

So glad you made this I thoght it was such a neat idea.
Baby Penny Grandma Penny needs a Baby Penny fix.

Jill said...

That is just darling! You do such lovely work!

Lynne said...

Penny gets an idea and Penny tries it. Way to go girl!

Hint, hint . . . just in case NY daughter is reading this . . . the guest room is ready!

Alison @ The Polohouse said...

This turned out great Penny!
Just saw these runners in a catalog this week!
Yours is even better -- made with TLC!

Hope your get a nice visit and soon!

Our Hopeful Home said...

I LOVE this idea! I even have all the materials. Now I just need the time....sigh.