I finished Sarah's patchwork tablecloth/quilt.
I ended up sandwiching, quilting and binding it exactly like a regular quilt, but using flannel instead of batting. The flannel wasn't quite wide enough, so I just sewed pieces together and pressed the seams open. You really can't tell on the finished quilt.
I wasn't expecting the prewashed flannel to wrinkle this much, and I'm not sure I like it, but it does have a really nice weight. I actually think it would be a good choice to use in a summer quilt or bedspread.
The finished tablecloth is about 50" x 68". There are eight stacks of 22 coins, each coin measuring 2" x 6" finished. The sashing between stacks is 2" finished and the exterior sashing is 3" wide.
I didn't end up prewashing my Far, Far, Away (double gauze) because I was concerned that it would ravel excessively and/or get warped in the wash. Fortunately, after being sewn into the quilt, it washed beautifully.
Here's a shot of it on an actual table. I just love the color gradation! I used four coins each from 44 different Heather Ross prints. The sashing is one of my favorites -- Essex cotton/linen in Putty.
(By the way, did you all know that Sew, Mama, Sew! has Essex back in stock. Get it while it lasts. ETA: Putty and Natural are gone, but there's still White. You guys are fast!)
Sarah's favorite print was the Matroyshka dolls from West Hill, so I used that on the back. It wasn't quite wide enough, so I added a strip of Heather Bailey Bijoux along the edge. The binding is a leaf green Kona cotton (not sure which color).
I had originally been planning to use another stack of "coins" on the back, but decided that it would be too busy. As a result, I have a set of 44 coins left that I'd like to send to someone who could use them. If you have a use for them, leave a comment on this post and I'll announce a winner tomorrow.
Lovely quilt/tablecloth!!
Posted by: Shannon | June 14, 2009 at 02:30 PM
I think they would make a beautiful tote - running down the middle of the bag with just the right color of fabric on either side!
Posted by: Deborah | June 14, 2009 at 02:33 PM
Oh, Elizabeth! I think this might not only be the finest example of a coin quilt I have ever seen but I love the Heather Ross fabrics and the gradation of colorways is superb! Now, if I could only get your parents to adopt me so I could have a Sister like you!
This is a really wonderful gift- and the extra 44 coins- they would make an awesome table runner! Thanks for the heads up on the putty fabric- I am heading over now to get some! I love how it makes the colors pop!
(you totally rock)\
(*<>*) kim
Posted by: calamity kim | June 14, 2009 at 02:44 PM
Beautiful table cloth! At first I could only see it as a quilt, but once you put it on the table, it reminded me of my grama's house; she was from Holland where rugs are put on the tables. I love this idea of a quilted tablecloth. Those leftover pieces are calling "table runner, table runner"!
Posted by: Julie in WA | June 14, 2009 at 02:46 PM
oh the tablecloth turned out just beautiful! i would want to use it as often as possible so all my guests could share in the eye candy! and i would just love to have your leftover coins... they look so wonderful together!
Posted by: Katelyn Carter | June 14, 2009 at 02:48 PM
What a beautiful coins collection!!! Sure I would use them.
The tablecloth is wonderful!
Posted by: mariarrosa | June 14, 2009 at 02:54 PM
the table cloth is absolutely stunning!! nice work! and oh the coins?? i would put them to very good use I promise.....
Posted by: becca | June 14, 2009 at 02:58 PM
The tablecloth is beautiful - I love how it "encourages" your eyes to travel from one row to the next! . . . If I received your leftover coins, I would design a little quilt for my niece, Maria. She's the daughter of my brother and sister-in-law (who was diagnosed with lung cancer) after they adopted Maria 4 years ago. The lively colors remind me of Maria and I would be honored to make something special for them all! I'll keep my fingers crossed!
Posted by: Angie | June 14, 2009 at 03:04 PM
Beautiful! I love how you always have something to share and inspire. Your color/fabric choices are awesome. Unfortunately none of the QS near me carry much if any of the really fun stuff (like what you use!). Even scraps would be fabulous to play with. Like everyone else, I'd love to win them! I see a small patchwork adorning the wall in my dining room (new apartment - everything is white - and needs a pop of color!). Thanks for the opportunity!
Posted by: Sharon in FL | June 14, 2009 at 03:05 PM
I absolutely love the tablecloth. I would also love the coins. Cheers Susan
Posted by: Just Susan | June 14, 2009 at 03:08 PM
Oh my goodness! What a beautiful piece. I would love to use that in a table cloth and matching dining room chair seat cushions.
Posted by: kristin | June 14, 2009 at 03:08 PM
I'd love to win them! They're lovely : )
Posted by: Michaela | June 14, 2009 at 03:09 PM
Not sure if you'd send international, but I could certainly use them.
I like what you've done here... as you said, the colour graduation is a lovely effect.
Posted by: Frogdancer | June 14, 2009 at 03:09 PM
I just love the colors :) (really, all of the colorful quilts you've shown are stunning) Those leftover coins would make a fabulous table runner or a long thin wall hanging for one of my narrow walls...
Posted by: gardengeekette | June 14, 2009 at 03:10 PM
I can definitely put the coins to good use. Please enter me in your giveaway. Love the table cloth. Janey Joop
Posted by: Janey Joop | June 14, 2009 at 03:10 PM
I love the tablecloth and I love the coins. I could put them to very good use!
Posted by: Candace | June 14, 2009 at 03:13 PM
such a beautiful quilt - I really love those fabrics!
Posted by: Charlotte Lader | June 14, 2009 at 03:14 PM
Very nice! I've never thought of using a quilt as a tablecloth. I really like the look of gray sashing. I tend to use a LOT of white, but want to try gray sometime.
Posted by: Alice S | June 14, 2009 at 03:15 PM
I would *love* this stack of coins!
Not only have I been wanting to make a stacked coin table runner ... but I also need to make a gift for my aunt. These would be perfect!
Posted by: Courtney | June 14, 2009 at 03:17 PM
I think your leftovers would be great to use for some baby quilts! I love the bright colors and fun little prints, they would definitely brighten up any design. You've got one lucky sister!
Posted by: Madison | June 14, 2009 at 03:17 PM
I too spent the day quilting and thanks to your tutorial it went very smoothly! The tablecloth is lovely -- I'm a big fan of Heather Ross prints!
Posted by: Susie | June 14, 2009 at 03:18 PM
I just about died when I saw that you had 44 different HR prints! I'd LOVE your leftovers. Thanks for being so generous!
Posted by: Rachael | June 14, 2009 at 03:23 PM
I'm a beginner quilter and measuring/cutting is the most onerous task for me! Those coins would help me finish a good looking quilt much faster than if I had to cut them on my own!
Posted by: Megan S. | June 14, 2009 at 03:24 PM
The coins would be perfect to make a set of throw pillows for the house my fiance and I will move into this fall. It's a Midcentury Modern and I'm making lots of textile accessories in bright mod prints. Gosh, isn't Heather Ross wonderful?
Posted by: Kat | June 14, 2009 at 03:25 PM
I just found out 2 days ago that my best friend is expecting a baby girl in October and I think that these blocks would make a beautiful quilt for her daughter to be.
Your tablecloth is so gorgeous I wouldn't dare use it as such, I would want to use it as a lap quilt!
Posted by: Valerie | June 14, 2009 at 03:25 PM