Duo Sided Festive Table Runner

Christmas Theme - Dove represents Holy Spirit and symbol of peace

Chinese Lunar New Year Theme - Peony flowers are known as riches and honour for Chinese

When I was planning for my next project, I brought out the pre-cut fabrics for a Christmas theme table runner that I didn't get to complete it for the recent Christmas. I know Christmas had just past. But the good thing is we can look forward to the next one. Therefore, I decided to finish it with a new addition to it - making it a duo sided table runner with one side features of Christmas theme and the other side Chinese Lunar New Year.

I don't have any sketch and just made use of the sizes of fabric available. My pre-wash natural linen burlap was in square and too short as table runner for my coffee table at home. Anyway, I was too keen to start the project right away that I cut the fabric in half and joined them to form a long fabric. Then, I decided to make the scallop ends. Being too eager to see the result, I sewed it before I had the complete idea for the table runner. I painted the images after almost completing sewing it and left an opening for turning. I had to lay a piece of paper between the two layers of fabric to prevent stain on the other side. I would advice one who is going to make this table runner to paint the images before stitching it. This was my first experience to embroider with stem stitch which I did on the olive leaves and "Noel".

Stem stitch is used to embroider " Noel" & olive leaves; Doves & wings were painted with acrylic paint

The doves and wings were sequential effect of sewing the fabric birds earlier. Dove represents Holy Spirit and also symbol of peace which made them great icon for Christmas theme table runner. 

As for the Chinese Lunar New Year theme, I chose the enchanting peonies that are full of body and rich in colours as main subject. Peony is the auspicious symbol in wealth and prosperity for the Chinese. It has been used extensively in pottery designs, embroidery and painting subject since ancient Chinese. Whereby dragonfly is associated with prosperity, harmony and taken as good luck charm. Lastly, the Chinese character "Chun" which bore the meaning of spring was embroidered on the table runner. This is sure to be an auspicious table runner.  :)

Without delay, I laid the table runner with peonies facing up on my coffee table right upon completion for the Chinese Lunar New Year is drawing near. Last week I had just brought down all Christmas decors and tomorrow would be my busy day for another session of new decor.

For those of you who like to try this out, click here for template and tutorial which included a video demo of painting the peonies.

Acrylic paint for the peonies and dragonlies; stem stitch on embroidery

Auspicious elements of Chinese