When the month of May comes around, the Sprat & Winkle Quilters enjoy a ‘Retreat day at Rookwood’ when we get together and make a project. On previous occasions we have made jelly roll quilts and reversible bags. This year the project was a ‘Twisted Pole Table Runner’.

The day starts as we unload our cars with ‘stuff’. The fabrics, sewing machine, mini iron and essential sewing tool kit, crockery and cutlery – not forgetting a large mug for the endless cups of tea(!) and a contribution for the lunch and afternoon tea.

We set up our workstations and then Lizzie ‘Head Girl’ introduced the programme for the day and the project(s) that we will undertake.

The table runner is made from a vertically repeated basic block which is then outlined with 2 borders. The block is a simple one made entirely from half-square triangles.

We were shown 3 different ways to work the half square triangles which are the main block for the table runner. I opted for the simplest method:-

2 x 5” squares with a diagonal line drawn across the middle. Stitch ¼ “each side of the line, then cut apart down the centre of the stitching. Press towards the dark side (sic).

After the introduction we scattered to our workstations to get cutting and stitching. At lunch time we downed tools and enjoyed a chance not only to enjoy the fabulous food supplied by the ladies, but also to socialise, to view the various quilts on display, to have a go at the Tombola and to browse the items for sale.

Back from lunch, we were set a new challenge. A pack of fabric and instructions was supplied for each of us to make a disappearing 4-patch block. The blocks were then ‘raffled’ and the winner received all the blocks to make up into a quilt, we don’t expect to see it next week so you have some time to put it together.

Back to work and by the end of the afternoon I had completed the runner top including the two borders of contrasting fabrics.

The end of a lovely self-indulgent day and home for a rest!

I have now completed the runner with a poly/cotton wadding and calico backing. There is some simple straight line quilting, now all it needs is an embroidered label for the reverse.

I think this block design will make a great lap quilt if repeated in columns- watch this space.