DIY Burlap Table Runner

This table runner ended up being a lot more plain Jane than I had originally intended.  I already posted a picture of my first failed attempt.  Well, here's a picture of my second:

Not cool.  I think I realized that it wasn't going to work as soon as I put the first stencil on, but I kept going and got about half way done.  By that point it was really obvious that I should just keep it simple.  Since our dining area is practically in our living room, it just didn't look right to try and put a different pattern in there.

This runner was so easy that it hardly needs a step-by-step guide to explain, but I took the pictures so I'm gonna post 'em anyway.

(Here's the short version if you're crunched for time:  1. Cut a strip of burlap and hem it.  2.  Put it on your table.)

I made a pattern out of poster board to trace onto my burlap.  Our table is a 42" square and the runner is about 18" wide and 55" long.

I lined up the the poster board with the lines I drew and folded down the edges of the burlap and ironed them so my hem would be nice a straight.

I tucked the raw edges under to make the hem and pinned, then ironed again.

Then I sewed!

 Done and done!

I know you're all probably amazed by my creativity and sewing skills, but try not to be too jealous. ;)

All joking aside, I like the way my runner turned out even though it's not original or fancy.  I like the neutral color and I like the texture of the burlap.  Now I just need to find some fabric to make some placemats...maybe I'll get a little facy with those.

I ALMOST FORGOT!  I used a yard and a half of burlap which cost a whopping $4.39 and I have some left over.  Way cheaper than this guy.

I'll be linking up at: