Stash Buster Patchwork Tablecloth

Talk about a stash buster! When I first got it into my head last night to make this tablecloth I waivered at the thought of consuming so much yardage. But then my very resistance turned into yet another reason to surrender to the party-throwing gaiety - fabric is meant to be USED! In fact, I was just starting to admit to myself that my fabric cabinet was getting rather fat with the goods. So, here's to slimming down!

This Friday we'll be hosting 16 adults, 5 kids and 4 toddlers for dinner. That many! And, since we're having soup, tables and real dishes are a must, yes? And if we're going to have to use plastic fold-up tables, you bet I'm covering them with tablecloths.

How bouts a tablecloth made to match my fall banner? Hmm... yes, I think so! (I'm also contemplating making 4 baby bibs in fall colors - yes, I know it's a little overboard, but I'll be putting cloth napkins on everyone else's plates so it really won't look right unless....)

That said, I did grieve to use up so much precious Good Folks fabric. I consoled myself with the thought that this tablecloth is for me, hence I could always rework it into some other project if desired. Wow, I am that person now. As you can see, I just worked with the fabric I found in my cabinet - mostly half yard cuts which just barely spanned the table. A little scrappy here and there + a border to give it extra width = a patchwork tablecloth I'll love each fall. Included are some of the prints I purchased recently by RoseMarie Lavin, Freebird Ovals in Bark (I wish for more of those - they're so handy) and that solid plum that I used for Aria's Christmas stocking.

Guess what I realized after I finished piecing the top? I had intended to use that solid plum for a color-spectrum baby quilt I'm making for a good friend. Oops. Now I don't have enough. Is it still a stash-buster if it's now forcing me to go shopping? Oh well, a girl can never have enough Kona.