A Furry Good Benefit and DIY Runners!

A few months ago a woman named Sandi messaged me on facebook about a fundraiser she was organizing.  A few years ago I co-founded a cat rescue group in NYC.  I no longer am active with that group but continue to volunteer and help out where I can with animal rescue in NYC.   What exactly is animal rescue in NYC?  The city shelters by contract have to take every animal that comes to their door.  Therefore they end up euthanizing many adoptable animals.  Many people in the city do not spay neuter their cats and also let them roam.  Many people also buy dogs then give them up because they cannot handle them or they move to a no pets building.  Sandi is organizing a benefit called Mutt Masquerade which will benefit 3 animal groups; Stewie to the Rescue, Cats in the Cradle and BLES Elephant, Dog and Cat Sanctuary.  It is being held this Saturday October 26th in NYC at Joshua Tree at 513 3rd Ave.
     Sandi asked me if I would be interested in being a sponsor.  I was honored she asked and happy to help out any way I can.  Since I was pregnant at the time and didn't know what it would be like having a baby, I didn't want to over commit.  I offered to make the table linens for the benefit.  Since the benefit is around Halloween I decided to find fabric that is seasonal yet sophisticated and fun.
When Sandi told me some theme ideas; lace, masquerade, animals I thought of fabric by Tula Pink called Nightshade

Unfortunately I wasn't able to source enough of this fabric for table runners.  Then I found some other fabric that was purrfect! It had a bit of lace feel, spider web feel and neon cats.  Two different fabrics encompassing Sandi's themes.

silver flocked

Usually with runners I make the hems a clean finish, folding over the edges twice and sewn down.  The last project I was working on my serger have been the Liberty pocket squares and I have the serger threaded with neon green. I decided to leave the neon green thread and not even hem the runners.  The neon green matches the fabric and will look perfect in a masquerade setting.

DIY
If you are interested in making a table runner for your home all you need is 1 yard of fabric and sew the pieces together. Runners are 13" to 14" wide.  One yard of fabric will give you a runner 108" long.   Cut 3 pieces from the one yard so each piece will be 13" x 36". Sew the pieces on the short end face to face. Then hem the long sides 1/2".




If you would like to find out more about the Mutt Masquerade check out their facebook page or buy your tickets here.  Hope to see you there!