DIY Table Runner

We have a beautiful farm-style vintage-looking table made by our friend, Andy.  I love it.  I love it as much as anyone can love their dining room table.  However, there is a small problem.  The aged two by fours have some divets and cracks that can sometimes collect crumbs and I don't like that.  So, I had some muslin I wasn't going to use and I decided to make a table runner.

I started by tearing the muslin into two pieces of the same size.  Then, I sewed them together.  The edges are frayed and I like the look.  If you prefer a more polished look, you sew the seams and turn it right side out.  Then, I washed it and pressed it.

Using painters tape, I started my pattern. I honestly didnt have much of a plan. I didnt care about the triangles being perfect so I just started taping these diamonds.  I did this on the linoleum floor because paint spills would be easy to clean.  Also, taping it to the floor made painting super easy because it didnt move at all!  [Accidental] genius.

I used some old house paint we had lying around and then mixed it with acrylics.  I didnt fill in every diamond or triagle.  Mostly because I am lazy but also because, again, I didnt want this table runner to look too perfect.  Or even to look like it was trying to be perfect.

BTW, I dress like a [colorful] homeless person sometimes.

I'm really happy with the way it turned out.  It dried overnight and we started using it the next day!  I think it's the perfectly flawed addition to our dining room.