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Some of the content below is being simultaneously published on the Riley Blake Blog on 11/1/2023.
Pockets Full of Blessings – More Than Just a Table Runner
At Sew Worthy Mama, I make patterns designed with motherhood in mind, and my newest pattern is my best yet.
The Pockets Full of Blessings table runner pattern — with printable gratitude journaling cards and a keepsake pouch pattern included — is the perfect recipe for starting a new family tradition this year. Let me explain why this table runner has pockets, how it creates a tradition, and why you'll want to sew up more than one!
Purchase Pockets Full of Blessings by November 7, 2023, and get a BONUS set of printable quote cards FREE!
Let me share my vision with you for how you and your family could use “Pockets Full of Blessings” — a quilted table runner, printable set of gratitude journaling cards, and a keepsake pouch — to create a family tradition of reflection and gratitude year after year as you celebrate together.
Let’s Set the Scene…
The day is young, and plans are underway. The scent of cranberries, turkey, and sweet potatoes wafts in the air. The holidays are here, and before all the hustle and bustle begins, you want to spend a few minutes with your family to be intentional and take stock of your many blessings. You want your children or grandchildren to make connections between the holiday and sincere gratitude.
So, you’ve created a handmade table runner, and you’re starting a new family tradition. Tucked inside its pockets are small cards, peeking out. You begin a conversation by sharing what you are thankful for with the entire family. Then, your partner, children, and other family members share their blessings. You pull the cards out of their pockets and encourage each family member to record their gratitude. Older children can fill out a card for themselves while you assist younger ones with theirs.
Using your table runner as an Advent calendar, you can use the included Advent cards to read a name of Jesus each day and read the verse where the name is mentioned each day, counting down the days until Christmas.
Each year, your family fills in new cards, slowly building a family keepsake — a record of blessings and reflections written by each family member to look back on fondly. Imagine showing your future high school senior what they were most thankful for at age 2, 3, 4…
(That's why I also included the simple Keepsake Pouch pattern to store your cards and protect your family memories. Collect and save your cards year after year.)
The Table Runner
Go beyond basic Thanksgiving table decor. While many readymade table runners simply say “Thankful” or “Blessed,” you can use this handmade table runner to create a Thanksgiving or Fall tablescape that actually prompts conversations with your family about gratitude. Teach your kids the meaning of the season with a beautiful Pockets Full of Blessings Table Runner.
The quilted table runner measures 16” x 49”, perfect for most dining room tables. You can even layer it over your favorite neutral tablecloth. Each long side is lined with a pocket panel. There are 13 pockets on each side for a total of 26–enough to keep a journaling card (or two) for everyone around your table!
My fabulous pattern testers did a lovely job with their fabric choices. Emily Maxwell even added Chenille-It to her quilting, and it turned out lovely!
Related Post: Pockets Full of Blessings Pattern Tester Versions and Pockets Full of Blessings
The Cards
The pattern collection includes 3 different sets of cards for the table runner's pockets.
Gratitude Journaling Cards
There are 4 styles of gratitude journaling cards included with the pattern:
- Unlined (best for pre-writers to draw their blessings)
- Tri-lined (best for early writers) with prompts for name, year, and age.
- Lined (best for older kids and adults)
- Provided with and without “is thankful for” prompt
Mix and match the styles, or choose your favorite to build your own collection that fits your family best.
Quote Cards
The pattern also includes a set of 8 quote cards! They include these inspirational insights on gratitude:
- “I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
- “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” -G.K. Chesterton
- “Wear gratitude like a cloak, and it will feed every corner of your life.” -Rumi
- “O Lord that lends me life, lend me a heart replete with thankfulness.” -William Shakespeare
- "Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some." -Charles Dickens
- “One single grateful thought raised to Heaven is the most perfect prayer.” -G.E. Lessing
- “Love casts out fear, and gratitude can conquer pride.” -Louisa May Alcott
- “Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.” -A.A. Milne
Use the bonus quote card set to inspire more conversation around gratitude at your table. Remember, this set of printable quote cards is included with the pattern collection.
Advent Cards
The pattern also includes an Advent card set -- 26 cards that help countdown to Christmas.
Each of 24 cards lists a name of Jesus and a scripture reference for the name. Plus, there's one card for starting advent, explaining the season, and one for Christmas Day.
Read more ideas for using the Advent cards (even how to use them with the gratitude journaling cards!) HERE.
Related Post: Check out my tips for printing flawless gratitude journaling cards at home, including how to get quick and easy rounded corners.
The Keepsake Pouch
As you build your family tradition, you’ll fill out new cards each year. That’s why I also included a Keepsake Pouch pattern with Pockets Full of Blessings. Collect and save your family’s gratitude journaling cards each year to build a precious family heirloom.
The pouch is simple yet beautiful. French seams elevate the design and ensure your Keepsake Pouch will last through the years.
Make your pouch with a coordinating fabric to tie it all together. Choose from fabric strips or cords for your drawstrings.
The Perfect Hostess Gift
If you don't host Thanksgiving at your own home, a Pockets Full of Blessings table runner makes a wonderful hostess gift! In fact, make one to use at home leading up to Thanksgiving and one to gift your hostess on Turkey Day.
And if you're not in the US, you can choose your own day to reflect on your blessings with your family year after year. Have fun choosing a spring or summer palette if you wish!
Start Stitching Up Your Own Family Tradition!
I hope you are filled with joy as you make the Pockets Full of Blessings table runner, gratitude journaling cards, and Keepsake Pouch. May you and your family be blessed in your time together.
Remember, you can get the BONUS set of printable quote cards for FREE when you purchase the pattern by November 7, 2023. Don’t miss out!
For more patterns designed with motherhood in mind, have a look around at more posts in the Journal, follow me on Instagram, and sign up for my email newsletter to get access to all my freebies in The Stash.
Follow along at #SWMPocketsFullofBlessings and post your makes there, too!
Related Posts:
- Pattern Tester Table Runners – You’ve gotta see these beautiful table runners made by my fantastic pattern testers!
- Check out my post on the Riley Blake Blog, which is all about making Pockets Full of Blessings using their Bee Cross Stitch line of fabrics!
- Helpful Notions – Rulers and more to make sewing this pattern an absolute breeze
- Gratitude Journaling Cards: How to Print Your Cards Perfectly at Home – Including Quick and Easy Rounded Corners
- How to Quilt a Pie – The perfect pie to match your Pockets Full of Blessings table runner for your Thanksgiving table
- Advent Cards and Pockets: A Christmas Table Runner Tradition -- Ideas for how to use your Advent cards to count down to Christmas
2 comments
Hi, I own a quilt shop and one of my employees brought in this table runner. It is very clever. I was wondering if you will wholesale the pattern. i would like to carry it in my shop.
thanks, Erin
This is lovely for a grandmother to receive or make for the family gatherings.