To all of you and to JanetM in particular: Thanks so much for your lovely comments on the table runner!! A separate binding would be very difficult to do, not only because of color choice, but because of the narrow almost-pointed ends, so I do an "envelope turn" (right sides together, stitch all around leaving an opening of 4 - 6 inches, then turning it out and hand-stitching the opening closed) and then after gently pressing it and coaxing all the edges out, I machine-stitch all around about a half-inch or so from the edge - I use a quilting needle, and the width of my walking foot is my guide to keep the stitching even.
I also found the directions intimidating and have a few tips and tricks I could share if anyone wants to PM me. Not sure I can give this one away because I like it so much myself!!