Boy - I wish you all lived here. You could take the workshop I'm doing September 18. This is the table runner I'm offering for beginners. :) Since I'm not breaking copywright in any way I'd love to share the pattern with you. It is:
Creative Treasures by Wendy: Country Treasures - Just the Braid, Quilt As You Go - Series 2.
The pattern calls for 2.5 inch cuts (you could use a jelly roll), but I preferred a smaller braid so did 2 inch cuts. If you use the dimensions in the pattern you end up with a runner that is 22" x 52". That was just too long for any of my tables. Mine is 42.5 x 14.5. Just right for going across my dining room table. It is a drop leaf that ends up with a 14" center showing when the leafs are down.
Hope you all make this and show how different they all can be by posting pics. Cheers, Barb