Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Progress Report About Those Quilting Fabrics

I am happy to report that I have used the majority of the quilting fabrics that I blogged about here. And I used at least a yard of another quilting fabric as well as a yard of flannel, which I used instead of batting. For tabletop things such as placemats and table runners, I prefer a thinner, flatter finish rather than a puffy, quilt-like finish, so I use flannel fabric instead of batting. Oh, plus I came across a few (?) yards of flannel before I looked for batting.

So far I've made one short table runner and four placemats. Here are a couple of photos:
Four placemats

 
Two placemats and a table runner
And here is how we usually use placemats: on top of a tablecloth. (It's easier to launder placemats than tablecloths, plus as the weather cools, the tablecloth adds a bit of warmth.)
All ready for today
I'm including a few construction details for you and also to help me remember for next time.
Press and then pin the completed placemat top to flannel. Notice that the corner pins are parallel to the edge rather than at a 45 degree angle, which makes the stitching easier. Machine baste about 1/8 in. in from the edge of the placemat top.
Optional: Trim to remove flannel.
Press the pieced top, which has been basted to the flannel, to the backing fabric (brown), which is placed wrong side up. Trim. Then move the backing fabric to on top of the the pieced top and pin, marking (with two pins or a clip) the place to stop stitching, which will create the opening for turning.
From the back, you can see the 1/4 in. stitching all around, except for about 4 in. at the center of the bottom, which is the opening for turning. Clip the corners. Turn. Press. Machine quilt.
One placemat, completed. 
One table runner, completed.

I am planning to make another table runner, narrower so that it can be used with four placemats. And it looks like I will make some coasters. And maybe some trim and pockets for an apron.

I welcome any other ideas. I'm really glad I decided to use this fabric now rather than know that it will be next fall before I am motivated to use it again. It's so autumnal! 

Blessings and peace...
Posted by at
Labels: , , , , ,

19 comments:

  1. RozSeptember 24, 2013 at 1:31 PM

    This really sets the mood for fall-very pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  2. KieraSeptember 24, 2013 at 1:51 PM

    beauuuuutiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i can smell the crisp, fall air

    ReplyDelete
  3. TheresaSeptember 24, 2013 at 1:55 PM

    they are beautiful!! you used your materials perfectly!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. GabriellaSeptember 24, 2013 at 2:08 PM

    How lovely! They are perfect for the season, Sandra:)
    Thanks for sharing your wonderful talent with us.
    Blessings to you!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Angie WSeptember 24, 2013 at 3:42 PM

    Sandra, those are so lovely. Makes me want to break out the autumn decorations! You are a talented lady.

    ReplyDelete
  6. SandraSeptember 24, 2013 at 6:23 PM

    Roz, Kiera, Theresa, Gabriella, and Angela, Wow, I am overwhelmed at your lovely and kind comments. Thank you so much! Yes, they have put me in the mood for fall. In fact, I have apples baking in the oven right now. :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. JoyreeSeptember 24, 2013 at 7:41 PM

    They are DARLING! I really need to make placemats. I have used the same ones for 15 years!!!

    Hugs, Joy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SandraSeptember 25, 2013 at 8:41 AM

      Joy, thank you! You know how easy they are to make. Go for it! We have lots of them!

      Delete
  8. RhondaBussSeptember 25, 2013 at 7:43 AM

    Lovely! And so perfect for this time of year. My only problem would be if someone spilled something on them I might have a heart attack ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SandraSeptember 25, 2013 at 8:43 AM

      Hi Rhonda! Thanks for your compliments. And you made me LOL about spillage. Messy people live here. Our placemats are laundered regularly. And the little table runner will have melted wax on it before the month is over, guaranteed. I think that maybe knowing how they will be used and loved makes it easy to let go of my perfectionist ways. :)

      Delete
  9. SandraSeptember 25, 2013 at 8:41 AM

    Laury, thanks for visiting and leaving such a nice comment.

    ReplyDelete
  10. DianaSeptember 25, 2013 at 10:54 AM

    You do such beautiful work! And you reminded me to get out my fall tablecloths!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SandraSeptember 25, 2013 at 6:26 PM

      Hi Diana, thank you so much! Your compliment means a lot to me -- I've seen many photos of your amazing sewing! And yes, it's time to get out the autumn decor!

      Delete
  11. elizabethSeptember 25, 2013 at 1:39 PM

    Love your place mats and your table and chairs are to die for. Beautiful!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SandraSeptember 25, 2013 at 6:28 PM

      Hi Elizabeth, Thanks for visiting and for leaving such lovely comments. The chairs were made locally some years ago, and we bought the table, um, er, oops, I forget where and when! It has started to show signs of wear and tear, or as I like to say, love and affection! :)

      Delete
  12. MarySeptember 26, 2013 at 5:33 PM

    what a pretty dining area...I'll be over for tea and cookies!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SandraOctober 9, 2013 at 7:08 PM

      Hi Mary, The kettle's on... will you be here soon? :)

      Delete
  13. DianeOctober 9, 2013 at 5:53 PM

    Sandra -- those are gorgeous! I love the fabric - subtly fall without screaming orange. These types of table linens are so easy to use and really set the scene. Congratulations.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SandraOctober 9, 2013 at 7:11 PM

      Hi Diane, Thanks for visiting and leaving such a nice comment. Yes, I am finding that they *are* easy to use. Soft colors suit me, especially in my surroundings

      Delete

In the "Comment as" drop-down box, you can choose Name/URL and then enter your name (first name is enough) and you don't have to include a URL. I have disabled comments from Anonymous because of too much sp@m. Please let me know if you have any questions about this; thanks. You know I want to make it as easy as possible to hear from you!

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)