This is sooooooooooo pretty and you'll love making them. Have you always wanted to learn to quilt? Don't you think it is about time that you took time for yourself to do what you have always wanted to do? I've taught many lessons in this newspaper over the past 15 years or so and many of you have been so kind as to read my columns and think, "Maybe some day….;" that 'some day' could be today.
Something as simple as a quilted placemat can be your first "quilted" item. One placemat requires only two rectangles of fabric cut: 12" X 16;" and batting the same size. Layer these together: batting on bottom, one piece of fabric face up, and other fabric piece face down on top of all. This becomes the "quilt sandwich." Pin together about every 6" avoiding the outside edges, as that is where you will sew the pieces together.
Once you have the sandwich pinned, sew either by hand in tiny running stitches, or by machine about 1/4" away from the outside edge. Start midway of one side, and sew around the edges, stopping with back stitches leaving an opening of at least 3". Reach in and turn the pieces inside out leaving the batting on the inside of the placemat. Hand sew the opening together with more running stitches. The placemat can be quilted in a "cross hatch" manner (making a grid of horizontal lines and vertical lines across the piece.) Quilting is just a series of little running stitches using quilting thread that is a little thicker than ordinary thread.
Iron a fusible onto the back of the "silver lame" fabric that will be the bell. This gives it stability. Press the bell onto the placemat in the top right corner. Blanket stitch by hand or machine around the bell. (Search internet for directions for this stitch) Glue the holly leaves, berry and bell clapper onto the bell. A set 4 placemats will make a lovely Christmas present. See more on my blog: www.funstitchery.com
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
