Friday 30 April 2010

Sew and Tell - I made it!

This is the pair of spring themed placemats that I made for my boyfriend and me. They don't match, I know, and it is on purpose. Actually, I selected a bunch of fabrics that I thought could express some spring elements. I showed them to my boyfriend and he chose what he liked best (green flowers and elves). Mine was a no brainer, I knew I had to have lovebirds and those gorgeous Nicey Jane flowers.

I have to admit that I had doubts that I would finish them in time to use before spring turned to summer, though, even if there are still a few months ahead. My challenge resided in hand quilting, which I had never done before. The least I can say is that I am not a natural, and some of my stitches on the reverse look pretty bad. But it was a first experience, and I am glad only that I made it through. I really like the more handmade look of my own stitches.

For the border on my placemat, I used some pink fabric that I don't particularly like, but I think it makes good bias tape. On my boyfriend's, I used some orange bias tape that I had around, and it matches the orange thread that I used in the quilting.

This is only my second time around playing Sew and Tell, but it really gave me a motivation to finish those placemats on Wednesday (my day off from work), so I could join in the fun today! There are lots of other great projects to see on Amy's blog, and some happy news to share. Make sure you go visit!

10 comments:

  1. these look amazing. i love the fabrics you chose...and the hand stitching looks so great. i love the look of hand quilted but i don't always like to take the time.

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  2. Beautiful placemats! I love your fabrics, and your tenacity in doing the hand-quilting. I can't ever seem to make the time to hand-quilt- too many other things to do! I love Sew and Tell, too - it makes me want to finish something so I can join in the fun!

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  3. Bah! I love LOVE those cute little birds among the Nicey Jane fabric. Man. I really need to make some new placemats.

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  4. Lovebirds are perfect and adorable! Your place mats came out perfect! Great way to bring in the spring.

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  5. Seeing your place mats makes me wonder why we thought a set had to be exactly the same. I love it! Your hand-quilting looks beautiful. I'm always glad to meet another hand-quilter.

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  6. Great job! I love this look of the Love birds and some Nicey Jane! Nice hand-quilting look.

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  7. I love your place mats! Great fabrics and your hand quilting is perfect. Springy, cheery, beautiful!

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  8. Beautiful as ever, my little sister. You have such a sense to choose great match of color.
    Very good job.

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  9. I always do love me some good Nicey Jane. Nice work.

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  10. These are great. Those lovebirds are too cute. Just bought me some of that fabric...trying to figure out what to make with it. Thanks for sharing!

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