Patio Placemats

Greetings friends! It is new project tutorial day - time to share my July project created for Therm O Web with you! I always enjoy putting on my Fabric Education Designer hat and creating new projects/tutorials to share with you on the Therm O Web Blog. Each month, I share a new project and you give you my tips and tricks for using their adhesives and interfacings. For the month of July, the blog is focused on projects for summer celebrations, county fairs, farmers markets, and gardening. I created a brand new project that was posted yesterday - it is a complete project tutorial for my "Patio Placemats" featuring HeatnBond Iron-On Vinyl. My comprehensive tutorial contains a detailed supply list and step-by-step directions with color photos (and you can find a short tutorial video on my YouTube channel and Instagram page). This is a versatile, beginner friendly, summertime project. I hope you will stop by the Therm O Web Blog and check out my fun, useful design...

This is an afternoon project that can definitely be a scrap buster and works great with fat quarters! You can use your favorite fabrics to create your own vinyl placemats. These placemats are water-resistant, durable, and have a pocket to hold those paper products that easily get blown away with a breeze. Plus, you can use your favorite fabrics to brighten up any outdoor dining space (how about your favorite team fabric to watch a big game outside or novelty fabrics for an outdoor movie night? – there are so many fun possibilities!). The added bonus – they wipe clean with a damp cloth!. For this post, I used HeatnBond Iron-On Vinyl (Matte), Fusible Fleece, Medium Weight Interfacing, and HeatnBond Fabric Fuse PeelnStick Fabric Adhesive Tape...plus, I give you some pro-tips in my post. Visit the tutorial post for a complete and detailed supply list.

To find the seam roller and wonder clips used in my post, along with other supplies/tools listed, visit my Patio Placemats Supply List on Amazon (full disclosure: as an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases - I only share products I actually use - and I truly appreciate you shopping from my links, thank you!)

Are you familiar with Heatnbond  Iron-On Vinyl? Heatnbond  Iron-On Vinyl is a flexible, water resistant coating that you iron onto the top of your fabrics to laminate them. It comes in a gloss or matte finish, is permanent, and is sewable with a regular or non-stick foot. It is a UV resistant, water repellent material that can be used with fabric or paper. Iron-on vinyl allows you to laminate your favorite fabrics - perfect for make-up bags, placemats, tote bags, chair seat covers, aprons, art smocks, etc...

If you have questions on any of the Therm O Web or HeatnBond/SpraynBond products or would like to see a specific type of product in one of my projects, drop me a comment or email.

You will have to visit the ThermOWeb blog for my complete tutorial and pattern, but I am posting a few photos here...

Here is a direct link to the project tutorial:

https://blog.thermoweb.com/patio-placemats-featuring-heatnbond-iron-on-vinyl

I hope this project gets you excited to create something special and unique...

I am creating monthly projects for the Therm O Web Blog and I will be sure to post here when I have a new tutorial available. My next project will be available on August 13th...and I am working on another fun project for summer...

Thank you for stopping by for a visit today - I always enjoy sharing with you. Have a great week and make time to work on something creative...

Pumpkin Patch Placemats

Hello creative friends! Be sure to head over to the AccuQuilt Blog today for my latest guest blog post...there you will find a complete tutorial for my "Pumpkin Patch Placemats" with all the details, so you can make a set of your very own...

These patchwork pumpkin placemats use traditional piecing and are perfect for a beginner...and the entire project was cut on my GO! Fabric Cutter (project is GO! Big, GO!, and GO! Baby compatible) using:

GO! Qube Mix & Match 8” Block (55776)

• Dies Used: #1 GO! Square 4” Finished, #2 GO! Square 2” Finished, #5 GO! HST 2” Finished Square, #7 GO! Parallelogram, and #8 GO! Rectangle

GO! Qube 8″ Companion Set-Classic (55780)

• Dies Used: #10 GO! Signature Block

GO! Strip Cutter-2″ (1 1/2″ Finished) (55025 or 55164) (binding only)

This project is great for scraps or fat quarters...and while I used autumn print fabrics, these placemats would look great in a variety of batiks or solids. Each placemat finishes 20"W x 14"H - and the instructions are written for a two placemat set.

So be sure to stop by the AccuQuilt Blog for a materials list and step by step tutorial, with images:
https://www.accuquilt.com/blog/education/go-project-tutorials/pumpkin-patch-placemats-a-quilting-tutorial/

I know they look a little complicated, but I show step by step how to create them...and you could have a set completed by Thanksgiving!

...and while you are visiting the blog, be sure to check out all of the inspiring projects - there are endless creative ideas to get you in the sewing/quilting mood!

A Slice of Summer

Hello creative friends! Be sure to head over to the AccuQuilt Blog today for my latest guest blog post...there you will find a complete tutorial for my "A Slice of Summer" placemats with all the details, so you can make a set of your very own...

These cheerful summertime placemats use traditional piecing and are perfect for a beginner...and the entire project was cut on my GO! Fabric Cutter (project is GO! Big, GO!, and GO! Baby compatible) using the GO! Qube Mix & Match 6" Block and the 2" Strip Cutter:

• GO! Qube Mix & Match 6” Block (55775)(Dies used: #1 – 3” Finished Square, #3 – 3” Half Square Triangle, #4 – 3″ Quarter Square Triangle)
• GO! Strip Cutter-2″ (1 1/2″ Finished) (55025 or 55164) (borders and binding)

This project is great for scraps or fat quarters...and while I used summery fabrics, these placemates would look great in a variety of colors/prints or holiday fabrics. Each placemat finishes 18"W x 12"H - and the instructions are written for a four placemat set. Another interesting fact about this project: although the center of each placemat is a 9” quilt block, I used the 6” GO! Qube to create it - just another versatile way to use the GO! Qube.

To complete the look, you can easily make coordinating cloth napkins, as you can see in my table top photo...

So be sure to stop by the AccuQuilt Blog for a materials list and step by step tutorial, with images:
https://www.accuquilt.com/blog/education/go-project-tutorials/a-slice-of-summer-placemats/

...and while you are there, check out a plethora of inspiring projects - there are endless creative ideas to get you in the sewing/quilting mood!

Sunday Samplings

Season's Greetings! I can't believe it has been several weeks since my last post...and quite a few of you have checked in to make sure I am okay. I have been so wrapped up in work projects, holiday projects, and life, that I haven't really had time to catch my breath (or write a blog post)...but the Christmas packages were sent - a few cards made it to the post office - the Christmas dinner went smoothly - the house is clean - and my pre-holiday work deadlines have been handled...so here I am to do a quick wrap up.

Let's see...on a personal note: I have been trying to stay healthy (but not exactly successfully), many of you know I had the flu when I returned from the 60-mile walk in Dallas...then I contracted a terrible upper respiratory infection that lasted what seemed like months - and the cough has been lingering for a few weeks, but getting better each day. I have been going to the gym daily - still weight training, with several days of cardio a week - it is my quiet time (my only "me" time) - I feel healthier and stronger - and my cardio consists of lots of stairs and incline, preparing for 60-miles in San Diego next year. The weather here is unusually manageable for December, but we are getting TONS of rain...in fact, the grass was still green a few days ago. I have been able to walk the dogs to the park almost everyday (don't get me wrong, I have to bundle up - there just isn't the usual snow/ice on the ground). Although, we did just get a couple inches of snow, in time to celebrate Christmas (and it looks like quite a bit of snow is forecasted for the upcoming week). Simba and Schatzi are both well and have become best friends. Travis and I stayed home for Christmas again this year - but you can't make any holiday plans this time of year when your husband is in management for UPS (they even worked Christmas Eve). We hosted his parents for a Christmas dinner on Friday and that was pretty much the extent of our holiday celebration. All in all, life is good...and we are looking forward to early February when we are leaving the Iowa winter and heading to Florida for a week of vacation with my mother and her husband.

On the creative front...there has been quite a bit happening in the Blue Ribbon Designs Studio. I finished up more designs and samples for AccuQuilt - this time for Valentine's Day...and I can't wait to share them with you (a couple sneak peeks below). I completed a handful of custom orders and managed to make gifts for nine packages...and they were all delivered BEFORE Christmas! I also made gifts for two of my local close friends...and gifts for family...so my sewing/embroidery machine and stitching fingers have been busy. I also finished the cutest winter project and tutorial for the AccuQuilt Blog that will be posted next Wednesday, the 30th - I will post a reminder about in the coming week - you won't want to miss it. Plans are underway for my January AccuQuilt project tutorial - it uses the new GO! Qube and I am having fun working on the design (think Valentine's Day). In the evenings, I have been cross stitching a couple ornaments for Just Cross Stitch Magazine that will published in 2016....and I have been working on a couple new design ideas - including one for my 2016 Komen 3-Day fundraising piece (Twinkle Toes will be walking in San Diego in 2016!). Last, but not least, I have been working on new pieces for my Etsy Shop - I am working on a BUNCH of Stitch Starter Ruler Sleeves and a pile of zippered pouches and project bags...plus I have a couple new ideas that I worked up that I will be trying in limited numbers. Then, in my "spare time", I am working on custom customer projects. Busy is a blessing...

I hope you have been enjoying this holiday season. As we quickly approach the new year - may you find joy in the celebration, beauty in your surroundings, and love in your heart...happy holidays!

Let's Talk Turkey

Lately I have been crushing on Dresden Plate quilt blocks and projects...both pointed and rounded versions...there is something so vintage about them, yet they can be made to look completely modern, simply by changing the fabric and the layout. I love seeing plate designs worked in bright, cheerful, modern prints...however, today I am sharing a unique twist with you using lovely autumn batiks! This is one of my newest design creations for AccuQuilt - a set of GO! Let's Talk Turkey Placemats...don't they just make you smile?? These placemats are designed around using half of a Dresden Plate block for the fan of the turkey...and I had so much fun creating them!

All of the pieces/shapes were cut with my AccuQuilt GO! Big Fabric Cutter using the following six dies:

• GO! Dresden Plates (55071)
• GO! Holiday Accessories (55321)
• GO! Big Square-10" (9-1/2" Finished) (55451)
• GO! Strip Cutter-1-1/2" (1" Finished (55024 or 55164)
• GO! Strip Cutter-2-1/2" (2" Finished) (55017 or 55014) (binding)
• GO! Strip Cutter-4-1/2" (4" Finished) (55053)

...and I used gorgeous fabrics from Island Batik - don't they work perfectly for these Thanksgiving placemats?!

The fan, body, and neck/head of the turkey are all cut from the GO! Dresden Plates (55071) die...and I used the GO! Holiday Accessories (55321) die to cut the feet and beak. I cut teeny tiny fabric circles for the eyes, but you could hand stitch French Knots...or use tiny buttons...or use a specialty machine stitch - I think tiny buttons would be extra cute (but may not work well if you use them for placemats - your plate may tilt a bit). I used a blanket stitch with transparent thread to machine appliqué all the shapes in place.

I thought using these turkeys on a table runner would be fabulous, as well...maybe one turkey on each end with simple patchwork in between...hmmm - another idea for my "spare time"...

If you would like to try making a set of GO! Let's Talk Turkey Placemats, you can find the pattern FREE for a limited time on the AccuQuilt website...simply visit:
http://www.accuquilt.com/shop/go-let-s-talk-turkey-placemats-pattern.html

If you are new to Dresden Plate designs, this is a great way to get started! I hope you will try this pattern out...and if you do, please be sure to share your turkey project photos with me...

Check back soon for more seasonal ideas...I have more fun things to share...

Early To Rise

Be sure to stop by the AccuQuilt Blog today, where I am the guest blogger and "dishing" all the details for the new pattern: "GO! Early to Rise Placemats"...these modern rooster and hen placemats are my most recent AccuQuilt pattern design. I always enjoy a creative challenge, so when AccuQuilt asked me to design a pattern featuring the GO! Folk Art Fowl die by Bill Kerr, I immediately started brainstorming ideas...and this set of GO! Early to Rise placemats was born. At first, I thought this die was quite limiting, but once you read my guest blog post, I think you will find it can be used for a plethora of projects - both for the beginner and the more advanced quilter/sewist.  With all the curves in the feathers, the rooster and the hen are the perfect shapes for fine-tuning your machine appliqué skills....and the look can easily go from "country" to "modern" to match your style. Oh...and did I mention you can download the pattern for FREE for a limited time...so go check out my guest blog post and download this fresh, new pattern...and be sure to share a photo of your new table setting with me!

GO! Folk Art Fowl die by Bill Kerr

Fabulous Flying Geese

GO! Flying Geese-3½” x 6½”
 (3” x 6” Finished) (55456)

Today I thought I would share a few of my recent projects for AccuQuilt. Back in July, I started working with AccuQuilt on five original designs using the new GO! Flying Geese-3 1/2" x 6 1/2" (3" x 6" Finished) die for a project booklet. As most of you know I absolutely love the design process (whether working on needlework or quilting patterns), so I thoroughly enjoyed writing patterns for five Flying Geese projects. The patterns I created included a set of placemats, a table runner, a bed quilt, a pillow, and a wall hanging...and after writing the patterns, I had the pleasure of creating the samples of each that AccuQuilt would use for their photography and marketing. It is always fun to see what fabrics they choose and to put together the models, as we all know how much I adore spending time at my sewing machine....and this time it was even more fulfilling, as I had designed the patterns!

Here are the GO! Flying Diamonds Placemats - this set of placemats totally inspired me to make a set of my own in fabrics that match my decor. This geometric placemat pattern uses only one die for piecing: the GO! Flying Geese-3 1/2" x 6 1/2" (3" x 6" Finished) and is perfect for a beginner! To speed up the process even more, you can cut the binding with the GO! Strip Cutter-2½” (2” Finished) (55014). You can easily make one placemat in an afternoon and have a full set in no time...

GO! Flying Diamonds Placemats Pattern 

Next, here is the GO! Celebration Table Runner. This patriotic table runner is perfect to show off your sewing skills at a family gathering! It is another project that a beginner can tackle, using only three dies for the quilted top and a strip cutter for the binding:

• GO! Flying Geese-3½” x 6½” (3” x 6” Finished) (55456)
• GO! Square-6½” (6” Finished) (55000)
• GO! Square-3½” (3” Finished) (55006)
• GO! Strip Cutter-2½” (2” Finished) (55014) - binding

GO! Celebration Table Runner Pattern

Creating this chevron style GO! Fly Away Pillow was quite fun...and although it looks intricate and possibly complicated, it is pieced completely with the GO! Flying Geese-3 1/2” x 6 1/2” (3” x 6” Finished) (55456) die...yep, you only need one die to make this bright and cheerful pillow!

GO! Fly Away Pillow Pattern

Looking for a new bed quilt pattern that can be made in a weekend? The GO! Take Flight Bed Quilt Pattern is the perfect solution! I had so much fun making this colorful quilt - again, pieced completely with the GO! Flying Geese-3 1/2” x 6 1/2” (3” x 6” Finished) (55456) die and using the GO! Strip Cutter-2½” (2” Finished) (55014) for the binding. You can use your favorite fabrics to make this project your own...and it is easy to change the size by adding or removing rows/columns of Flying Geese blocks! Chain piecing your flying geese makes this project come together rather quickly...and a design wall helps line up all your blocks to perfection. It was extremely hard to ship this finished quilt off to AccuQuilt - I wanted to keep it for my own!

GO! Take Flight Bed Quilt Pattern

And finally, here was my favorite project to design and create - the GO! Wallflowers Wall Hanging. We all know how much I like to combine appliqué with traditional piecing, so this wall hanging was right up my alley. This floral wall hanging uses several dies, but of course, features the GO! Flying Geese:

• GO! Flying Geese-3½” x 6½” (3” x 6” Finished) (55456)
• GO! Square-6½” (6” Finished) (55000)
• GO! Round Flower (55007)
• GO! Strip Cutter-6 1/2” (6” Finished) (55086)
• GO! Strip Cutter-2½” (2” Finished) (55014) - binding

GO! Wallflowers Wall Hanging Pattern

So, how was that for some Saturday sewing inspiration??...are you ready to start creating?? You can find all five of these patterns on the AccuQuilt website available for purchase/download, simply click on the title of the pattern in the photo caption(s). If you are purchasing or plan to purchase the brand new GO! Big Electric Fabric Cutter (oh how I wish I could afford one of these beauties - all I can say is WOW - yep, I am drooling - a girl can dream!), the GO! Big Electric Fabric Cutter Starter Set includes the the GO! Flying Geese Die (55456), and a 20–page pattern booklet which includes all five of the Flying Geese patterns shown above.

GO! Big Electric Fabric Cutter Starter Set

I am now back to my Saturday sewing session...I am working on a pile of new items for my Etsy shop, including more stitching wallets (they are selling faster than I can create them!)...I plan to hideaway in my sewing studio all afternoon!