There’s nothing like adding a little handmade goodness to your holiday table - besides the delicious dinner, of course! Placemats and tablecloths are simple projects that can make a big impact on your special guests.

I have always thought that the method used to piece quilt binding is so clever and attractive. I decided to put that cleverness to work for my table setting project, using pretty shades of orange combined with gingery neutrals for an autumn harvest feel. Here’s how to make your own:

First, I cut six 2.5 inch strips from selvedge to selvedge. Sew 2 strip sets with 3 fabrics each.

Next, I trimmed one end of each set. I placed the sets right sides together, with the top set perpendicular to the bottom. I drew a diagonal line across the square formed by the intersecting fabrics. Be sure to draw line from the upper left corner to the lower right. Stitch on the line.

Then, trim the excess triangle a 1/4″ from the seam.

After I opened my new strip and pressed the seam allowance to one side, I cut the strip to 18″. Using the bottom of the diagonal as my center, I measured 9″ from this point and cut on each end. Then I repeated these steps to make a second strip to become the bottom half of my placemat. Sew the strips together and you have a placemat top!

To finish up, cut a backing fabric to the size of the placemat top, about 12.5″ x 18″. Put the 2 panels face together. I added a lightweight batting to mine, which I cut to size and layered on top of the backing.

Stitch 1/4″ around the perimeter, leaving a small opening. Turn the placemat inside out, and
press. Then, stitch all the way around the edge again with 1/4″ seam allowance. Repeat this process for as many table settings as you need, and then set the table!

For the tablecloth, I used Michael Miller’s Organic Cotton Gingham. Since tables tend to be bigger than fabric widths, you can use these pretty strips of color at the seams. I calculated the length I needed, in this case 72″, and cut two 72 inch pieces from selvedge to selvedge. With leftover strips from my placemats, I used the exact same process featured above, except with individual strips, to make the colorful panel running down the seam. I sewed this strip to one long side of each panel, and then hemmed all the way around. Done and done!

Treat yourself to some craft time, and treat your guest to a gorgeous, one-of-kind holiday table! As always, we’d love to see photos of what you’ve made. Enjoy!

A cheerful tablerunner is a simple way to decorate your home and mark the change of the seasons. Have it be the centerpiece of your holiday meal, or liven up the table by the front door (you know the one where you toss your keys!). It feels good to see things you’ve made being used and enjoyed in your daily life. It’s even better when friends and family are truly impressed at your craftiness! I made this table runner using the (not so) tricky “Disappearing Nine Patch”. No, it’s not a mystery novel, it’s a quilt block! This technique is so simple and turns out looking so complex; everyone will think you are a quilting master! Here’s how you do it:

First, make a nine patch!
I love bright colors, so I used my favorite teals and tangerines from Michael Miller and Sandi Henderson. Using 1/2 yard of 3 fabrics, I had plenty to work with. Fat quarters would also work wonderfully for this project. My block size for each fabric was 4″. Using a 1/4″ seam allowance, the finished nine patch was 11″. I made 4 nine patches total.

Second, cut the nine patch into quarters. With your trusty rotary cutter and grid ruler this is easy enough, right?

Third, reorder the blocks into four patches. Play around and see what type of design you like best. I liked that my gingham squares met on the diagonal, breaking up the strong pattern a bit!

Then, sew your four patches together in one long row. I added a 2.5″ border (1/4 yd of fabric) all around, and cut backing (1/2 yard) and batting to fit the top. I stitched in the ditch with my machine, and then used my pretty teal gingham to bind the whole thing together. My finished measurement was 14″ x 44″. I had fun making this, and hope you do too!

This fun carry-all is one of Amy Butler’s brand new patterns, the Birdie Sling. Since the new Park Slope line just arrived with it’s very cute birdie fabric, I thought they would make the perfect pair. Michael did a great job stitching up this pretty purse. The shape of this bag is stylish and it gives you plenty of room for your totables. There’s good sized pockets and a nice strudy construction. My favorite details are the wide shoulder strap and the sweet pleats. This is a great all around bag that you will use everday. Just think of all fabrics you could combine to make it your own!

Amy Butler’s directions are clear and specific, which helps make for a more professional finish. Amy likes to use the right tools and interfacing to give your project polish. Since there are a few pieces to cut out and interface, I would recommend cutting and preparing the fabric on one afternoon and sewing it on another. This will allow you to come at the project fresh and ready to sew. You will be happier while sewing and your Birdie Sling will turn out beautifully. Have fun!

When I first got a sewing machine my boyfriend’s mom, an excellent quilter, seamstress, and knitter, gave me a subscription to Threads (thanks again, Shirley!). It clued me in to the basics and gave me something to aspire to. I remember thinking, “Oh, that’s how you would do that!”. Threads magazine has been around forever and has undergone a bit of change in the past few years. It has an updated look with projects and tips that help beginners as well as more advanced sewers. You can go as simple or complicated as you like.

The July issue has arrived and the tote bag on the cover has summer written all over it. We made it up in Olive Rose on the outside, Zazu for the lining and a little Amy Butler for the trim. It’s a great size for your summer essentials: phone, sunglasses, sunscreen, and your beach reading. Threads takes you through step by step, so this is a good project for a beginner looking to learn some new techinques. The most difficult part (and the most enjoyable!) is deciding which fabrics to use! Have fun!

It’s baby shower season, everyone! Are you ready? Consider making the newest arrival to your circle a handmade gift. Babies need lots of blankets and you can create this one in under two hours. I chose one yard each of 2 fabrics: Ginger Blossom for the front, which to me could be for a boy or girl, and Organic Fleece for the backing. Beware, this fleece is so soft you may find yourself wanting to keep this blanket for yourself!

After trimming down the fabrics to the same size, about 36″ x 42″, I used the Inside Out Rectangle Method to make the blankie. Then, I marked diagonal lines across the quilt about 4″ apart. Using a simple embroidery stitch on my machine, I followed the lines and quilted the peices together. Done! If your machine doesn’t have embroidery stitches, a straight stitch in a coordinating color thread will be just as pretty. Or, if you have more time, you can hand quilt or embroider the layers together.

New moms will love this gift and it’s quite likely to become baby’s favorite blankie!

It’s so nice to have bright, cheerful fabric be a part of daily life. We have been coming up with new projects that you can use everyday. Many of them get their start with a simple inside out rectangle! What is this, you ask? This is how we create the two sided piece of fabric that is the basis for so many home projects.

You are going to want to cut two pieces of fabric the same size (of course what size exactly depends on what you’re making!). Place them together with their cute little prints face to face. Seam all the way around the perimeter of your rectangle, but be sure to leave a small opening, at least 2″ wide. It’s like a little fabric pocket!

Now comes the magic part; reach inside the pocket and pull the inside out! Your rectangle will now have the wrong sides facing and be all stitched together. Make sure the corners are poked out- chopsticks and knitting needles work beautifully for this- and press. Make sure you press under the edges of the little opening too!

Now, topstitch all the way around the rectangle again and you have a nice flat two sided peice of fabric. We have used this to make placemats, cocktail napkins and even baby blankets! Now that you have the know-how, you can start making things pretty!