Apple and Pear Placemats and Napkins

These were made as an anniversary present for my sister and her husband (this was there 2nd wedding anniversary).  I did not know that before I started planning and making these that the traditional second anniversary gift is cotton, which makes this a perfect gift for them.  This was also my first experience with appliqueing and the 4 patch block on point.  This project was also my own design from start to finish.

Apple Placemat

Pear Placement

The Placemats:
These placemats were made with a four-point block that was on point.  Since these blocks were quite difficult to get perfect I just added a rectangle block to the other side of the placemat.  The center of each placemat features an apple or pear with a inside showing.  Each placemat was made like a little quilt complete with cotton batting and all to give it a padded and crinkled look.

Apple napkin

Pear Napkin

The Napkins:
Each napkin features a four-patch block with a top and  bottom border on each block.  All of the seams were topstitched to added reinforcement.  In the corner of each napkin is an apple or pear applique.  The back of each napkin is the same fabric as the apple or pear respectively. 

Chenille-Looking Clutch

Here is my latest sewing project, a shaggy chenille-looking clutch.  I got the idea for the clutch from Fabric-by-Fabric One-Yard Wonders: 101 Sewing Projects Using Cottons, Knits, Voiles, Corduroy, Fleece, Flannel, Home Dec, Oilcloth, Wool, and Beyond.  The clutch is made from flannel that is cut to have the shaggy look of chenille.  I changed the original design so that this clutch could have a zipper and a cotton lining.   

The inside of the clutch and zipper closure.

Adventures in Quilting–Scrappy Quilted Sewing Machine Cover

Cover from the front

This is my first finished quilting project after getting back into quilting after a long hiatus (the last project I made was a wall quilt that was a wedding present for a friend that got married in November 2005).  My current quilting journey began when I started to improve my sewing skills.  One of the best tools that really improved my sewing and quilting skills was when I purchased my rotary cutter.  Have straight lines when piecing and sewing makes a HUGE difference in the accuracy of sewing and quilting. 

Since I have been sewing a lot more I really needed a cover for my sewing machine and what better way to practice quilting techniques then on a small project like this.  The idea for the main blocks I got from Jelly Roll Quilts by Pam & Nicky Lintott.  The main shape for the I got from Fresh Quilting: Fearless Color, Design, and Inspiration by Malka Dubrawsky.  The entire cover was made from scraps and left over fabric from other projects (thus the name “scrappy” sewing machine cover).  I learned a lot about quilt making and what tools I needed while making this.  First I learned the necessity for having a ruler that does not slide (mine was sliding all over the place on me until I got grippers to put on the bottom of this).  It is really important that your cuts be accurate or your seams will not line up.  Also I learned the need for an accurate 1/4 inch seam.  I found a 1/4 inch foot and Jo-Ann for $5, which was a big help in achieving this.  Sine my blocks were not perfectly lined up I decided to machine quilt this with wonky and not perfect lines, which helped obscure my the less than perfect piecing.  Overall I really love how this came out.

Back of the cover

Daily Verse–June 20, 2012

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

Daily Verse–June 13, 2012

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" John 14:6 (NIV)

Daily Verse - June 13, 2012

"But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body." 1 Corinthians 12:18:20 (NIV)

Insights from Daily Bible Study–May 28, 2012

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  Matthew 19:26 (NIV)