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Tuesday, 28 January 2014

Half square place mats

Disappearing away down south for respite from the heat and to enjoy the glorious coastline is all very wonderful, but it doesn't get much quilting done. Having had a few delightful days away I hope to get back to doing some patchwork and quilting this week.
Last week I did manage to complete, prior to going away, some place mats for the friend who lives in Albany. Blue and white are her favourite colours and the colour scheme of her home so I knew as soon as I saw the blue and white fabric it would be for her.
I did some free-motion quilting of feathers in the white sections, along with some simple large stippling on the outside borders. Machine binding also helps to bring the process to a swift conclusion, though had I more time, there is something very relaxing and pleasurable about completing the binding by hand.
Small projects are satisfying for their prompt completion, but also whet the appetite for larger ones. These place mats use half square triangles and it is such a versatile and useful shape. I had earlier made this lap quilt for another friend on her 80th birthday.
Thanks to Nicole (Sisters Choice Blog) for displaying such variety that different arrangement of these shapes can create - it was great inspiration for the place mats.
Now to get back to adding some borders and doing some sandwiching on my next current 'flimsy'!

Until next time,
Lynn

11 comments:

  1. I am certain your friend will appreciate and treasure your beautiful gift of the place mats. Love the colour combinations used in that pretty lap quilt. Yes, those half square triangles can create all kinds of interesting designs!

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  2. Thanks Lorna, she did like them - as evidenced by the big smile on her face and the hug.

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  3. These smalls are too lovely to eat off of!

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    1. HI Jessica, they are easy to wash though. Being a grammar nut, I appreciate your correct use of off/of - often rare!

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  4. Visiting from Sew Fresh - I love the placemats - there is just something about blue and white. I will have a good look at your half square triangles as I am planning a similar project as a wedding gift for one of my daughter's friends. Envying you the heat - pouring with rain in the UK just now!

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    1. Hi Judy, half square triangles are great (check out Sisters Choice to see the variety of arrangements). As a 'born in the UK' person there are times when the heat is overwhelming (above 34degrees Celcius) but thankfully that's not too many days in a row.

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  5. Nice place-mats. I like how they are coordinated, but not identical.

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    1. Thanks Rachel, might try to add a couple more and see how else I can vary the 3 colours.

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  6. I am jealous when others are enjoying heat (or not really enjoying it just experiencing it) :) Here in the middle U.S. it is freezing and I find I am jumping to many projects just to keep warm. Love the placemats.

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  7. I love the fresh, crisp blue and white combo!

    Thanks so much for linking up with Needle and Thread Thursday!

    :) Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation

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  8. Blue and white is always an eye catching colour combination. Both the place mats and the lap quilt look great. I haven't been to WA since I was 8 years old, when we had a family holiday to Perth and then down to Albany. Glad the tutorial for adding a grab button helped.

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