Back to School

School opened on Tuesday, so it has been a hectic week.  No matter how crazy it gets, the children make me smile everyday.
Tuesday night I attended a seminar given by Joy Henning at the Worcester Public Library. She gave an overview of several on-line genealogy databases. Joy is always engaging, and I always learn something new.

My friend Jane, who is an incredible crocheter, is always challenging me with new projects. The latest project she asked me to make is a placemat that has four different fabrics, so you can have four different looks.  She would like 3 sets, with a different fabric for each month.

I analyzed the construction, and figured out how it is made. Please do not judge me based on the fabric selection. These are not ugly fabrics, they are just remnants I use to work out a pattern.

Four Sided Placemat, Mug Rug or Coaster

Start with four fabrics. The sample shown is cut at 9 1/2 by 7.

Have fun experimenting with other shapes and sizes.

Place the first two fabrics (green and pink) right sides together. 

Fold the pink fabric in half to mark the center.

 Pin the pink and green fabrics together on the left side only.

Fold the pink fabric out of the way.

 

Fold the blue floral fabric in half to mark the center.

 Pin the blue and green fabrics together on the right side only.

 

Start stitching as close to the fold as possible and back stitch. Sew the pink and green side first. Hold the remaining layers out of your way. When you get to the fold, again stitch as close as you can and back stitch. Move to the blue and green fabric. Hold the pink and green section out of your way. Start close to the fold, backstitch and continue to the next fold and backstitch.

Now place the final (hot pink) fabric right side down.

Here's the tricky part. You are only pinning the top two layers.

First I put a pin 1" from either side of the center so I don't sew here. 

This will be the opening left for turning.

Pin the hot pink to the unsewn blue floral fabric on the left, and the unsewn pink on the right.

Again, start stitching as close to the fold as possible and back stitch. Sew the hot pink and blue side first. Hold the remaining layers out of your way. When you get to the pin that marks your opening, backstitch.
Repeat for the hot pink and pink fabric. WHEW! You made it!!!!

Turn right sides out. Be patient. Turn out the corners and press well. 

I use a small piece of fusible to close the opening.

I did not use interfacing or batting, but would love to hear what worked for you. Now, just choose which color you want today.  The remaining layers will give you cushioning underneath.

 Thanks Jane for the challenge. I can't wait to see what you bring me next!

Preparing for Craft Fair Season

It has been a busy week. I went camping at Strawberry Park in Connecticut for a few days.  It was nice to sit back, relax and catch up with a friend. While I don't love tent camping, I am proud that were able to set up the tents and screen house without help. The weather was beautiful. My son and his girlfriend stopped by for dinner one evening.

 

I attended a co-worker's wedding on Saturday. Congratulations Ari and Tim.

I have been working on finishing items for the upcoming Craft Fair season. I was able to borrow a sewing machine and finish a winter table runner. I am not happy with the picture. The background is blue swirls and the snowflakes are white.

I finished several mug rugs. I have three craft fairs booked for the fall. If you hear of any in Central Massachusetts, please let me know.

One more week of summer vacation, then back to work.