Sunday 10 November 2013

The Panic Is Kicking In

With the help of all those kind people on Instagram posting the number of days left until Christmas on a regular basis I have been gripped by the annual 'I've got to post things to Canada and I've not made anything yet' panic. So the making had begun. From now until whenever I need to focus on that, not me, as much as I possibly can.

I started with my brother - who doesn't read this blog - and it was easy to decide what to make for him. Because he asked for placemats. He told me his new dining room was dark green and the table a dark wood. I could have gone with this colour scheme (yeah, right) but felt that maybe the room could use a little lightening and brightening.

I dug around in my stash and emerged some time later, short of breath but happy, because I had come across some hand screened prints done by Ceri for her Brit Bee blocks in round two. I thought they provided just the whimsy and inspiration I required. I added some strips of bright solids and Kona snow, and some Stof white linen, and I got piecing.


One thing for sure, these will certainly stand out on a dark wood table. I managed to finish the piecing today, baste and quilt them in a circular pattern starting in the upper righthand corner. I rather hoped the quilting would bring to mind the heat of the sun coming down on a summers day, or ripples in water. Now, all these placemats require is binding.


And I am one step closer to completing my first Christmas present. There may be hope for me yet.

Susan

32 comments:

  1. These are fantastic, they will look so great in the room you describe, what a wonderful present.

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  2. These are gorgeous! A dark green dining room sure needs some brightening up- and these will certainly do the trick!

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  3. are you already counting? I am impressed. The present is lovely so hurry up that it arrives in time ... only one month and 14 days left

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  4. Your lucky brother! The placemats are gorgeous.

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  5. I cant even think about Christmas this year yet ...and Im not doing handmade either ...Im being kind to myself for 2013 because work is insane and I just know having to fit in anything else like making Christmas gifts will just tip me over the edge.

    Your placemats are fabulous. I love those colours and good on you for making a start (and almost a finish ) on your first gift.

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  6. Hi! These are fantastic! I love the way you used those hand prints and bright solids match so well. I'm also only in the beginning and have to send my presents so there is not much time. Have a great week! x Teje

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  7. Gorgeous, and you're one step closer to getting your presents done, hooray! :o)

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  8. Absolutely beautiful ....amazing job. Love them and love those prints!!! Marie (mlismore@optusnet.com.au)

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  9. Absolutely beautiful ....amazing job. Love them and love those prints!!! Marie (mlismore@optusnet.com.au)

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  10. Amazing, beautiful and the perfect gift! Love the way you have used the solids. Great job missus! Jxo

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  11. Lovely. What kind of batting did you use?

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  12. Those are great! How lucky that you happened to have that great fabric!

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  13. Your design ideas are awesome.
    Just love those colour combos for the mats.

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  14. Nicely done! Just keep ticking away, and the list will be done before you know it!

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  15. Oh Susan they are fabulous! I love those screen prints and you have set them off perfectly with the colourful borders! The quilting is fab too. I am sure he will love them! Keep up the good work :-))

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  16. These are so fresh and fun and beautiful. Great pressie!

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  17. What is it about men and dark furniture?! These are sure to go far in lightening and brightening :)

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  18. these are so fantastic and they will certainly brighten any table

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  19. They are absolutely gorgeous! Beautiful color and a great print from Ceri. Love the quilting too. Stars all around :)

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  20. Those are great! Way to jump start your Christmas sewing and posting.

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  21. They're fab! Great work, keep going ;-)

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  22. They're gorgeous. Lucky brother! I don't make anything for Christmas presents. I find people don't appreciate the time or cost so I may as well get them something they ask for.

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