Once I'd completed a couple of Kaffepause tablerunners, (one for the dining table and a smaller one for the coffee table - pattern by Bente Malm) it was time to get started on some matching placemats. I used fusible pellon for the wadding, which I ironed onto the backing fabric, then used 505 spray to fuse the pieced placemat top to the wadding. Finally I quilted them like the tablerunner, in a very simple way, "stitch-in-the-ditch"..... .....to make the applique leaves, two strips of fabric were sewn together, with the seam pressed open, then the applique design was traced onto the steam-a-seam lite. I cut the shapes out roughly about a quarter of an inch away from the traced outline, and placed it in position on the wrong side of the pieced fabric..... .....then with a hot iron fused the cut shapes into place. I normally use a teflon pressing sheet for this part, so the iron doesn't get covered in sticky stuff, but this photo was taken before the iron was switched on!!..... .....a steady hand is needed next! The applique shapes are carefully cut out along the traced outline - this gives you a nice clean crisp edge, which will not fray while you are working with it..... .....see? I like using these really sharp scissors by Clover - I've had this pair for about 6 years and they are still razor sharp..... .....then carefully peel off the backing from the steam-a-seam lite, taking care not to rip the applique leaves where the "veins" have been cut away..... .....the leaves can then be put onto the placemats, and when you're happy with the position, they can then be fused into place, again with a hot iron (making sure you use the teflon sheet!) and it's ready for the machine applique..... .....I tend to always use the same shade when using a brown thread (Mettler quilting thread shade 712) as my local quilt shop, Quilters Haven stocks this colour in larger 457m reels. The machine applique was a bit tricky around these smaller cut-outs..... .....and here is the finished set of placemats. I've really enjoyed making this pattern. Think I might have a rummage in my stash and see what other colours I could make this pattern in - Eva - do you think a green runner would look good??
2 Comments
Eva
12/1/2012 02:22:35 am
Hei , hei ! :)
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Nicola
12/1/2012 02:35:13 am
Hehehehe - no Eva - there are no green fabrics in my stash - I will have to go shopping!! Do you want to come along too? There are some very nice quilt shops here - Quilters Haven, Sew and So's.....
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