My very dear twin niece and nephew have turned 3.
I probably should have made something for their mother as well!
Aren't these just the cutest placemats?!
I'm really pleased with how they've turned out.I got the idea from Meg McElwee's fab book Growing Up Sew Liberated: Making Handmade Clothes and Projects for Your Creative Child.
Do take a look! It's full to overflowing with lovely projects for kids.
There's a template tucked into the back and clear instructions. I diligently followed the pattern, without changing it too much, except I turned the spoon into a rounded knife.
Both the placemats are backed with fresh green gingham and trimmed with bright red binding.
Well, what a faff to sew the binding on!
The instructions looked easy enough, lay it over the edge, sew.
But, I unpicked and unpicked and unpicked.
I just wanted it the same on both sides, with straight, even seams!!! Why is this so hard????
Help?! Is it just me?
I NEED all your tips for sewing on bias binding - please?!
There's a template tucked into the back and clear instructions. I diligently followed the pattern, without changing it too much, except I turned the spoon into a rounded knife.
Both the placemats are backed with fresh green gingham and trimmed with bright red binding.
Well, what a faff to sew the binding on!
The instructions looked easy enough, lay it over the edge, sew.
But, I unpicked and unpicked and unpicked.
I just wanted it the same on both sides, with straight, even seams!!! Why is this so hard????
Help?! Is it just me?
I NEED all your tips for sewing on bias binding - please?!
These are so pretty! What a great idea.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could give you lots of tips about how to sew on bias binding, but counted cross-stitch is about my level! Your blog is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThanks guys!
ReplyDeleteNo tips about the sewing sorry - I'm a sewing plonker! But those placemats are awesome! Cool idea. Thanks for the award by the way - must get around to playing it forward! x have a lovely day!
ReplyDeletegreat mats! I have one tiny tip, I never buy bias tape, I cut my own on the bias (2.5 inches wide and use double), here is a great tutorial: http://ayumills.blogspot.com/2010/05/quilted-placemats-tutorial.html
ReplyDeleteoff to check it out! Thanks!!!
DeleteAdorable placemats! I love the new look of the blog too, by the way! Well done!
ReplyDeletecute, love this!
ReplyDeleteToo cute! I love the patterns you used.
ReplyDeleteThey are going to look great on my table, I just know the big two will want some too, so sewing I am going to have to be. looking forward to the post man coming. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteOh those are too precious!!
ReplyDeleteI learned to sew bias binding via a Japanese youtube tutorial, interestingly enough. The tutorial maker shows step by step how to go about putting it on and sewing it correctly. And I believe now on youtube, you can translate the subtitles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JT0zE_61Seo
Hope it helps!
Thanks Carla - I'm off to have a look : )
DeleteWhat a delightful idea and so practical :) One of the first things we made in primary school was a child's apron, rather like the ones lycee pupils wear, complete with french seams and bias binding around all the raw seams, back stitched into place and then slip stitched on the other side!
ReplyDeleteAs to bias binding, it is like most things in sewing, the more you do it the better you get but I must confess over 40 years since I first used it, I still have to unpick it on occasion!
These are insanely adorable! Also, a great way to teach kidlets how to set a table...
ReplyDeleteFound you on Mum of All Trades - would love to have you come by for a visit!
I love the look, would never manage them myself but think yours look fab! No help with the binding I'm afraid!
ReplyDeleteThey look fab! I think bias binding perfection is all in the ironing and pinning! I'm not a perfectionist though.
ReplyDelete(Found you via Mum of All Trades.)
Thanks so much for linking up to my blog party. These look so fun!
ReplyDeleteI iron my binding in half before I pin it on - then you know where the centre is and it comes out even!
ReplyDeleteLooks so cute! I've had that book for ages, and have been meaning to make these...must do it now! Yours are great!
ReplyDeleteIt's a great book isn't it! There's so much in it that I want to try....
DeleteI would have NO chance at creating that! I am in awe of your talent!
ReplyDeleteLoving the blog. I would love a "Like on FB " button that looks like yours. Where did you find it?! Please.... :-)
Thanks Yummy Mummy - if you click on the link at the bottom of the box it takes you to Facebook developers and you can set one up too! There is a bit more info about how to do it on the Mumsnet bloggers - facebook pages thread... : )
Delete