When our drawers are bulging with clothes, as they are at the moment, I turn my sewing attentions to homeware.
Caroline at CJ made sent me some Cath Kidston fabric in a giveaway and it was a little stiff for making clothes so I knocked up some place mats. I had my reasons. I knew the little pockets would encourage my girls to lay the table and I wanted to try out my new bias binding foot which came with my new sewing machine.
The plastic holder is adjustable depending on the width of the bias so it makes adding bias a breeze in one machine pass. Gone are the worries that I might have slipped off the edge on the blind side.
My new machine is working really well. Here is my little tip to share today. I use washi tape to stick the needle packet to the side of my machine so that I always know which type of needle is in the machine. I don't want to sew stretch with a jeans needle or quilt with a normal needle and I could never remember what I had last left in it. Now I just check on the side!
Happy crafting. Jo xxxx
We're kindred spirits :-) I also made place mats, but I can't show them on my blog because they are my mum's Christmas present. I used up little quilt blocks from my big quilt. I love your idea of cutlery pockets, very neat. I use blue tac to stick my need box on the machine. I am really envious of your binding foot. I am adding one to my Christmas wish list. xx
ReplyDeleteThat's a very nifty gadget. Place mats with pockets are a great idea especially if it encourages the kids to help with the table :P
ReplyDeleteGreat project! I am making placemats too, though haven't finished, so no pics..... I sure like the flatware pockets, nice little touch!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea and they look lovely. So pleased that your new sewing machine is living up to expectations and a good tip for the needles stuck onto the end of the machine.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. I am becoming kind of an ogre about table-setting. They both do it wrong, but differently wrong, almost every time they set the table. It's amazing. Ha. I love the pocket, that is very clever. I don't think I have a bias binding foot, but what a good idea. I will have to look in my little accessories pouch but I don't think there is one. I'm so glad you're enjoying your new machine, Jo. You will have so much fun with it.
ReplyDeleteThese are so lovely! The fabric is very nice and goes perfectly with the binding.
ReplyDeleteLove your placemats Jo...and a great tip for the needle storage too. Glad you are loving your new sewing machine. xox
ReplyDeleteLove the placemats, no wonder your girls are keen to set the table. And thanks for the tip, I am very much a sewing machine beginner and my machine has yet to take to me.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Brilliant placemats and great idea to store the needles.
ReplyDeleteI'd never heard of a bias binding foot. I doubt there is one to fit my oldish machine. But I would definitely use it ....perhaps I will investigate Ebay etc.
ReplyDeleteWhen I grow up I want to be a clever and brave seamstress like you, Jo! xx
ReplyDelete