This week I made a table mat, and thought I would share the process in case some one wanted to make something similar.
This has pieced Log Cabin blocks and simple appliqué.
It is about 14"x25" - the centre is 10"x15" using six 5" blocks.
The 5" Log Cabins are made up of 1" strips and are a great way to use up small pieces of fabric (I got out my bowl of leftover pieces of fabric).
To make things easier for myself I place masking tape labels on the the cutting table to make sure I cut out all the pieces I need.
Log cabin blocks are my favourite to make (I love the cutting, the piecing, the different ways they can be laid out....).
I am slowly learning that they look best with a strong contrast in light and dark, also with a good mix of print sizes (scale of the print), with some odd 'zingers' of fabric thrown in for fun (someone wise once told me that if I didn't like a fabric it was because I hadn't cut it into small enough pieces - this is the perfect time to use odd fabric).
These blocks have 1/2" finished 'Logs' with 1" finished centres. Cut the strips parallel to the selvage (if you are using scraps you can snap the piece and it should make a slight 'ping' noise and have little/no stretch). Some people like to make Log Cabins without pre-cutting all the pieces, but I find it easier to have them all pre-cut.
For each 5" Log Cabin Block Cut -
1+1/2 square for the centre (all mine are the same fabric).
The logs are made with 1" cut strips, cut to the following lengths -
1+1/2" light only, for the following both light and dark are needed - 2" , 2+1/2", 3",
3+1/2", 4", 4+1/2", 5", and from the dark only 5+1/2".
Cut out 6 of each size for the 6 blocks.
If you wanted to have the centres cut to 1" like the Logs, then decrease all the strip lengths by 1/2" and the finished block will measure 4+1/2".
I like this Creative Grids ruler for cutting out the Logs.
The pieces will be chain pieced in this order.
Chain piecing in progress.
When I was cutting out the fabric I tried to only use the same fabric just once or twice, because there were only 6 blocks I laid out the strips I was going to use before sewing to make sure one block didn't use the same fabric twice.
Once all the blocks were finished I sewed them together in a Fields and Furrows layout - there are other options for layouts, especially if you have more blocks.
I wanted a long and narrow table mat for my coffee table so added uneven borders -
2+1/2' and 5+1/2" borders for mine,
It would be great with even borders too.
For the appliqué I used my favourite invisible machine appliqué technique - link to my tutorial.
I opted for simple circle appliqué pieces (this is a handy circle template from an office supply store), traced straight on to some freezer paper. I used 2+1/4", 2" and 1+1/4" circles with a couple smaller ones for the flower centres.
For the leaves I used a circle (1+3/4") with a V added to shape it into a leaf.
All the leaves were the same size, so I only drew out one, stapled it to a few layers of freezer paper and cut them all out together -
This worked the same for the circles.
To make things easier when pressing the fabric to the freezer paper I basted around the shapes with a small running stitch to gather the seam allowance evenly to the shape.
The appliqué pieces all ready for stitching.
I chose a simple layout in the large side border.
Stitched down the first layer,
cut the backing and removed the paper,
before adding the next layer of pieces.
For the appliqué stitching I used Invisafil by Wonderfil thread - a 100wt thread that blends beautifully,
and really becomes invisible.
I have made quite a few quilted items with this appliqué technique, and am amazed how well it stands up to lots of use and washing - the fabric has shown signs of wear with no change to the appliqué stitching.
I used Aurifil 50wt thread top and bobbin for the free motion quilting. Parallel lines in the dark sections of the blocks, and feathers in the light sections of the blocks. A chose a wavy 'parallel' line for the borders. Embellished the leaves with 'veins' and stitched spirals in the flowers. Since this is a table mat I like a lot of stitching to make sure that is flat so mugs and glasses aren't tippy on it. I used 2 layers of batting (this time one silk and one cotton, just because I had the right size leftover pieces).
More Log Cabins on the couch, well one is a Courthouse Steps, but close enough.
If you decide to make something similar please send me a picture so I can share it here.
This is my Mother's version - no appliqué and simple walking foot quilting.
This is my Mother's version - no appliqué and simple walking foot quilting.
Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!♥