Sunday, September 29, 2013

I can still thread a needle

We went shopping today for new kitchen placemats. Every store has seasonal homegoods, and that was not what I was looking for. I like simple and neutral. Autum leaves and pumpkins just wouldn't suffice. After going to seven stores, I went to Sears. What has the world come to? The sales clerk told me they no longer carry placemats.

So, I bought some white ones at the thrift store and sewed a decorative fabric border on each. They look really cute and I am satisfied with the results. Sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands and be creative.

Many years ago I decided to make a quilt. I precut squares in four different fabrics: navy blue, blue small print, white and sky blue. Having had no experience, I laid out the pieces on the bed in the pattern I liked and began sewing blocks together and then rows. It took hours, but it did look pretty. Then I discovered my major mistake. I had used cotton material on all of the squares except the sky blue ones. They were polyester. They stretched and would not hold their shape. It was a learning experience.



 

10 comments:

Sioux Roslawski said...

Linda--I used to quilt a lot, and made many mistakes during that phase. You are right--we learn a lot from our mistakes.

Val said...

I think the last time I sewed was when I made horse blankets out of scrap fabric for my Johnny West steeds. My horsies were stylin', by cracky!

River said...

We still have placemats available here in Australia, the high priced department stores have really nice ones, some fabric, some soft quilted vinyl for easy wiping down, some in sturdier vinyl with non slip backing for children and babies, although there are neutral designs for adults too. The not so expensive stores mostly have the quilted vinyl and sturdy vinyl ones. Housewares stores have all of the above and a selection of corkboard ones with printed designs laminated on to the front, they often have drink coasters that match these. We don't often see seasonal placemats except at Christmas and there are children's ones at Easter.
You learned a valuable lesson with your first quilt.

Southhamsdarling said...

I must admit that we always have a wonderful selection of place mats over here, in every homeware store. Strange you found it so difficult to get ones you liked. Yes indeed, we certainly do learn from our mistakes!

Susan said...

Hi Linda...
You could've checked placemats on eBay! I'm sure they'd have a huge variety. But your solution worked well, so good for you!

Thanks so much for all your visits and comments. Love them! Susan

Joanne Noragon said...

I hate shopping that involves walking. I frequent Amazon, and all the rest of the internet.

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

Being creative does have its upsides, that's for sure. And I'm having to do more and more of that, too. So many things, like placemats, are tough to find.

Connie said...

I bet the placemats you made are prettier and will hold up longer than the ones in the store too. Sometimes handmade is the best!

Pat Wahler said...

For some reason I thought you were going to say that you accidentally sewed the quilt pieces to the bedspread!

Pat
Critter Alley

Kathy's Klothesline said...

I think I might just make some placemats and a table runner as one of the fabulous prizes for our annual chili/soup/dessert cook-off. I need a few more things to add to the prize stash. Just think, if not for reading this post .........