One 1001 Peeps Placemat : :

I just received this lovely bundle of 1001 Peeps from The Intrepid Thread, and aren't they sweet!? I love the peachy pink, coral colors with the grey and purple tones that make up these fabrics. I thought that they might be perfect for my daughter's birthday party this year.



So I pulled from my stash some coordinating solids and thread to begin work, when as usual Lily wasn't having any of it. See here from last week. Lately she has to get in the shot by either laying next to or in this case, standing in front of whatever I'm pointing my camera lens at. She really is becoming quite the ham!



Oh and then I had quite a time with this little placemat project. It looks simple enough I'm sure, but it was the worst sewing experience I have had to date! I began by cutting and planning the piecing for six of these placemats at once. The pieces kept getting stepped on by my children, laid upon by Lily, and therefor wrinkled...and therefor more ironing. I decided at a point to just complete one and call it a night. Which turned into seam-ripping in the morning. Then cutting away ric rac that was running a-muck around the perimeter of this first one. It was a mess! And so not meant to be for this lady who sews because it d-stresses me.



The quilting went smoothly. The pocket turned out nice. I added Haila's name. And I think this one finished placemat will be a special thing for her to have out at lunchtime, now that it's just us these afternoons with her brothers at school.



She said she likes it and that's good enough for me! This time, I'm going to just quit while I'm ahead! Actually, now that I have all these other pieces cut, I think I'm going to quilt while I'm ahead. hehe



Today Haila, my Mom, and I are headed out the door, a few hours away, for a little girl's day shopping trip and a Dr's check-up for my little girl. Say a little prayer for her. k.  ~ Maureen

p.s. There's a new fabric giveaway (here's a peek) happening here tomorrow, so please do stop back!

Fabric Pompom Tutorial : :

First, let's have a look at my new Anthropologie placemats shall we?! Perfectly named after Quilting Circles, each has lovely runs of embroidery floss that resemble hand-quilted stitches, applique details, and these fun fabric pompoms dangling from the edges and corners -- which is what this post is all about! 





Do you like them? I love them so much I decided that my Fabric Lover's Apron needed an upgrade! If you'd like to try out this entire project for yourself you can find my apron tutorial here, or you can add this detail to any pillows, pillowcases, blankets, quilts, placemats, napkins, tablecloths/runners, clothing, you name it!



What you'll need : :

• Scrap fabric pieces measuring at least 2"x 2" each
• Purchased Pompoms
• Pearl Cotton or DMC embroidery floss
• Sharp scissors and an embroidery needle 
• Note * Click on any of my images for a larger picture

Making the Fabric Pompoms : :

1. Place the pompom in the center of the fabric scrap 2. Fold the edges of the fabric up around the pompom 3. Wrap the floss around the fabric right above the pompom 4. Knot thread ends together well, trim, and trim the fabric ends even




Continue making your Fabric Pompoms until you have the amount you need.



Fabric Pompoms Details : : 

I'm adding mine to my Fabric Lover's Apron, any item will use these same instructions.

1. Layout your design 2. Place the Fabric Pompom onto the item 3. Using a needle threaded with floss and knotted at one end, insert the needle at one side of the pompom pulling up through the back of the fabric item 4. Pull thread all the way through until it catches the knot 5. Insert the needle on the other side of the pompom, pulling back though the fabric so the floss is holding the pompom tightly in place 6. Knot well, close to the fabric, and trim away excess floss



Continue until all of your Fabric Pompoms are attached.



Voila! You're finished! 
 


Variation ideas : : You can reverse how you attach them so only the Fabric Pompom ball is showing for a less funky look. You can add them to a pillow this way or attach these just as you would purchased pompom fringe. Here is an example of that on a pillow of mine from Pier1.



I hope you enjoy this tutorial!!! This Fabric Pompom detail is something I'll certainly be adding to the edges of many of my own handmades!