Nickilee got me started on Asian fabrics during the FQ exchange - and I have been collecting ever since. Now is the time to stop collecting and start doing!
I would like to make placemats since our dining room has an Asian theme since my DH worked in the Far East. At first I thought maybe Bento Boxes would work, but they are too tall and not wide enough for placemats. Does anyone have an idea that would show off these gorgeous FQs in placemats? TIA.
Could you make a rectangle log cabin type block? Instead of starting with a 1" square center block, maybe start with a 1"x3" rectangle. I'd do a practice one first to see what size that center block needs to start at.
I see no reason not to use the Bento block myself. Most placemats are 12-13" x 17-18", the Bento pattern most of us have is 12" finished. Keep that size and add to the width to make it large enough, or reduce the block and add to it to make it large enough for a placemat.
Here are some examples of what you can do with that block.
I opted to replace the center 4 patch with a solid piece of fabric, you can just as easily use the 4 patch.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: paus4quilts,
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle." --anon
Most oriental fabrics are so gorgeous I wouldn't want to cut them up. I'd take a square and add a simple rectangle on the side to lay the silverware. Very simple and I'd use different fabrics for each one.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: EVELYNB,
I don't think I would cut them up either. I would do as Evelyn suggested above and put a solid color down one side. You could do the binding in the same solid color.
I saw some placemats where someone had sewn on a pocket where you could add a napkin or insert the silverware! Really liked that idea, esp. putting a napkin in the pocket.
Posts: 10397 | Location: Georgia | Registered: Jan 24, 2003
I love the lantern idea, except i would flip the pattern end for end. That way you could lay the silverware on the tall thin lantern, put the plate on the short fat lantern, and the glass or cup and saucer ont the small lantern. Just a thought.
Tami
Proud Mom of a Sailor
Posts: 1403 | Location: midwest | Registered: Jan 16, 2003
Never thought about using the Asians in placemats. I guess its the thought of them getting dirty with every use and requiring a lot of washings.
There are many patterns available for the Kimono made with the Asians. This would be a good block to work into a placemat. Simple to complex ones are on the net. Here are a few websites to look at. Many of these sell the patterns, but most are so simple you wouldn't really need a pattern.
Wow! So many great ideas. I can't thank you all enough for giving me so many things to think about. I think I will scan my material in the copier and then play with the different ideas in paper before I start cutting. Thanks again.
