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Machine Quilted Bumble Bee Placemats

Just Buzzing Around

Finishing some "vintage" Phd's (Projects half done) is a quick way to make a bit of a dent in my self imposed goal to "Scrap the Stash" (well, ....., reduce it anyway).

Years ago, when we still spent part of each year in Montpellier, France, these 8 placemats had been cut out and prepped, ready to quilt. But as often happens, the project was interrupted and the materials were "filed" under "Later". Well, "later" finally came this summer and the placemats got done.
 


To applique the little bumble bees, I used "Appliquik", a light weight iron on fusible, and then machine satin stitched around the wings and body.


The backing fabric is the typical Provencal cotton found in most French markets. The quality isn't the best, but the colours and designs are a happy reminder of those sunny, warm days in "le grand sud".


All of the quilting is free motion. The swirly border is meant to represent the busy buzzing of the bees and the interior "honeycomb" was inspired by Cindy Seitz-Krug's book, "The Grid Design Workbook". The straight lines gave me the chance to practice with my new ruler presser foot.


As there are still many similar Phd's in the stash, there will never be a time where I will have to wonder "what's next?".

Comments

  1. MonicaSeptember 12, 2017 at 1:21 PM

    Well I hope you will inspire me to pull out some old projects too!

    These look great, and the quilting is just perfect.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Seams FrenchSeptember 12, 2017 at 3:30 PM

      Thanks. It was a fun project; not really quick, but fun, and it always feels good to clean up some unfinished projects.

      Delete
  2. AnonymousSeptember 13, 2017 at 4:03 AM

    What delightful sunny placemats! Your home machine quilting is MAGNIFICENT! Would love to see that stash of unfinished projects. Can't imagine what other treasures await!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Seams FrenchSeptember 13, 2017 at 1:42 PM

      Way too many!!!!, ... and believe me, they're not all treasures. But thanks for your vote of confidence anyway.

      Delete
  3. UnknownSeptember 3, 2020 at 8:48 AM

    These are SUPER cute! Are they available for sale?

    ReplyDelete

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