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Christmas Centerpiece/Placemats

© Jeanne Walsh

"Christmas, Christmas time is here - - - " and time to get hopping if you want anything new to spruce up your table for the holidays. I have so much Christmas fabric stashed away that I surely will not need to buy any this year. You can tell by looking at my stash that I cannot resist the 50% off sales. So let's drag some of it out and think of ways to use it.

In "New Ways to Applique," the book reviewed in my September article, there are pages devoted to fussy cutting appropriate items from fabrics to fuse on placemats or centerpieces. In my stash I found a beautiful burgundy floral that would be perfect for fusing on the placemat in my article on simple placemats. I also found a fabric of Christmas mittens that could be cut out and fused on placemats. (For an item that will be laundered frequently, it is recommended that we zigzag around the applique after fusing.) What is on your shelves that you can use without having to purchase new materials?

Several years ago, I hate to confess how many - - - well, might as well tell you, - - - actually over ten years ago - - - I wanted to make placemats with the Dresden Plate pattern, and cut out all the pieces for 8 mats. Last summer, I ran across the box with those pieces. I did sew them together then but laid them aside AGAIN. I think it's time I finished them.

Look through your collection of patterns, quilt books and quilt magazines and find a Dresden Plate pattern. This pattern is also found on pattern web sites. Be sure you allow for the 1/4 inch seam when you cut the wedges. The time-consuming part of this is cutting the wedges.

Place a square of batting a bit bigger than the "plate" down first, then backing the same size as the batting right side UP on the batting, and finally the "plate" right side DOWN on the backing. (Note the center of the plate will be added in the next step.) Pin all three layers together securely. If you want lace on the outer edge, insert it now, bottom of lace to the outside edge of the sandwich between the pieced plate and the backing.

Stitch around the pieced "plate." Trim even with the "plate". Turn right side out from the center. Beginning on the outside edge, quilt down all seams.