FreeSpirit presents Folk Tales by Jane Sassaman

PERSONALITY PLUS – JANE SASSAMAN'S FOLK TALES

Happy New Year! Are you ready to start things off with a bang? Need some ideas to help you keep your sewing and making resolutions for 2018? Look no further. We've got you covered.

Jane Sassaman's newest collection, Folk Tales, is shipping to stores this month. The fun factor in this collection is high and makes for easy drama no matter what project you choose. Jane is known for her personality prints and bold, beautiful color combinations and Folk Tales does not disappoint. You'll find bugs, chickens and lovely flowers—all of which combine to do the hard work for you.

These motifs practically beg to be made into kitchen projects. Everything from aprons to pot holders to place mats and table runners are excellent options. Because the best way to set yourself up for success with those sewing resolutions is to start easy with great fabric, today's tutorial will walk you through the necessary steps to make two place mats (18 1/2” x 14 1/2”).

To begin, cut the following pieces:

            (2) 10 1/2” x 14 1/2” rectangles from Kerchief

            (4) 3 1/2” x 14 1/2” strips of Blanket Stripe

            (4) 1 1/2” x 14 1/2” strips of solid black

            (4) 2” x Width of Fabric strips of Indispensable Dots (optional)

            (2) 18 1/2” x 14 1/2” rectangles of Bumblebee

            (2) 18 1/2” x 14 1/2” rectangles of fusible fleece

Sew one Blanket Stripe strip to one side of a Kerchief rectangle. Sew a second Blanket Stripe strip to the other side of Kerchief rectangle. Press seams.

Sew a solid black strip to each Blanket Stripe. Press seams.

Repeat for second place mat.

Following manufacturer's instructions, fuse one piece of fusible fleece to each pieced top.

Optional: If choosing to omit binding, sew the pieced top and the backing, right sides together, around the edges. Leave a gap of approximately 4” inches for turning on one side. Clip the corners. Turn right side out and press. Slip stitch the opening closed. Edgestitch around all sides of the place mat. Quilt as desired.

Place pieced top and backing wrong sides together. Baste as necessary. Quilt as desired. Trim edges if necessary.

Sew 2” strips of Indispensable Dots together end to end. Press in half along length, wrong sides together. Pin to front side of place mat and sew. Press to back and hand stitch in place.

To add dramatic flair to your table setting, use the Kerchief yardage to make a table cloth. Or enlarge a quilt block to make a table topper as seen in this inspiration only image.

These easy mats make great gifts and are just the thing to keep on hand for last minute gifting. If you're short on time, skip the piecing and use a single 14 1/2” x 18 1/2” rectangle of different prints for a varied table setting. Easy peasy!

Choose a colorway, grab some yardage, and start enjoying a pop of color in the new year!