Bring a modern touch to your table

I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating – the place where you enjoy and share your meals is such a wonderful space in your home. When you add an accent that has come from your very own creative inspiration it brings an even more magical touch to your table. And for the people you share that space with, a hand-crafted touch says “you are welcome here!” These hand quilted place mats are sewn from scraps, and for my example we used scraps from my newest collection CHILL. We all have that box of bits of left over fabrics just begging to be put to good use with just the right project, and this is definitely one of them!

Part of the fun is choosing your fabrics, and in this case it could be from a collection, from various styles, solids, prints… Whatever appeals to you. You’ll simply cut little rectangles, squares or strips and them piece them together on a surface. The size should be about 12 inches by 16 inches, and with a little bit of backing and batting you’ll then make a ‘sandwich’ of your placemat. The next step is to use a thicker kind of thread that is meant for hand quilting – I used Aurifil 12wt cotton white for this purpose. With some rough stitches you can give your placemats a unique home made look that will be so charming for your table.

These placemats were sewn by Gaby Beck, see her on Instagram @gabi.eulner

And now on to this week’s Block for our year-long sew-along… Ready?

FREE QUILT ALONG BLOCKHEADS 2020
BLOCK #29
RING AROUND

We’re into the second half of Moda Blockheads 2020, and it’s been such a great time so far! One of the best parts of this adventure is getting to see all the creative interpretations of the blocks that have been shared, the projects that are coming together, and the new friendships and connections that are made along the way. If you haven’t yet, be sure to visit our our thriving Facebook community – it’s where we get to see what everyone is working on and encourage one another. Be sure to share your blocks and projects with us, and you can also share them on Instagram using the hashtags #modablockheads and #modablockheads3.

If you’re just finding out about Moda Blockheads, each week we share a free block pattern designed by a Moda designer. You can create your own unique sampler quilt or come up with any number of projects using these wonderfully creative designs.

If you’d like to join in the fun be sure to check out this post to find out what fabrics you’ll need to get started creating your own unique sampler quilt. You can also go back through the last few months here on the Zen Chic blog to see all the blocks that have been shared so far, or even check out Blockheads 2, our last round of Moda Blockheads.

This week we get to see a block from long-time and well known Moda designer Corey Yoder. Corey has a very upbeat-colored, light-hearted floral fabric style that I really enjoy. Do take some time to check out her designs on her website, and have some fun with this block – Ring Around. I’m looking forward to seeing all the wonderful interpretations of this design!

Don't miss the other blockheads involved in this project:

Betsy Chutchian
Corey Yoder of Coriander Quilt
Janet Clare
Jan Patek
Jen Kingwell
Joanna Figueroa of Fig Tree
Jo Morton
Laurie Simpson
Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings
Lissa Alexander of Moda
Lynne Hagmeier of Kansas Troubles
Me & My Sister Designs
Robin Pickens
Sherri McConnell of A Quilting Life
Stacy Iest Hsu
Vanessa Goertzen of Lella Boutique
Carrie Nelson

Stay tuned… Each week I’ll reveal more of my layout with the next block!

Would you go with one collection or a variety of fabric styles for these placemats? Share with us in the comments below!