The Craft Corner

It's officially December and I have been in full swing crafting mode for a few weeks now. In order to get everything done in time for Christmas, I decided to temporarily convert my (tiny) dining table into "Craft Central" and to be honest, I don't think I'll change it back! I feel so organized and love that all my sewing notions have their own spot. Plus, have a dedicated craft corner has really inspired to be to get some projects done.

One of the first projects I completed was a quilted playmat for my cousin's adorable new baby, Mia. I had some really bright and fun Amy Butler fabric (http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/) left over from previous projects that was perfect for creating the simple patchwork centre of the mat. I chose two complimentary patterns and cut out fifteen separate 5" squares (7 of one pattern, and 7 of the other). I sewed them together in 3 rows of five, alternating the squares to form a checkerboard pattern. After sewing the three rows together to form the centre I attached a 5" border all the way around and a matching plain cotton back in solid yellow. I used organic cotton batting and followed the quilting instructions for this simple yet adorable blanket featured on The Purl Bee's site: http://www.purlbee.com/cheerfil-quilted-playmat

This was my first attempt at patchwork, and I made it up as I went along so I apologize that I don't have specific directions to post. However, I was pretty pleased with the way it turned out, so should anyone want the directions for my version of the playmat please let me know as I will be creating them for my own records as well. Here is the playmat finished:

The countdown is on to complete all my holiday projects, stay tuned for the finished works!! Sixteen days left before I board a plane and head home to Ontario, hopefully with all my Chirstmas presents completed and wrapped!