DIY Tablemats

I've decided to create *new* tablemats. I want them bright and cheerful to let my guests feel welcome at my table. Since I'm in a new city, more certainly I will invite *new* friends; so why not write messages to break the ice and start a conversation?

With the help of my thermofax machine and a computer program, I designed three screens: one with lettering and the other two with wild flowers. I started printing the lettering for the background with pale colors...

and noticed that I could hardly read them, especially after a glass of wine! Mmm that has to be corrected so...

 

I decided to use darker colors. I had to be very careful in making them dark enough so I could read the words but make them light enough so they would not compete with the intensity of the color of the flowers.

Once finished with the printing, I ironed each panel to fusible fleece (Pellon 987F) and backing fabric.

Now it was time for *the toppings* (that's what I called the decorative stitching layer). You know how much I like texture, especially texture with thick threads, it is my favorite part but because these tablemats should lay flat, really flat, I chose thin 50w White Aurifil thread

and started sewing around the flowers. Once I was done, I decided to finish the edges with a zigzag stitch. I loaded my Janome machine with 40w thread, chose -stitch 10-, installed the -foot C- and sew around.

TIP: It's a good idea to round the corners to improve handling of the tablemats during sewing. That way you end up with smoother corners.

I am happy with the results and ready to invite *new friends* to my table and celebrate!