merrily we sew along: improv placemats

for the first episode of merrily we sew along, we have a quick and easy improv project: border-stitched linen placemats. (note: you can find this project on page 110 of improv sewing.)

for my placemats, i used Robert Kaufman yarn-dyed essex linen in black. (yes, i use this fabric in every project. and yes, it's that fabulous. i swear.)

i used different thread colors for my top and bobbin threads so that the accent stitching could be different on each side. one side has turquoise and khaki, the other orange and yellow. tip: because i was only stitching though one layer of fabric, i did have to adjust my tension a bit, so i would advise checking your tension before starting the stitching on your placemats.

i love how the edges of the fabric fray and how flexible the border stitching is. this would make a quick and easy house-warming gift, and you could really easily stitch up a set of matching napkins too!

are you inspired to stitch up your own set of improv placemats?? we would love for you to sew along with us (merrily, even).

but before you start stitching, a bit more inspiration to share. i'm excited to announce that the first fabulous guest poster in our merrily we sew along series is...

Jill of made with moxie!

... you should definitely check out her improv placemats as well as those that my lovely co-hosts have made here: casa crafty and Our Improv Diary

so, stitch up yourself a set of improv placemats and share a picture in the merrily we sew along flickr group for a chance to win a super fabulous prize!!

speaking of prizes, episode one: improv placemats is sponsored by the very wonderful Aurifil Thread and Storey Publishing!

the winner of the merrily we sew along episode one challenge will receive an Aurifil Simply Color 12 color collection case as well as a package of these six sewing books from Storey Publishing: Improv Sewing, One-Yard Wonders Fabric by Fabric, Sewing School, The Quilting Answer Book, and Mend It Better. how great is that??

so get improv-ing... i can't wait to see what you stitch up! just upload a picture of your improv placemats to the merrily we sew along flickr group by november 14 *date extended* november 21 to be entered to win!!

good luck and happy stitching :)