Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Who sent the Squirrel?!

Since last Saturday I've been doing a little bit tidying on the sewing table. 
Before I packed away the red fabrics (RSC April), I made these two small hot pads. Aren't they cute? 


The rectangle one measures a bit shy of 6.75 x 8.75 inches


The round one is 8.25 inches across

But that was not what I was going to talk about! 
I had finished some items for my Etsy Shop, the hot pads, and the 'plan' was to sandwich another UFO (my goal for May)
After a delicious morning cuppa, I was going to start working on that UFO.
Update (one week later): the UFO is under the needle!  

SQUIRREL DISTRACTION!!!! 

While my DH was preparing tea, a squirrel disturbed my UFO preparation!!! I've made some place mats for my shop recently, and that squirrel reminded me I have place mats panels in the (fabric) buffet upstairs! 
Of course I went to have a look, and this is what came with me to the sewing room; 


8 Paris place mats 
+ backing 

Last year I ordered 2 Advent Calendars from a well known online shop in the US.
This is what they sent me; 2 Place mats panels!!! LOL 


8 cupcakes / birthday place mats!

Eventually I got the calendars and where told to keep the place mats. What to do with them? Not exactly what I would have chosen, but I ended up purchasing backing and binding from the same fabric line. After all, I think they are quite cute and great for cupcakes party or birthday. 

I have a big (I think?) selection of Coffee fabrics and I just love these small mug rug size panels! 


I even made one mug rug! (Forgot to take photo!)

What else came with me to the sewing table?
A UFO! A small wall hanging


I don't know how many times (and years!) this one has been pulled out of the shelf for so to go back in again! I know how I want it, but.... I'm worried I'll mess it all up!
The background is black & white squares pieced together, from light to dark. My idea has always been to fussy cut the poppies and applique to the background, using the raw edge quilting method and maybe add seed beads to the poppy centers. 
Any tips / suggestions?  

A fun chicken / farmhouse panel


I had to laugh out load of these chickens, they are really fun! 
Maybe some potholders? Or mug rugs?
Fun chickens, what about these? 


What can I make of these hilarious cats?? Each panel measures 7.25 x 11 inches, I have two panels. Place mats with some coordinating fabric ( I have only the panels and busy background fabric from that fabric line), or small wall quilts? 
Any suggestion is welcome! 

I'm currently quilting 'Tomten's Quilt' and hope to get it done by the weekend. 


A glorious morning today, however meteo has issued a 'heavy rain watch' for this afternoon. I'd better get ready to do some yardwork before it gets wet! 



9 comments:

Julierose said...

You have a lovely selection of panel/placemat/mug rug pieces to work on, Astrid. I haven't looked in my 'panel" box for a while. Your sets of placemats are really lovely...nice work hugs, Julierose

Jeanna said...

Well, if you are going to have squirrels, those are some lovely ones. You have a nice collection of panels. I love the striped binding on your pot holders.

Magpie's Mumblings said...

I would make tote bags using that last fabric you pictured. As for the poppies, I love the idea of fussy cutting them and using applique. Of course poppies are one of my favourite flowers so I obviously would like that idea!

Chantal said...

So much to look at and so much to think about. Too many squirrels, lol. Love the hot pads and the Paris placemats. From calendars to placemats, well, someone did get his coffee that morning, haha. They are cute and I'm sure they will sell. For the coffee, cats and even the feather girls, each can join some pieced blocks to form each a different quilt. See this inspiration: https://atthecornerofscrapandquilts.blogspot.com/2025/03/let-us-sew-let-us-sew-let-us-sew.html
For the poppies, I would practice with another fabric of same thickness. It doesn't have to be flowers. Just cut the fabric as if it was poppies and try to applique. Anywho! That's my two pennies' worth. Enjoy! ;^)

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

the place mats will come in handy and are nice to look at. love your scenery on the island

Linda's Relaxing Lair said...

Really beautiful! I love the colours and patterns.

Solomae said...

Love those Panels, Astrid! Especially the cats!

Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nana said...

You do keep busy, Astrid. Love these fabrics/panels. Neat placemats. It is always gratifying to use up stash. Happy Stitching from me!

Helenchaffin said...

yes the squirrels are busy! I was on a good roll finishing up a quilt when the urge to make totes kicked in 🤣 cute place mats,those panels are adorable! you could add borders & quilt as is & call um done 😄