All By Myself!

While Casey was away this weekend I decided that I would use my quiet evenings to get some practice time on my sewing machine. Tuesday, I went to College Station to get some sewing essentials and practice fabric, and while Casey and I watched Super Tuesday, I practiced setting up my machine. I also bought some books online that would give me practical instructions and cute ideas. Finally, Saturday evening arrived. I put Braelyn to bed, got out all my supplies and went to work. My project: Placemats with a utensil pocket. I used the basic idea and pattern from this adorable and handy, little book Simple Sewing. (Look familiar, anyone?:)

I had hoped to knock out a set of two placemats, but I only managed to complete one. I also made a few mistakes. One edge of the place mat is not quite straight and my pocket somehow ended up a little crooked. Oh well, I'm still proud of it and tickled to pieces that I did it all by myself! :)


The utensil pocket in the book was for chopsticks, but since we never use chopsticks, I made it a little larger for silverware. I also put the pocket fabric on the back to make the place mat a little heavier. The plan is to do another one like this and then two more reversing the fabrics. We'll see...the possibilities are endless! :)