Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Another Kawandi Placemat and More Tote Bags

Life is not fair but government must be.
~Ann Richards


There was time to finish a second kawandi placemat. Sujata gave me the idea when she suggested an appropriate size for her class. And I need a new set and what fun to work on something small in the evenings for a change. 

Kawandi placemat

This time the fula were sewn between the layers at the first round of stitching - just as Sujata recommends - but I didn't make quarter circles. Instead, they are folded into thirds, making them very thick and difficult to sew. I won't do it again... unless I forget. Sheesh.

All the fabric came from my scrap bag, including the bird prints. Each placemat will have one of these somewhere. But the colors don't match my dishes. We'll have to see what happens with these.

Tote bags

I found two adorable print {remnants} - the blue with space drive-ins and Charlie Brown's shirt stripe in the lower left. The others are pretty cute, too. The totes are fully lined, not to make them reversible, but to make them stronger.

Between my aloha shirt and DH's, there's enough remnants to make all the backs. So that and the birds are the unifying design elements. I suppose I can turn them over it a calmer placemat is wanted.

Several family members requested my tote bags. Although they have no pockets or special features, they are large enough to hold a large supply of toilet paper, paper towels, or general groceries. Some people have plans to carry sporting equipment in them. Whatever the bags are wanted for, I'm delighted to make them. 

The totes took 10.5 yards and the placemat used another half yard. Eleven yards this week - not that any reduction of the scrap bag is visible. How is this possible? Elves is my answer.

Merry Christmas to all!

Enjoy the day, Ann

20 comments:

Julierose said...

Your placemat came out lovely...the totes are really neat shapes..nice works hugs julierose

Nann said...

The bird in the corner of the placemat is just perfect. Let's blame stash expansion on the elves. Sounds good to me.

LA Paylor said...

your post led me to google the style, and to Pam HOlland's site... wowie! happy holiday to you

Ann said...

Thanks. Now there's a pair. Hopefully there will be more as we could use them.

Ann said...

Finding that group of bird cutouts in the scrap bag excited me. They are remnants from the Spiderweb quilt. My fabric is more splashy than real kawandi but I'm using what's on hand.
Those elves!!

Ann said...

Pam has exciting quilts, doesn't she?

Robin said...

The kawandi just looks like fun I like the bird piece in there. 11 yds is a major dent in the scraps - nice work.

patty a. said...

The placemat is very pretty! Those tote bags are very cool! It's nice when you make something that people want and will use.

Ann said...

The birds make me laugh. I think the grandchildren will enjoy them, too. Working down the stash is a joy this year.

Ann said...

Thanks, Patty. It's so much better to make something people want to use so it was gratifying to be asked to make more tote bags.

Kaja said...

I love the kawandi and a place mat seems a good size when there is so much stitching involved. I have come to the conclusion that you can't have too many fabric totes - I use them for all sorts of things.

Ann said...

You’re right about the stitching. It’s a pinky width apart. And the tote bags. So many uses and they fold up fairly small.

Preeti said...

I am not surprised that tote-bags were requested. They will make lovely gifts. Happy New Year to you!!!

Preeti said...

I am not surprised that tote-bags were requested. They will make lovely gifts. Happy New Year to you!!!

Ann said...

Happy New Year, Preeti. Here's to a better one in so many ways.

Mary Marcotte said...

I find the kawandi very interesting. What do you think of using one as the base of a fidget quilt? I'm thinking the texture looks so yummy and to add ribbon, zippers, buttons, etc. would give it an extra layer of activity.
Enjoy the rest of the Christmas season and have a safe and happy 2021!

Ann said...

What an inventive mind you have, Mary. I think that would be awesome although hand quilting it could be heavy work. Mel at peace, love & happiness machine quilted a kawandi a year or two ago. You might search her blog for info about how she did it.
Happy New Year. Here’s hoping it’s better for everyone.

Mystic Quilter said...

Such a beautiful and different kawandi with the scrap bag fabrics, it's amazing that we can find just the perfect pieces for our projects. Wow, 11 yards used in one week is amazing, what size are the tote bags?

Ann said...

The bags take 1.5 yards each so they are big but floppy until filled. I think they are 40" wide. That's why the side fall in.

Ann said...

These are a bit large and floppy but OTOH fold up nicely and hold a lot. Isn’t this year off to a wild start.