Big Bloom Table Mat

Clustered together or spread apart, these table mats will be the center of attention at your next garden party.

MATERIALS

• Scrap dark yellow print • 1 fat quarter light yellow print • 1 fat quarter each 4 red and

4 pink prints • 1/2 yard green tonal • 3 (13") backing squares • 3 (13") batting squares • 2(8" x 10") batting rectangles • Thread • Bright yellow No. 8 pearl cotton • Embroidery needle • Basic sewing tools and supplies

CUTTING

Prepare appliqué pieces and leaves as per patterns given and instructions. From red and pink fat quarters: • Cut 1 (71/4" x 20") strip each fabric. Subcut strips into 2 (71/4") squares each fabric. Cut each square in half on 1 diagonal to make 32 triangles total.

COMPLETING THE PIECED PANEL

1. Sew a red triangle to a pink triangle along the diagonal to make a square as shown in Figure 1; press seam open. Repeat with 11 more pairs to make a total of 12 pieced squares. Note: The red/pink pairings can be the same or varied. 2. Arrange the squares in three sets of four squares each, alternating the red and pink as shown in Figure 2.

Note: Again the colors and prints can be identical for each set, or varied. In the sample, each pieced unit in the set is the same. Set aside remaining triangles for another project.

3. Join the two squares in each row; press seams open. Join the two rows in each set to make three large squares; press seams open. 4. Prepare templates for flower pieces using patterns given. 5. Using the large flower pattern, cut a large flower from each square, matching the center point of pattern to center of pieced square; staystitch all around 3/16" from the edge. 6. Trace the small flower and flower center shapes onto the right side of fabrics as directed on each piece; cut out, adding 1/4" all around when cutting. 7. Turn under the 1/4" seam allowance on each piece; baste to hold. 8. Center a small flower on each large flower shape; hand-stitch in place. 9. Turn each stitched unit over to the wrong side and carefully cut away the background from behind the stitched small flower as shown in Figure 3. Note: The cut-away centers can be used to make a matching set of coasters. Simply appliqué the centers to a square of fabric and finish as desired. 10. Center and hand-stitch a flower center to each flower top.

MAKING LEAVES

1. Prepare template for leaf shape using pattern given; cut as directed. 2. Place one leaf and one reversed leaf right sides together; pin to an 8" x 10" batting rectangle. Sew all around, leaving bottom edge open. Trim batting close to seam; trim leaf tip and clip curves. Turn right side out and press edges flat. Repeat to make a second leaf shape.