Patchwork Napkins Blog Hop & Giveaway!

 If you are visiting my blog for the first time, Welcome! :) I hope you'll stop and stay a while, and hopefully find some things you enjoy. I am so excited to be participating in AnneMarie's blog hop for her beautiful Patchwork Napkins pattern!

When AnneMarie, of Gen X Quilters, first invited me to join her, I was so excited! In our family of 6, we've recently started using cloth napkins at full force, and I've loved using the beautiful napkins I've received as gifts. Though I hadn't yet made any of my own. This gave me the perfect excuse to get started.

I was pleasantly surprised with how fun this pattern was. I assumed that napkins would be easy to make, which they are, but I have to say that this pattern took napkins to a whole new level. It was simple, straight forward, easy to follow, and I ended up with something that I absolutely love!

 

 The instructions call for linen as the main front fabric, but I decided to go with some green quilters linen, by Robert Kaufman. With 4 children, 5 years old and under, being clean is not in their vocabulary, and I wanted something that would hide any stains a little better. I picked one of my favorite Amy Butler fabrics for the backing, and I love the contrast of the two.

The pattern includes instructions for 4 different quilt block designs for the corner. The instructions for each block are clear, easy to follow, and include diagrams for every step. I found it refreshing how little I had to think about what I was doing, because it's compiled so well. I could simply enjoy the process! Here are the two blocks I chose:

 

16-patch block

I actually made a paper template/window to fussy cut each of the blocks. (I cut a 1.5" x 1.5" square, and then cut a 1" square from the center. I then framed the design parts I wanted to have show in the final square, and cut around the outside of my paper template.) I used all Amy Butler prints from her Lark collection. I don't know that these prints would typically be a print you would fussy cut 1" squares from, but I wanted to make sure I had some fun designs. This part took by far the longest.

 Frame block

I was trying to frame the center black block with the ring of flowers from the same print, but it didn't work out quite as well as I had planned (mostly my top strip is off just a little). It probably would have stood out stronger had I used a different print for the frame, but I still really like it!

 One of my favorite parts about this pattern, was how easy it was to use the back for self binding. I have done this so many times on mug rugs, and other smaller items, and even a few quilts, but I've always struggled with the corners. Her instructions are fantastic!! I've never had such an easy time, doing the binding, and have it turn out so perfectly! I am so glad to have this pattern for those instructions, as much as I am for the awesome napkins!

Especially since these were so quick and easy to sew up, I think they would make great house warming gifts, wedding gifts, mother's day gifts, etc. I will definitely be doing some more selfish sewing and add some more to my collection of napkins! It's fun to have a little bit of quilting thrown in at the dinner table. Not to mention being surrounded by beautiful fabric. Who doesn't love that?! ;)


Even my little girl kept telling me how pretty they were as she helped me take pictures.

Be sure to stop by AnneMarie's blog and see all of her beautiful napkins! 

You can find the pattern HERE.


and guess what? It's ON SALE all this week, just in time for Mother's Day. Don't miss it! ;)

And don't miss the rest of the blog hop going on this week! I can't wait to see everyone else's napkins. Here is the full schedule:

Mon. Apr. 28   Diane / from blank pages...

Tues. Apr. 29   Lee / Freshly Pieced

Wed. Apr. 30   Adrienne / Little Bluebell and Amy / Sukie

Thur. May 1     Kati / From the Blue Chair

Fri. May 2        Debbie / A Quilter's Table

Would you like to win a free copy of the Patchwork Napkins pattern?? AnneMarie offered to give one away to one of my readers!

To enter:

• Visit AnneMarie's blog post about her napkins HERE, or visit the others bloggers sites if it's later in the week, to see their napkins (see the blog hop schedule above).
• Then come back and tell me which of the four block designs is your favorite.

I will pick a winner on Saturday May 3rd.

Thanks for stopping by! 

I hope you all have a wonderful Monday!