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Monday, April 28, 2014

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.

http://www.genxquilters.com/2014/04/patchwork-napkins-pattern.html
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!

Diane

35 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing. I love the green linen you used.

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  2. I love the little 16 patch - those are so awesome!!!

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  3. I love the green you used for your napkins!
    I like the log cabin design

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  4. I really like the tiny little log cabin block! Precious!

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  5. Love your napkins. I like the log cabin block. Thanks for the chance.

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  6. Very cute and colorful napkins. I like the 16-patch and the log cabin blocks the most, but they are all cute.

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  7. I love the 16 patch. And that there are two size options is great!

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  8. My first choice is the one made from strips. Thanks for the chance.

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  9. Your 16 patch is my favorite. It seems light-hearted, somehow. Plus, wouldn't those little 16 patches be great leaders and enders? Christmas sewing, here I come!

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  10. I like the 16 patch the best - it seems the most quilty somehow! We have always use cloth napkins, but I am not sure I would want the kids messing those up!

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  11. The green is really pretty and the scrappy 16 patch is my favourite.

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  12. The log cabin is my favourite.

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  13. Love the log cabin block. But I like them all, it would be so fun to me and match!

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  14. I love them all but the log cabin is my favorite!

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  15. These are so cute! I really like the fussy cut one. The log cabin is really nice too and could really see using it alot!

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  16. I like the 16 patch the best. Love the green linen.

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  17. I too like the log cabin, but then again the 16 patch is cute too..
    thanks for the giveaway

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  18. My favorite is the fussy cut center floral that is framed!

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  19. I love your 16 patch~ very cute! Now I'm thinking I need to make napkins! LOL Thanks for the fun!

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  20. I love these. I was thinking they would make a great wedding present!

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  21. My favorites: It's a tie between the 16-patch and the log cabin. Of course, they're all quite attractive. -- soparkaveataoldotcom

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  22. love the little 16 patch - those are so awesome!!!

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  23. I like the one with all the tiny squares. My Mom would love this pattern.

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  25. Love them all, but probably the 16 patch is my favorite. So tiny and cute.

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  26. I like them all, but I would say the Log Cabin is my favorite.

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  27. The log cabin is my favorite, I think. :-) thanks for sharing your napkins and the giveaway.

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  28. I like the blue one on AnneMarie's page that has the half square triangles. The set is great looking and would make wonderful gifts.

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  29. I like the second one that has what looks like a bird on it! Thanks for the chance to win! ksmith8@emich.edu

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  30. I really like the log cabin but your color choices with kids is awesome!

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  31. The 16 patch is my favorite and such a smart way to use of tiny bits of fabric I can't seem to part with. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  32. I think the log cabin has to be my favorite.

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