Molly's Sketchbook: Reverse Applique Thanksgiving Placemat and Napkin Set

Thanksgiving is such a great holiday because it's all about celebrating food! I've celebrated it in a lot of places, including sunny California, freezing New England and even once in Hawaii where a colony of ants attacked the pumpkin pie, but no matter where we are the ritual is always the same, a celebration with family and friends and a uniquely American meal. Turkey, squash, and corn (not to mention tomatoes, beans, and potatoes) are all native to the Americas and I think it's wonderful that we have a day to celebrate our special foods.  On Thanksgiving day I love to think about everyone all across the United States watching the parade on TV and peeling pototoes just like I do every year.  For me Thanksgiving isn't about making the fanciest meal, it's about sharing the experience of cooking and breaking bread with the people I love.

I designed this set of reverse applique Thanksgiving placemats and napkins with all of these things in mind. I wanted to make something by hand that I could use every year for this special day. Sewing something by hand reminds me of cooking in a lot of ways, mostly because you can see the care and love that went into it, even if it doesn't come out perfectly.

Much like cooking Thanksgiving dinner, this is not a last minute project. Reverse applique takes time and consideration but I think that's part of the fun!  And much like the Thanksgiving feast, while they take time to make they are not particularly hard since no fancy stitches or vast knowledge of hand sewing is required.

For this project I used the absolutely amazing Nani Iro Linen Blend Brown Print as the main fabric for the placemats. This fabric is simply stunning, the abstract print, in brown, white, black and metallic gold makes each piece seem like a little painting.

To contrast with the print's subtle beauty I used four different boldly colored solids as backgrounds and napkins, and the result is simply luminous!  For the solids I used both Echino Solids in chartruese and purpley pink and Kona Cottons in bright pink and mustard. Both fabrics were a dream to sew with. I loved the jewel tones and sturdy feel of the Echino and the Kona Cotton was really easy to sew with.

If you'd like to make a set for for your own Thanksgiving feast please visit my Reverse Applique Placemats Project Journal and my Handstitched Napkin Project Journal. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I did.

Happy Thanksgiving! --Molly

Comments

[Sadie Fox]

Oh, how wonderful. I have been wanting to try the reverse applique technique and the placemat/napkin is a nice new idea using it. Great color choices and great gift idea. Thanks for posting.

[hoganfe handmade handbag originals]

Super Duper cute!

mary

[Lurline]

How bright, gorgeous and novel!
Hugs - Lurline♥

[Jennwith4]

WOW!! Those are gorgeous! This will be added to my "Must Make" list. =) Thanks

[Liz]

These are beautiful. The colors are truly inspiring.

[abbie]

I have been researching fabrics for making table linens for house warming gifts. Didn't think of Kona Cotton. Thanks for the tip!

[Lindsay]

How stunning! Your fabric choices are so smart. I am in love...thinking these will make a thoughtful Christmas gift as well! Thank you for the tutorial.

[leilani]

What a coincidence. I just took a break from Christmas gift pillows I'm making using that same Nani Iro linen print. Mine are not reverse applique (love yours!) but they are embroidered echoing some of the designs and parts of an old hand-tatted doily are appliqued to it. It will be quilted to a black linen background before stuffing. It is lovely fabric to work with, isn't it.

[sandy]

What fantastic colors. You're table will be very festive.

Sandy

[Villa Olvers]

These are fantastic I love the colors and the fabric. This is my first visit to your site but not the last....I sure would love to have these patterns.
My warm regards from cold Iceland
Villa

[kim]

oh, so excited to have found your site... darling stuff here! thanks :)

[treva]

I pretty much love every project you guys post. Thank you for your creativity and ideas. I can't wait to see everything you do every day.