SHABBY CHIC PLACE MATS....

My mission: to create a stack of fun and casual place mats. The process: buy NOTHING. Mission accomplished! I used bits and scraps of fabric, much of the strips left over from quilt projects. In between the two fabric layers I used pieces of an old and worn flannel bed sheet. It is the perfect thickness to give substance to the place mats without adding too much bulk. On the sides of the place mats I sewed strips of fabric selvage. These strips had landed briefly in the studio trash can until I realized they added some interest with the color spots and wording advertising the fabric design and maker. The backs of the place mats are all solid colors using whatever fabric pieces I had that would be large enough. The mats measure 14 inches by 17 inches and have raw frayed edges. I am now making more of these. They look fabulous on my harvest table. I encourage you to make some shabby chic place mats for yourself. It is a terrific way to use fabric scraps and it is most satisfying to create something without going out to buy anything.