Oh dear me...

Did you know that it is a terrible idea to start a blog around the winter holidays? It's true! Well, it's true for me. I busied myself with work, rustling up gifts for everyone, writing Christmas cards, and eating too many cookies. Blogging was put on the back burner over...and over...and over again. Why start again now? I have projects! Finished ones!

I'd like to (re) start with this set of place mats I made as a birthday gift for my mom:


I followed the patchwork placemat tutorial at Zwei Baby. Rather than use a different fabric for each patch, I decided to stick with 2 colors for a more streamlined, mom-like look. I do love the look of different patterns together though. I may try that out if I decide to make a set for myself. Here's a closer look at the patchwork stripe:



I've really made a point of trying to use what I already have on hand for craft projects lately, so all of these fabrics are from my stash. I used an old mattress pad rather than batting for the lining. It was the perfect weight! My mom loves to have a pretty table. I think she'll like these.

A couple of days after I finished these, my mom called and requested a handmade gift for a birthday. Ha! I thought I was ahead of the game and told her she was very much in luck. But theeeen...she requested a specific gift. I'll give you a hint...it wasn't a set of place mats. Luckily, it's a small and simple thing. I'll post about it when it is finished. Also, I know a LOT of people who have just had/are soon having babies, so be on the lookout for some posts about baby gifts in the near future!