Stitching - Embellishment of Linen Coasters

For this set of coasters I decided to use stab stitch in other words just pushing the needle straight up and down in hopes of duplicating the pattern on both sides.

I pulled my knot through the 2 side seams into the middle between the layers. A bit tricky. 

I started with the little red crosses which I positioned based on a 4" stencil.  

Then I chose a round object and aligned as best as I could and then stitched in running stitch all the way around in yellow.

I chose a navy thread for the center star.  It was harder to align perfectly.

Fabric Coasters - Display

I am very happy with the display I created for my Fabric Coasters.  I used some vintage Tinker Toys to create a stable rack which allows me to display all 22 sets at once. I used some tree ornament hooks which supports up to 4 sets at a time.  I am able to show all the different options all facing the front.  The coasters have all been labeled, inventoried and are ready to go!

Fabric Coasters - Set 2

Another set of coasters done today.

The turquoise set in the corner is fabric I dyed in the microwave with Rit dye.  It worked pretty well.  I had cut the pieces to a bit larger than what I needed so if it shrank or the edges got messy I would still have enough to cut my 5" squares.  

It is interesting the different weights and tightness of weave in linen.  The loosest weave was the blue denim and the rust colored ones. The olive linen was tightly woven. 

Mostly I put in the scraps of flannel I had.  The yellow ones needed white flannel as they were quite thin and the pattern showed through.

This is 22 sets of two coasters.

I am really happy this effort.

The changing of thread for each color took some time but was absolutely necessary.

These measure 4.25 inches square.

I was very fortunate to have a 5 inch and a 4 inch quilting ruler so that made cutter a lot easier.  

The rotary cutter and large cutting mat was the foundational. 

The chop stick for pushing out the corners was the perfect tool for the job. Not too sharp to ensure that the corners were not pushed through.  

The large fabric scissors went well to trim the excess fabric off the corners in one stroke in each direction.

I did have to purchase thread for the wheat colored and the olive colored ones.  That was expensive but worthwhile.

I have started using golf tees to keep my bobbins with their parent spool of thread.  The connectors I spent a lot of money on just broke after a couple uses.

The flannel squares were easy to cut and quickly make as stack so I could just pull them off as needed.

Fabric Coasters - Set 1

I've decided to make fabric coasters for sale.

I've chosen to use linen/cotton fabric.  Generally, the outer layers are linen and I have put cotton flannel in the center.

The outer layer is cut to 5 inches square and the flannel layer is cut at 4 inches square.

I sew the flannel to the front piece with a wide seam then sew the 2 outer layers together with a narrower seam leaving a space to turn them out.  

I trim the corners to remove fabric bulk in the corners. I turn them right side out.  Press them flat making sure that the opening slot is well pressed.

I sew a seam really close to the edge all the way around closing the slot at the same time.

This is 11 sets of 2.  I am halfway to where I wanted to be. I have several other colors to make up yet.

Really happy with this day's work.

I am also working on packaging and how I will display them for sale.

Small Gifts - Car Cup Holder Coasters

A car coaster collects the drips, drops, spills, crumbs and other stuff that ends up in our car cup holders.

I made up some with supplies I had on hand. These were made with felt circles.

I started with an 3.25" circle which was hand cut.  I stacked onto it 3 more circles of various colors and sizes.  I took them to the sewing machine and stitched in a spiral manner from the outside to the center of the coasters. Since the circles were felt buttons I added a coordinating thread through the whole coaster and knotted it on the front.  This can be used to remove the coaster from the holder.  These can be washed and reused. 

I made 10 sets so we will see how things go.  I mixed and matched a bunch of colors.  Red and White Canadian in the top left corner, the Elks one in position three in the top row with a few summer colors and Christmas red white and green.  The tags are 2.5 inches with rounded corners and it was placed between the 2 coasters which are back to back. They are stitched on with white cotton thread. 

How To: Stitch and Slash Fabric

I have not done one of these in a while.  I created a How To to explain my process for making the Stitch and Slash fabric which I turned into coasters.  It was a lot of fun and learning something new in this time of crisis was therapeutic for me.  My motivation to do this was the challenge on Flickr Macro Monday which is layers.  I asked the question "What could I make with layers of fabric?" I found the technique, watched some videos and pulled out the fancy fabric box and the rest is history. Check back Monday for the layers macro I submitted.

Sewing Project - Stitch & Slash Coaster Set

The Flickr Macro Monday challenge on March 30th is layers.  I thought I would come up with my own piece to photograph.

Fabric layers came to mind so a bit internet research brought up art pieces with splits with bits hanging out.  A bit more research and the technique of Stitch and Slash came into focus.  I watched several videos, read several tutorials and I was ready to tackle the project.

I was grateful to be able to dig deep into my fancy fabric stash. Taffeta, organza, velvet, crepes, and others came out.  I did find several metallics and satins also. 

I created a large piece which was then cut down to 4" square coasters.