Do you ever have a "great" idea that doesn't go the way you anticipated? Of course. Well, that was my week with my Patchwork, Please project.
Ayumi's meal-time towels were such a good idea, but when I went to choose fabric, I realized I had no 100% linen, which I thought I would like for this particular project. So I went ahead and ordered some plain premade towels. Only problem? They were quite a bit smaller than what Ayumi suggests. So rather than use the enlarged letters I had already printed out, I copied them at the size shown in the book. Which is rather small. Not too small to read of course, but kind of small to stitch around. Trying to squeeze my project into an already-cramped week, I used white thread for all my letters, which I probably wouldn't do again, especially with these smaller letters. Oh well. And yes, I opted for letters only on my towel, as they pretty much filled up the center space.
So things didn't go quite as planned, and I stopped at one towel for now, BUT I must say, the binding technique for this project was quite enlightening for me, and a happy addition to my repertoire! I am a committed hand-binder, so to even consider doing it by machine was quite a stretch for me. But the way the binding is pressed off-set made all the difference, and I was really quite happy with the result.
Am I converted? Probably not, as the hand method gives me so much pleasure. But I will definitely keep this method as a consideration for occasional use.
I loved the added accent of using ric-rac as a hanger, so I added that in.
So overall, I wasn't thrilled with my choice of base fabric, nor the size of my towel and letters, not even my choice of thread color. But I do love the scrappy dotted-ness, and would definitely give this project another go another time.
Meanwhile, it's a fun twist, and I'm calling it a wrap. On to next week!
I think you are being too hard on yourself Debbie! Your towel looks fabulous! I was going to use pre-made towels too, but I just haven't gotten around to it yet!
ReplyDeleteDespite all the negatives, you have made a lovely addition to your kitchen. Like the off-set binding idea too, will have to give that a go.
ReplyDeleteWow! I love your towel! I really like your choice of fabrics...looks wonderful to me!
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie! For me that looks beautiful and so well made! But I can understand your thoughts because you may have something different in your mind. x Teje
ReplyDeleteI think your towel came out really cute, and I like that you chose to put "savor" on it! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for mentioning the binding method -- I decided to skip this week (embellished towels is not my thing), so I would have missed learning that technique.
Well, it's a pretty little towel and you learned a lot from it - so there plenty of positives! ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you Debbie for telling me about the swap - but it's closed! I am so sad.
ReplyDeleteYour towel is lovely - I love everything about it!
very cute despite your reservations. I'm a hand binder too. will have to give this method a try
ReplyDeleteYour towel looks great! I can imagine, though, that it would be a bit tedious to stitch the letters in the smaller size... I just finished my letters yesterday and I'm gearing up for binding today.
ReplyDeleteThis binding method is great. I've seen it a couple times before, only because another pattern I used called for it. If you ever purchase commercial bias tape, it will come with one side that is slightly wider for this same thing.
Looks great, even if it's not what you envisioned. (by the way, savor has a 'u' in it.....hehe....Canadian, eh?)
ReplyDeleteYour dotty towel looks wonderful! I'm glad to know that the directions in the book include an interesting binding method. I bought towels to applique on to so hadn't decided yet whether I would add the edging, but I'm more inclined to give it a go after reading your post.
ReplyDeleteI love your towel, I think it is awesome! Love the dots and the colors. Looks like a fun project to do.
ReplyDeleteI really love the way your towel turned out, and the letters, and the thread. I think it all goes together really well.
ReplyDeleteHmm, I need to investigate that binding...
ReplyDeleteI prefer to hand bind as well but sometimes I just don't have the time! Your towel turned out fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI agree with the rest that this towel is really very well done! I love the modern twist, using the word Savor. It fits with the prints, too!
ReplyDeleteI really like your towel. It's fresh and I think the colours are wonderful, the binding fabric shows it all off. I wouldn't have changed a thing.
ReplyDeleteLive and learn, right? And I think it still looks pretty darn great! :)
ReplyDeleteA learning experience, right? I think it comes with the territory and I can COMPLETELY relate. ;o)
ReplyDeleteDespite your disappointment, I still think it looks gorgeous, Debbie. Love, love, love that dotty binding and your applique choices (fabrics and word). Pretty, pretty!
All's well that ends well. I think it's sweet
ReplyDeleteTook me a minute or two to understand what it said, Canadians spell it Savour, just like colour. Although that towel is cute as a bug!
ReplyDeleteI think it's great, Debbie! You really added your own touch to it. Love that it says savor, perfect!
ReplyDelete**on a side note, I made the raspberry oatmeal bars TWICE this weekend while we had friends visiting...needless to say they were AWESOME!!! thanks again for sharing.
A wonderful resourceful page and a great towel a gift idea ;)
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