Here is a simple sewing project: Make small mats to put under a hot coffee cup or a cold glass of iced tea.
What you need: small piece of pretty fabric; batting, cotton flannel, wool felt, or pieces of terry toweling for the inside layers; bias tape, some fancy trim like rick-rack, pretty ribbon, lace.
Find or draw an interesting flat shape, like an apple shape, one that is big enough to set a cup on. Some children's craft books or coloring books may have designs, quilt and applique books have simple designs in them too. Cut out a front, a back and 2 or 3 layers of batting for the inside padding. Lay them together and stitch together thru the middle, first one way then the other. Stitch on bias tape around the edges. Decorate with some pretty trims or embroidery. Remember that it has to sit flat so trims have to be flat too. Make several of these, put in a small pretty basket and give as a gift. Small coordinating napkins could be made also and included in the basket. 100% cotton is the best fabric to use. Enjoy.
Edey
