On my Christmas break in Noosa I had discussed this idea with my Mum, and she had a couple of patterns that I could choose from. I decided on a large hexagon pattern, as I thought it was unusual and would suit Mariel. So when I got back, off I went to the fabric shop looking for the colours and designs I had in mind. It did take me a few goes to find the exact material to use. I also needed to decide what weight wadding I wanted to use, I chose a fairly light weight one, and it seemed to be the right decision when I started sewing.
So I was making 4 place-mats and 4 coasters out of hexagons. I cut out all the material and the wadding for the 4 place-mats and 4 coasters. I ended up cutting out 32 6.5", 32 7" & 32 7.5" hexagons! I know it's not much in the scheme of things, but to a newbie quilter, it's a huge amount! I also decided that the centre hexi for the place-mat's would be boarded red instead of black to tie in with the red boarded coasters. I started out hand sewing the hexagons, and had almost completed one place-mat before I decided to see if I could do a good enough job using the sewing machine instead. Turns out I could! Which was a relief to me, 'cos I really wasn't enjoying the experience.
That was when I decided that I could also sew across the hexies to stabilise the 3 layers. I decided to different things for the place-mats and coasters. So the coasters ended up with black thread and point to point across the hexi, then red centre hexies also had red thread side to side too.The place-mat hexi's ended up with black thread and point to point only.
I also decided that I could do different things with sewing the boarders down. So again used red & black thread and after the initial run of sewing the side down, stitched a second row on the red centre ones & on the coasters a third line of stitching. Once I had done all that and then finished off all the ends I was ready to sew the place-mats together. Which ended up being a lot easier than I thought.
Once all the hexagons had been sandwiched together and sewn down, I needed to design the heat mat. I had to figure out measurements, so had asked Mariel to measure her largest baking dish, so that I could make sure the heat mat would fit under it. I started out with those exact measurements, but forgot to include the seam allowances and the fact that it would get smaller when it was filled with the rice & spices. I used calico and stitched in channels to fill so it would displace the heat evenly. I filled the channels with brown rice, whole cloves, allspice & cinnamon sticks. I then made the cover, which is removable for ease of cleaning to match the dining set.
Then Mum & I went to the Australasian Quilting Convention and found this fabulous pattern for a "Chookie Oven Mit" by Bella Embroidery Designs in Queensland. We both saw it and said that would be a great addition to my present. So we bought it and I put one together. It was hardest to sew on the binding for the round edge of the bottom. It was the only thing I didn't initially sew myself. It's not perfect but it was my first attempt.
Anyway I am very pleased with the end results and Mariel was pleased too.
