This place mat is the result of a Frances Firefly block that was not wide enough to use it in a small version of the Fancy Forest quilt. Precise piecing is a must for all blocks as well as accurate cutting and pressing. So that you do not end with a few more place mats.

I have decided to practice my free motions skills on this small project and got out some variegated cotton threads from Superior Threads : King Tut Quilting Thread. I have been using this thread for many years and I think that the quality is outstanding. I buy neutral colors in cones and color threads in spools.

But what free motion pattern? I started practicing an “eight” pattern on some scraps. After getting more confident I filled the wings and the body with the new design. Even though my Bernina sewing machine came with a BSR (Bernina Stitch Regulator) for easy free motion quilting, I prefer the ordinary embroidery foot. And practice, practice and practice …….

For the background quilting I used the pebbles pattern. It keeps the place mat nicely flat and smooth.

The binding fabric is a solid in bright fuchsia. Solids are my favorite fabrics for binding a quilt – it is like adding a frame to a nice picture. It should underline the quilt design, but it shouldn’t be the highlight.

I didn’t quilt the small colorful 1″ squares on top, they just pop up.

My next project is a second place mat with Hazel Hedgehog block, once more with free motion quilting finishing to match this place mat.

barbora