Christmas Placemats and Runner

I made my parents new placemats and napkins for Christmas.

My folks place uses pink, maroon, and green colors, so I found some Christmas prints with those colors.

I designed them to look like a present with a big bow on the top.

The bow is made by folding the napkin like a fan/accordion, then slipping it into a loop sewn into the top of the present.

The backing is a holly print on a black background.  What I’ve trained my boys to do with placemats is to flip them over to the wrong side when using them… that way if you get any food stains on them, it will only be on the wrong side!  When the placemats are just out on the table being decorative between meals, the front side is always spotless and pretty!

I also made them a new appliqued table runner for their coffee table.

I used stash scraps for all of it!

The holly leaves and ribbon were fused on then stitched around the edges.

I added red buttons for the berries. 

And the backing is a gorgeous watercolor looking holly on a black background!

I didn’t add a label, in case they wanted to use either side!

And I’m feeling really good about these gifts…as I already sent them to my parents last week, so they can actually use them this Christmas season!  And they called and said they love them!!  YAY!!  So, parent’s gifts are crossed off my list of to do’s!! 

What are you sewing on these days?  Gifts?