A work in progress. This sunflower tablemat is made in the hoop. I think it would look better with more (overlapping) petals, but I don't think most machines would cope with the bulk. Is it worth persevering?

It's a cute design, not sure about the bulk thou.

well done!

yes it is hugs

I think we solved your problem make it round. Chris saw this and I think she is correct! I love the idea. Kay

it's great!

It is lovely Sue! I think 1 more petal would be enough. I love your work!
Hugs, Yoriko

Brilliant Sue, I'm not sure what the solution would be, but I too would try it more circular than oval. Most plates are round, but that doesn't matter. I've actually bought square plates for my daughter and she loves them. Hope you can work it out. Love Chris

3 comments

by katydid 05 Mar 2015

great idea!

by spendlove 06 Mar 2015

I too have some square plates. There were two considerations when deciding the shape. Firstly, how to get the largest usable finished item within the constraints of the hoop size. Secondly I had "Little Weed" in my mind when I started the design! (Do you remember the Flowerpot Men?)

by marianb 06 Mar 2015

you mean Bill and Ben! oh boy showing my age there..

your quite right about the bulk Sue, perhaps you could start with the sunflower fabric first in one big shape then layer another pc of fabric on top to match remove from hoop flip right side out & then create the center in 2cd hooping then attach center bit accordingly. Just a thought. Lovely & spring like sigh..............which we are so anxiously waiting for. ~hugs~

1 comment

by spendlove 06 Mar 2015

That would only work with enormous hoops - I'm designing fro 130mm x 180mm.

Love the fabric, it is great like it is. Maybe try to make it more round rhan oval Just a thought as I sit here looking at your picture of the mat..

1 comment

by katydid 05 Mar 2015

I think do , also.

Another stunning Dewsbury design. No ideas to help with the petals but this is really super. I can visualise it on your dining table

Beautiful...Well done

I think Sue I would like wider petals that touched that are not quite as long as these yet fewer in no.. I'm not a digitizer so would not know if that were possible. I love the fabric, and brown, yellow and orange are some of my favorite Fall colors/Lillian

2 comments

by spendlove 05 Mar 2015

I too love the fabric. I have just enough left for one more test.

by katydid 05 Mar 2015

great fabric!

Well I would spread out the upper and lower petals. and see what that looks like, beautiful fabric Sue.hope you sort it .
Hugs pam

It is just lovely :)

This is great, Sue, as always........I think a few more petals would be great, too, just at the curve......love your consepts!!

I love looking at everyone's projects. This placemat is fabulous--does everyone in this group digitize. Can't seem to remember how mine works, EVER!!

Love your sunflower as it is! So pretty!

I think your concern is valid as well. What about making the petals a little wider at the base and a little shorter, rounder. That might make it appear fuller without having to overlap the petals.

I do love your ITH designs... you have such a creative mind!

1 comment

by spendlove 05 Mar 2015

I have aleady changed the shape and proportion of the petals. Hope to be able to test tomorrow.

I think your concern is right. I know my machine would not like to stitch through too many layers. And floppy petals, aka petals without batting, would spoil the look. Tricky!
Those petals would make nice rabbit ears for a drawstring bag. I have not yet figured out how to stitch the lower line for the drawstring tunnel ITH, but I have made a few bags on my 4 needle - the other machine is not in working order till the 11th, when my repairman comes round.

1 comment

by spendlove 05 Mar 2015

Interesting conundrum!
I did trip away the wadding at the open edge of the petals, but it didn't make enough difference.

Yes!!! You are so talented I know you will come up with a way to put more petals on it !!!! I love sunflowers.
Kathy
VA