Hello friends and welcome to the Minnesota Designer blog hop. For those of you that are new here, I would like to tell you a little bit about myself. My name is Gudrun and I am actually a Minnesota transplant! I am originally from Iceland and just moved to Chanhassen, Minnesota 6 years ago with my husband Torir and 3 kids; son Atli (now 16), son Gisli (9) and daughter Svana (7 going on 17). My pattern company GE Designs was started in Iceland with my pattern designs in Icelandic only and since being in the States I have designed books and patterns in english. In 2006 I designed my first fabric line with Red Rooster Fabrics and last quilt market in May we just introduced fabric line number 7 called Glow, which will be in stores this fall. Working from home, doing something I absolutely love is such a blessing for me. We love being in Minnesota and my kids are talking like true Minnesotan's already.... ya you betcha!!
I decided to do a "Quilt As You Go" pattern for my tutorial in the blog hop to celebrate my new book that just came out last month, Fast & Furious - quilting as you go. It has 17 smaller projects in it that are all done with the quilt as you go method. Included are table runners, baby quilts, placemats, bags and coasters and many of them are done with the precut fabric cuts out there (charms, jelly rolls, honey buns....)
Be sure to say hi in the comments to be able to win a kit to make 4 of the Anytime Placemats out of my Glow fabric along with a Fast & Furious book!! And if you visit all the other designers in the hop and post your comment, you will be eligible for the grand prize drawing.
Enjoy the Anytime Placemats!!
Fabric Requirements for 2 placemats
Fabric A: Fat Quarter
Fabric B: Fat Quarter
Fabric C: Fat Eight
Fabric D: 2/3 yd.
Backing: 1/2 yd.
Batting: Two 15" x 18" rectangles
Cutting for 2 placemats:
Fabric A: Cut Two 8-1/2" x 12-1/2" rectangles.
Fabric B: Cut Four 5-1/2" squares, Four 3-1/2" squares and Four 1-1/2" squares.
Fabric C: Cut Four 4-1/2" squares and Four 2-1/2" squares.
Fabric D: Cut Eight 2-1/2" strips.
Baste your backing and batting together using fusible batting or with a basting spray. Center a fabric A rectangle on the batting, right side up and pin down.
Draw a line on the back of all the squares cut from fabric B and C. Layer two 5-1/2" fabric B squares on two corners of the fabric A rectangle, right sides together, exactly as shown. Pin down.
Using a walking foot on your machine and a bobbin thread matching your backing, stitch on the lines. When starting and ending each seam, sew a few stitches in the same place to secure threads.
Trim the seam allowance to a 1/4" with scissors and press out.
Layer two 4-1/2" fabric C squares on the two corners with the fabric B triangles, right sides together, exactly as shown. Pin down. Sew on the line, trim and press.
Follow the same method as before with the 3-1/2" fabric B squares on top of the fabric C triangles by sewing, trimming and pressing.
Do the same with the 2-1/2" fabric C squares and then the 1-1/2" fabric B squares. Press.
Layer a 2-1/2" border strip on the top and bottom edge of your center units, trim them to the right length and stitch down with a 1/4" seam allowance. Press out.
Repeat with the two sides of the placemat and press.
Sew the rest of the 2-1/2" strips together into a long strip, press it in half lengthwise and add binding to the placemat.
I hope you enjoyed the Anytime Placemat tutorial. Remember to comment to be able to win the prize!!
Thank you for the great tutorial :)
hugs
Margot from Brasil
Posted by: Margot | November 03, 2009 at 07:26 AM
Love the pattern and hope to try it soon. I can't find the bag pattern. Is it online or will I find it in your book?
Posted by: Nancy | October 15, 2009 at 01:27 PM
Love your patterns. I have many of them and have done them all. Just bought your new book "Fast and Furious" at my local quilt shop. Can't wait to try the patterns. Thank you for giving us these great patterns.
Posted by: Edna | October 14, 2009 at 08:44 PM
I enjoyed the tutorial and I think it will be great for the ladies at my church sewing group. We are trying to find patterns that will be very quick and easy for them. Thanks for publishing your book. I will be getting it soon.
Posted by: Juanita Houston | August 08, 2009 at 04:07 PM
Gudrun, I'm so excited you did a quilt as you go book. I am new to quilting and have been lookin for this type of project for quite a while. Thank You the placemats are so fun and easy!!
Posted by: Pat Brett | July 16, 2009 at 03:15 PM
Thank you for a great blog and a great tutorial, I've just found it today! I'm afraid I might be too late for your drawing, but the placemats I'll make anyway!
Posted by: Elin | July 15, 2009 at 02:38 AM
Good morning:
Thank you for the Bloghop. Something to look forward to every morning. Hope you make it an annual event.
HAPPY 4th OF JULY FROM YOUR CANADIAN FRIENDS.
Posted by: Colette | July 04, 2009 at 10:55 AM
Just a little slow reading my emails so I just got clued into this blogging ideas but I love it. I've been lost in checking this all out today. Great idea!
Posted by: Barb | July 04, 2009 at 10:20 AM
I am an armywife and visiting home to Wisconsin soon. It will be for the first time in 2 years. I am still a fairly new quilter so nothing seems to come out fast but, this pattern will be just the thing to whip up fast to have some gifts for my trip. Thank you so much!!!
Posted by: Jennifer | July 03, 2009 at 11:55 PM
Gudrun -
Thanks for the placemat tutorial. It's great!!!
Lisa in Louisiana
Posted by: Lisa Franklin | July 03, 2009 at 04:08 PM
Great idea!
Posted by: Rita J | July 03, 2009 at 02:37 PM
Great placemats! Thanks so much for your work!
Posted by: Edna | July 03, 2009 at 01:41 PM
Great placemats! A nice way to use up the scraps from your latest project. Thanks
Posted by: YTS Mom | July 03, 2009 at 01:22 PM
I could swear that I posted on this site but can't find it. This age thing - - - it sure gives us good excuses, huh?
Posted by: ViolaRae | July 03, 2009 at 11:49 AM
Thanks for sharing such a great pattern!
Posted by: Norma | July 03, 2009 at 10:56 AM
I thought I have left a comment on your blog, but anyway this give me the chance to let you know how much I appreciate all your hard work with this blog hoop. I hope you consider it a success. To me it was a great opportunity to discover amazing blogs and wonderful designers some I have purchased patterns and it is nice to see their other creations.
Thank you
Posted by: erika | July 03, 2009 at 10:49 AM
This blog hop is wonderful. Thanks for the pattern. I will add it to my "to do" list.
Posted by: Gloria | July 03, 2009 at 09:53 AM
Fast and wow 756 comments so far..I have cut the fabric for your placemats and hope to finish them this holiday..thanks for offering the instructions...they are very clear and so are your pictures!
Posted by: carol | July 03, 2009 at 09:09 AM
I love this quilt as you go placemat and plan to use them togather to make a tote bag. Thanks for the great tutorial.
Barbara
Posted by: Barbara York | July 03, 2009 at 01:14 AM
I hope to try this pattern using my Christmas fabrics.
Posted by: Donna Gober | July 02, 2009 at 11:32 PM
I love the placemats. I have the perfect Christmas fabrics to make these.
Posted by: Donna Gober | July 02, 2009 at 10:48 PM
thanks so much for all the fun things you have shown, I really enjoyed all the ideas, and one more day to go. what will the last day bring???
Posted by: Virginia | July 02, 2009 at 08:54 PM
This is a great technique! I like the stacked corners. Simple to do, but it makes for a really interesting look. I also REALLY like the fabrics! I'm assuming they're from the new line. I like it, and will be looking for it.
Posted by: Lydia | July 02, 2009 at 02:02 PM
I love the use of the triangles to do those diagonal lines, very clever! Thanks for the tutorial and the chance at the giveaway.
Posted by: Liz B | July 02, 2009 at 11:10 AM
Love your tutorial!!!!! Thanks
Posted by: Susan | July 02, 2009 at 07:53 AM
I love your placemat tutorial, I haven' tried a quilt as you go yet.
Thanks
Glenda
Posted by: Glenda | July 01, 2009 at 10:33 PM
Happy Anniversay Gudrun!!! I know your "sister" is smiling at you. Virginia
Posted by: Virginia | July 01, 2009 at 07:39 PM
What a fun way to whip up some placemats...I'm headed to my stash right now;) Thanks for the HOP
Posted by: Karen aka Grammy Mac | July 01, 2009 at 04:47 PM
I'm kinda of late in participating in this
blog hop but I believe it's better to be late than never. What a GREAT idea and expossure to a lot of interesting patterns
and ideas. Thanks for creating it!!
Posted by: Genia Sheerman | July 01, 2009 at 02:55 PM
I got a late start to the blog hop, just found out about it! I love these placemats, I forsee quite a few different ones in my sewing future. Your designs are so awesome, I love all of the strip quilt patterns! Keep up the great work!
Posted by: Cindy Young | July 01, 2009 at 11:16 AM
What a great idea, this blog hop! I'm late in starting, but love the idea. Whoever won the drawing on the 22nd must have been delighted! Love your pattern. Welcome to Minnesota!
Posted by: Barb Hanson | July 01, 2009 at 10:36 AM
Great pattern! I have been looking for a wonderful placemat pattern and I love the mix of colors.
Posted by: Mary Anne | July 01, 2009 at 10:08 AM
Neat project!!
Posted by: Lynda L | July 01, 2009 at 07:53 AM
Sniðugar diskamottur.
Posted by: Brynja Thorarinsdottir | July 01, 2009 at 06:04 AM
I love those corner stripes! Thank you for sharing your lovely pattern.
Posted by: rustybird | June 30, 2009 at 11:49 PM
I just found out about this. I hope it's not too late. Wow what a fun idea. I've never blogged before. It's not too scary. Thank you for the quilt as you go pattern. It sounds like fun.
Posted by: Carol Kietzman | June 30, 2009 at 10:43 PM
What a wonderful project to use on those odd sized leftover batting pieces. Will whip up some placemats for this weekends BBQ!
Thanks!
~Ann B
Posted by: Ann Barlament | June 30, 2009 at 10:38 PM
Loved reading about how you came to Minnesota. Welcome and hope Minnesota Nice is living up to its name. Can't wait to try the pattern.
Posted by: Arlene | June 30, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Hi and Thanks for sharing the placemat pattern! It looks like a fun technique and I look forward to giving it a try!
Posted by: Yvonne | June 30, 2009 at 06:45 PM
It looks so easy to make.
I also love your placemats using Figgy Pudding showed at quilt market.
Posted by: Meg99 | June 30, 2009 at 06:14 PM
What cute placemats!
Posted by: Rebecca | June 30, 2009 at 05:48 PM
I'm so not a poster but this just sounds like such a great thing .I'm hooked . I've got plans for the place mats already . Thanks for such a wonderful idea .Keep Blogging :O)
Beth
Posted by: Beth Macdonald | June 30, 2009 at 02:49 PM
I love the as you go technique as I don't own a quilting machine! thanks!
Posted by: Dawn DeMulling | June 30, 2009 at 12:10 PM
wow! just got the address for this today blog hop today! what fun! I have a week of catching up to do!!
Paula
Posted by: Paula Hjelle | June 30, 2009 at 11:28 AM
I am a newbie to this "blogging stuff" ....
anyhow, each day I search for the comment site for each designer..... I have posted comments on their site, or is Gudruns site the official posting site??? I sure want to get my "hat" in the ring for the grand prize. That would be terrific. I have learned many new ideas. I have sewn for many years, but not to the extent that I do now. My daughter rekindled my passion for quilting again. I think that session in Rogers should be attended by this old novice. Virginia
Posted by: Virginia | June 30, 2009 at 07:47 AM
Thank you for the tutorial. Although my placemat came out crooked, I will try again.
Posted by: Carol Radcliffe | June 30, 2009 at 05:31 AM
Love this pattern and have others of your too! Thanks.
Posted by: Sherri Osborn | June 29, 2009 at 10:05 PM
Hello Gudrun ... Welcome to America. I just received your Blog Hop invitation from a friend who knows I love to quilt. I am a week behind but know I am going to enjoy visiting and reading the 10 designers blogs. What a fun idea. Your Anyday Placemats tutorial is great. Thank you for sharing this pattern. I will look for your new book and fabric at my local quilt shops.
Posted by: Darly Dulion | June 29, 2009 at 08:45 PM
the blog shop hop is a great idea. I just bought your Fast and Furious book - there are lots of great projects in it.
Posted by: Pat F. | June 29, 2009 at 05:10 PM
Thanks for introducing the USA to a whole batch of great designers from Minnesota! Great job organizing!
Posted by: bscotland | June 29, 2009 at 03:42 PM
I love them! Great tips! Many thanks!
Posted by: Dandelion Quilts | June 29, 2009 at 12:35 PM
welcome to mn.! thanks for the pattern. karen
Posted by: karen schalekamp | June 29, 2009 at 11:13 AM
Oh I love this. Can't wait to dig through my fabrics and make one...or two...or six.
Posted by: Debbie Cameron | June 29, 2009 at 10:05 AM
Thank you for the lovely placemat tutorial.
Posted by: Siv | June 29, 2009 at 06:57 AM
Beatiful placemate.
Posted by: Mona Ragnhildrød | June 29, 2009 at 12:59 AM
welcome to you and your family to MN. We welcome all quilters.
Posted by: Liz Tarr | June 28, 2009 at 05:19 PM
Great idea. The placemats look like fun.
Posted by: Lisa E. | June 28, 2009 at 11:15 AM
I love the placemats and can't wait to try them. Thanks!
Posted by: Jennifer Grady | June 28, 2009 at 09:32 AM
Nice tutorial - good luck with the blog hop
Posted by: Sølvi in Norway | June 28, 2009 at 08:09 AM
Thank you for the free pattern, I cannot wait to experiment with it and will look for your book when I get to the quilt store!!
Posted by: Debbie b. | June 28, 2009 at 08:00 AM
Hello Gudrun - I will be looking for your book in my local quilt shops. Thank you fo rhte great place mat pattern!!
Posted by: Bev Dixon | June 27, 2009 at 08:40 PM
Cute! So glad I found the blog hop. Nice to meet you...
Posted by: Sharon in FL | June 27, 2009 at 08:11 PM
Loved the placemat tutorial! Thanks. This blog hop was a great idea, lots of fun!
Posted by: KathyC | June 27, 2009 at 07:49 PM
Never though I would do a placemat, but I changed my mind when I saw your tutorial - even though I may be a few days late with my comment! Thanks so much!
Posted by: Barb | June 27, 2009 at 05:12 PM
I love the place mats thanks for sharing
Posted by: Cherie Catanesi | June 27, 2009 at 05:02 PM
Thanks for the blog hop. It's great fun.
Posted by: Cleopatra | June 27, 2009 at 04:22 PM
I'm not someone who uses placemats but this pattern may change my mind. Looks great for gift giving also.
Posted by: Michele Ripplinger | June 27, 2009 at 04:06 PM
How did you start out as a designer?
Posted by: Linda Taylor | June 27, 2009 at 03:57 PM
Looks like a fun project - guess I will get the book!
Posted by: Durlyn | June 27, 2009 at 12:55 PM
Great idea!! Thanks for the tutorial!
Posted by: Dawn | June 27, 2009 at 12:13 PM
Thanks you for the tutorial. It looks like something I could do.
Posted by: Doreen | June 27, 2009 at 07:40 AM
I'm a big fan of quilt as you go. Love the blog-so much fun to learn about you all, and read other quilter's comments. Thanks! Lori
Posted by: Lori Martindale | June 26, 2009 at 10:55 PM
the blog hop was a great idea...love the placemats
Posted by: Patti Pitzer | June 26, 2009 at 09:05 PM
Such a neat idea of a blog hop. All the info is great and sure to be helpful.
Posted by: Bonnie in Iowa | June 26, 2009 at 04:00 PM
Thanks for the placemat pattern and thanks for participating in the blog hop
Posted by: Jeanne S | June 26, 2009 at 03:31 PM
Oh Boy! I'll bet I get addicted to making these! Can't wait to try them! Looking forward to all the great blogs and patterns to come! Thanks!
Posted by: Kyra | June 26, 2009 at 11:50 AM
I like the easy assembly of the lines on the corner. Good technique for other projects.
Blog Hop is a great idea!!
I am a late starter, but am sure I can catch up. Thank you for the inspirations - and all from MN gals - Woo hoo!!!
Posted by: jean back | June 26, 2009 at 11:01 AM
Great Work! Thanks for the new ideas.
Posted by: Elaine | June 26, 2009 at 09:52 AM
This blog hop is a great idea! Thanks for the lesson on the placemat.
Posted by: Rhondi | June 26, 2009 at 09:34 AM
Thankyou so much for hosting this Blog hop! I never knew there was so much talent in Minnesota!!!!! :)
Posted by: Babette | June 26, 2009 at 09:00 AM
Who'd ah thunk a blog hop could be so much fun. THANKS
Posted by: RitaJ | June 26, 2009 at 08:08 AM
Looks like I've got some catching up to do....great project
Posted by: Nancy Miller | June 26, 2009 at 06:38 AM
I'm so so happy you started this "quilting week"
Nice placemats.
Thank you so much
Posted by: ulla | June 26, 2009 at 05:43 AM
Cute placemat and good tutorial and thanks for hosting the The Blog Shop Hop, fun idea.
Posted by: Joni | June 25, 2009 at 11:53 PM
Great placemats!
Posted by: Janelle | June 25, 2009 at 11:46 PM
What a great idea! Can't wait to try your quilt as you go patterns! Thanks!
Posted by: Sherry R | June 25, 2009 at 09:02 PM
Now this one looks easy - maybe I can make placemats afterall. Thank you so much.
Posted by: Gloria Uehlein | June 25, 2009 at 08:43 PM
Hi! What a great idea to make quilty, washable place mats! I used to use them all the time for our meals, but have gotten out of the habit. I think your free pattern might just nudge me back in the right direction! Thanks so much!
Posted by: Gayle | June 25, 2009 at 08:08 PM
A Blog Hop - what fun! I love your placemats too!
Posted by: Marilyn | June 25, 2009 at 07:59 PM
So cute! Love that corner action. Thank you.
Posted by: Lisa | June 25, 2009 at 06:06 PM
Thanks so much for sharing this great pattern!! And the blog hop has been so much fun!
Posted by: DonnaC | June 25, 2009 at 04:19 PM
I thought I left a comment but I cannot find it - thanks so much for the tutorial - I am looking forward to giving it a try when I get new fabric that goes with our new kitchen scheme.
Posted by: Christy | June 25, 2009 at 03:06 PM
I have a large family, looks like I could make 8 placemats really quick. Thank you for the tutorial. I'll visit again.
Posted by: Kay | June 25, 2009 at 02:26 PM
Love your stuff! What a good idea - a Blog hop! So fun!
Posted by: Mary | June 25, 2009 at 01:57 PM
I love all your 'quilt as you go' designs. Thank you!
Posted by: Carolyn J | June 25, 2009 at 01:32 PM
thanks for sharing - I think I see more placemats in my future!
Posted by: Jackie Hicks | June 25, 2009 at 01:17 PM
Thank you for the tutorial. It looks like a lot of fun to do
Posted by: Kris Jacobson | June 25, 2009 at 12:03 PM
What nice placemats! I could certainly use them. This is my first time on your blog and I will be returning.
Posted by: Martha Robinson | June 25, 2009 at 11:56 AM
I have never tried this but it sounds like fun!
Posted by: Pat | June 25, 2009 at 11:34 AM
Hi!
This is a great idea! I did send a comment but didn't do it on this date the first day of the Blog Hop.
Thanks to all the designers!!
Cindy
Posted by: Cindy Horan | June 25, 2009 at 11:31 AM