I’m so excited to have the pleasure of designing projects for ADORNit this month around their line of Timberland Critters fabric.  This is the cutest fabric ever and when I saw the pictures for the first time I just knew I had to have some of those adorable circles.  Of course opening the box was the best part.  I had to touch and fold everything and get a feel for this fabric.  I was in love.

Timberland Critters from ADORNit
Timberland Critters from ADORNit

Since I spend a lot of my time outside at the cabin (even when I am working) I decided that this fabric would make a wonderful picnic set.  So my first project was to make something to go in the center of my table.

For a normal table center you would make a circular design and then put a center circle on it to cover up the seams.  But… my outside table has an umbrella in the middle so how do I make a center to go around the umbrella?  I suppose I could make a whole in the middle and put the umbrella through it every time I wanted to use it but that wouldn’t be very practical.  So I decided to design one with a velcro closure.  So I made a prototype…. and the first thing you have to remember is… your math skills.

oops
oops

The first prototype didn’t quite go well… so I had to remember my Geometry and calculate the angle of each piece in the circle.  It’s amazing how much better sewing works when you actually do the math.  The second time around the prototype worked much better and an idea was born.

Prototype.
Prototype

I cut the pattern pieces from my ADORNit fabrics and test the circle again.  Ah yes… much better.  Look how cute.

The beginning of my project.
The beginning of my project.

It needs some embellishments and those animal circles are perfect.  First I cut the circles out of the fabric and pinned them to the correct placement.  I chose to sew the circles on with a raw edge method and a zigzag stitch making it as simple as possible.  But of course, I needed to stabilize both the center panel and the circle so that the fabrics didn’t bunch up or pucker.  I fused a piece of Shape Flex to the back of both and then stitched around the circles.

Adding embellishment to the table center.
Adding embellishment to the table center.

Once completed I decided to finish the piece by “quick turn” method.  I layered the front, backing fabric and batting together and stitched all the way around the outside of the item… and the inside the circle opening leaving one end open for turning.  Clip the seams, turn the item right side out and top stitch it closed and viola it’s complete.

For my center I added velcro tabs to both sides before stitching and turning so that the center would stay together around the table.  Here is a photo of my velcro tabs from the back.  I made mine a little bit large so that I was sure they were in the right place and would work.  Next time I will make them a little bit smaller or space the tabs a little further from the edge.

Finished product.
Finished product.

Once the center was completely turned I added some quilting.  Here is the finished product.  Can you tell where the opening is?  (Hint: between the fox and the raccoon)

Velcro closure tabs
Velcro closure tabs

Come back tomorrow and see it around the table with a few of it’s friends.  Don’t forget to leave a comment on the ADORNit site underneath my post for a chance to win our GIVEAWAY this week.  ADORNit is giving away a FQ Bundle of their Timberland Critters… and I am giving away a little surprise too.

If you would like to make your own table center… the pattern piece is available on my website under the <STUFF> tab.  Print out the pdf and make your own.  Don’t forget to head over to the ADORNit Blog and leave a comment for a chance to win the GIVEAWAY below.

Happy Quilting

~Penni
a Rafflecopter giveaway