One of the first places to start in learning the skills required for quilting is to make placemats and, possibly, napkins. This is where I chose to start the self-learning phase. I saw a pattern for placemats and napkins that appeared to be suitable for a beginner and also producing a quite striking finished product.

The pattern that caught my eye was "Table Graces" by Jean Dunn Designs (JD-01). These pictures represent some of the numerous sets I made, some with and some without accompanying napkins.

I found these to be challenging enough to provide continued learning for me and the finished product generated a number of requests for sets from friends, neighbors and relatives.

While I have not made a set yet, I am considering altering this design to eliminate the inner set of contrasting corner pieces, leaving only the outer set of corner pieces. It may remove a bit of the "busyness" that comes with some fabric choices.

While the sewing was not difficult, the part that caused me the greatest problem was closing the "hole" one must leave in the final joining of the back and top. As one can see in some pictures, closing the hole with a smooth seam with the edges folded under occasionally leaves a pucker in the final seam. (I need more practice at this.)

(Please note, I have also photographed the backs of some sets if I felt the back showed anything of interest.)