First, thank you all so much for your comments yesterday. I know I rambled a bit but it was so nice to read all your comments that shared in my own happiness... yet another reason that I love blogging!
So as promised, here's your reward for following along with my blabbing.
Supplies:
1 hand towel
1 pre-washed fat quarter for your focus fabric
2nd pre-washed fabric for your accent fabric {this could be a scrap}
coordinating thread
pins
sewing machine
scissors
iron
walking foot {I suppose you could make this without one but I highly recommend one!}
Please read through the instructions prior to starting! I give you little tips throughout that are pretty helpful... :)
1. Grab an old hand towel. Mine measured approx 14" x 24".
2. After lots of washings your towel is probably a little wonky so lay it flat and square it up. I squared mine up to approx 13" x 22". If you want a smaller or larger dish rug just make note of these measurements so you can cut your fabric to the same size.
3. Pick out a few coordinating prints. I despise pre-washing but it's important that these fabrics be pre-washed since they are going to be sewn to a well washed towel.
4. Cut the small strip 3.5" x 13". Cut the larger piece to measure 13" x 19.5" and then cut it in half width ways where you want to insert your small strip.
5. With right sides together {RST} and using a 1/4" seam allowance, sew fabric A to fabric B. Repeat and stitch fabric B to fabric C. Press your seams open. You now have your completed top!
6. Take your top and pin it RST to the towel. The towel may still be a little "wavy" so make sure you pin well.
7. With a 1/2" seam allowance stitch around the perimeter. Make sure to leave a 4" opening on one short side so you can turn your work right side out.
8. Clip the corners to reduce bulk. This will give your rug nice corners.
9. Turn right side out and use your fingers to push the corners out. Press well. There will be a bit of the towel showing on the front and that's a good thing... you'll see!
10. Quilt as desired. {I did random straight lines} Bury your beginning and ending back stitches in the towel edges showing on the front... see why that was a good thing now?
11. After you are done quilting, make sure your opening is pressed and lines up with the other edges. It's a little awkward pressing the towel so just fold it and press as best you can. Top stitch 1/4" away from the edges of the dish rug. Pay close attention to the opening and make sure you catch that edge so it is stitched shut.
Trim any stray threads, press again if needed and then go wash some dishes to put on your pretty new dish rug!
Please let me know if you have any questions...