This is my hand sewing project from over the holidays.
I love looking at maps. One of my earliest memories was sitting in my brother’s headmaster’s office and being allowed to control the remote control spinning globe, while the grown-ups talked. Seeing how the world jigsawed together and the names of places just fascinated me.
I had little grasp of world history at that point nor could I appreciate why familiar British place names were scattered all over the land masses. It was all just fascinating.
Even now, closer to home, local walking maps keep my attention far longer than plotting a walking route. I love looking at the lay of the land through the contours and the names of places. Giving clues to their hidden history. Hmm. I can spend a lot of time looking at maps.
Until I used this fabulous atlas fabric, I had no idea that there was an American Highlands. I had a bit of fun moving it, as a covered button, to above the Bermuda Islands. In fact the back of the cushion I made, has a rework of the world. A kind of “spot what is wrong” challenge.
A cushion is a perfect place for this kind of fabric. This one was a gift for my parent’s, so I hope that it will cause a bit of conversation. I imagine visitors picking it up and looking at it during those inevitable pauses while the kettle boils. I am making another for our sofa, so that my children can enjoy it too. Smarten up the sofa and the children at the same time!
When I spotted this fabric, my first thought was to make table mats. In my mind’s eye, I pictured the children rushing to sit down at the table, while I served up supper. Discussing the mats in front of them.
Each meal they could swap round.
I know it is going to improve my knowledge of the world, as well as theirs.
Details:
Atlas fabric from Terry’s fabric
Wadding is thermal quality
binding and blue backing fabric from local shop.
Oh that looks fun..and a real conversation opener.
When I was growing up we lived in an old Victorian house with separate Loo’s the walls of which were brilliant places for Maps and posters. I remember a large map of the World and a poster of the Stately homes and Castles of the British Isles….there was no secrecy about which room had been visited when visitors were compelled to share interesting facts of the “Well I never knew that x was an inland country..” or did you know that… Great fun and fond memories .. I’ve often wished for more wall space but never thought of Maps as soft furnishings …brilliant!
We all love those little facts, don’t we? I had all sorts of maps on my bedroom walls when I was growing up . Historical, London and Wild West maps spring to mind. First babysitting money I earnt, I bought a huge map of Italy! Still have it. Listing those now makes me wonder if I have a slight obsession!
We made a blind at work for a local little boy using very similar fabric. By all accounts, he loved it! Placemats though – now there’s a thought …
Love the idea of using this fabric for a blind. A poster and window covering in one. 😀
What great idea. They’d go down very well in our house too. Juliex
They are fun, and they do brighten up the post-Christmas table.
Well, you must be psychic. I was only wondering yesterday where you were and opened up this afternoon and there you are. So pleased, I love reading all about your crafts.
The map place mats are brilliant, I wouldn’ t mind some myself, I always have to check where places are.
Happy new year to you all.
Briony
x
There are parts of the world that I could brush up on too! 😀 Nice to be back.
Absolutely love this idea. I’ve been debating soft furnishings for the boys room and these would be just the ticket.
This kind of print covers quite an age range of interests. I can imagine it fascinating primary school age and, at the same time, not being outgrown by the eventual teenager.
what a great project!! i absolutely love it!!
Thanks Melissa. The children are loving using them at meal times. Some have their favourites, while the others like to change each meal. They seem to be learning a little each meal. 🙂
Hay there, Haven’t seen you around in a while, just stopping by to say hi and hope all is well. And I love your maps… there is even a little bit of sunny South Africa!!!
Now you are teasing me. You know how much I miss the blue sky!! Trying to get back to this space on a regular basis. Question of time, but I am missing it and visiting all my favourite blogs. Be over soon for my dose of blue sky.