Placemats and Dish Towels

Over the years I have discovered that I have a weakness for placemats and Dish towels. So I decided to research some decorating ideas using these items. Check out these ideas you can do today - you probably have what you need on hand!

Placemats
So many placemats are two sided, which means you can rip an end open and either stuff with poly-fil or cover an existing pillow! What a quick and easy way to add new color to a room! Glue or stitch the opening closed and Voila! you are done!! If your placemat has two different patterns on it, (one on each side) then you really have a great deal - two coordinating pillows!!

Next idea is to help you to stay organized. Fold a placemat in half using a fabric glue or iron-on fusible web to seal the sides (or stitch it!). Fold one side down a few inches to form a cuff. Use the same glue, web or stitch to create pockets. Sew a button at the top of each pocket to reinforce the seams. Add two or three grommets at the top so you can hang it on the wall over or near your desk. Staying organized never looked so chic!!

Dish Towels 
Like placemats, dish towels come in so many neat patterns and colors - it really is hard to resist them! I often see them in coordinating packs of 2 or 3 which makes decorating with them even easier! One of the things I love is that the sides are already finished, so crafting with them is just that much quicker.

Need a quick gift? add a sash to the top of a Dish towel for an instant apron or glue two together on three sides, add a strap and you have a tote bag!! No sew is quick and easy!

Dish towels also are often the perfect size for cafe curtains.