corners of my home

My kitchen (sigh). When we began looking for a house 5+ years ago, we made a real effort to find a house whose kitchen had not been remodeled. We had witnessed one too many Home Depot-style remodels, so when we walked into what would become our home and saw the quirky butler's pantry, the older cabinets, and the wood floor that someone had painted over green after ripping up linoleum, we were easily charmed. We thought we'd remodel a bit and spruce up the finishes, but children and time and money have proved to be obstacles. Slowly, but surely, we're getting there. That wood floor has lost all it's charm and is just rough and uneven and impossible to clean. Once the kids are back in school I will be painting it a glossy white like this. The walls will be white too, I think. They were that blue when we moved in and since it was the least objectionable color in the house (the previous owners loved their jewel tones), we left it.

The newest addition to the kitchen is this little patchwork mat, inspired by Melissa and Amanda.

This was my very first effort at quilting (save the oven mitt I made), and it's a little wonky but so soft to stand on that you just have to take off your shoes. The colors and patterns are a bit brighter than my usual choices, but it will fit well with the Scandinavian modern vision I have for my (eventual) kitchen.

I used a combination of new and vintage fabrics paired with natural linen. It's backed with a great heavy-duty linen-cotton blend I received from Tracy. Because I was too intimidated by making a binding (and I think I prefer it without one anyway), I just sewed it up like a pillow case.

I am setting aside my shop goods until September when I will have dedicated work time again (I'll let my mailing list know when beforehand). I'll be using the next month to get caught up on swaps and gifts and explore some new designs as well as enjoy the summer with my partners in craft.

Comments

[Toni]

Another cute mat! I so want to make a couple of these for my kitchen. I have forever been on the hunt for affordable, WHASHABLE, and attractive mats. I can never seem to find one that has ALL 3 of my stipulations!

I love old homes with all their quirky-ness. I would have chose one like yours too...potential, potential!

[lisa]

beautiful.

[tracy]

ah what wonderful partners to have :)

love the kitchen - and where it is going. love the mat. need to add that to my list. (oh and swooning over that scan kitchen book too! have you ordered it?)

[sally]

Oh, all these beautiful quilted mats are driving me batty! I want to make one, but I need to finish up so many other projects. Anyways, your mat is so cheery. I hope you are enjoying the cooler weather!

[hillary]

I love it!! perfect for your kitchen to be. we've been looking at houses and have that same reaction to those home depot remodels. gah. why do they do that?

[kate]

love your mat, and love your shoes!
i know that wasn't your intended post, but now i'm obsessing over them. :) are they dr. scholls? love your taste in mats & shoes!

[kirsten]

yes, the mat turned out lovely - very cheery - exactly right for a kitchen. one will definitely be added to my (long) project list!

also love the blue in your kitchen - pretty!

[stephanie]

yes, dr. scholls. i have several pairs of these. they're so comfortable!

[kate]

aw thanks... now i'm off to find myself some green dr scholls! seems to be a hard color to find, but i love 'em!

p.s. i love your mat too. i really do! :)

[stephanie]

hope you find some kate! i should have mentioned that i bought mine secondhand about three years ago, so...

[Blair]

I've been seeing/pining away for these beautiful handmade mats, now you've gone and made one too? I love your rendition, it is very scandi. Your last post inspired me to get off the computer and "play" summer with my kids. Thank you for that. xo

[autum]

Great mat! I too was bitten by the mat bug after seeing Amanda's. For me the binding was the hardest part of the project, I like your idea much better. I agree with Kate, love the green shoes!

[mav]

i feel we might be secretly related or something. how can i be that i have the same exact taste as you?!?!?! all i can say to everything you posted is YES YES YES.
xo, mav

[vegasandvenice.com]

I love the mat and your kitchen. It may feel like it needs remodeling but it seems like it is filled with heart and that is wonderful. Look at you in your cute outfit with matching apron and shoes. Love this pic!

[Kristy]

I love your cabinets and that Stockholm style is so nice!

[julie]

oh, i'm so loving all these mats. I think y'all are starting a movement.

and beautiful kitchen. i am very envious of your butler's pantry.

[lyn]

That's pretty !
: )

[Shell]

Well, that photograph certainly makes the kitchen look totally lovely. The first thing I noticed was the gorgeous colour of the walls! And you want to get rid of it? Granted, I am looking at a photo. Love the rug, it's so cute. I can totally see it in a new crisp white kitchen.

Oh, and that window is to die for!

[Alicia P.]

Mmm, it's looks cool and calm and lovely in there, but a white floor would be wonderful, wonderful. All these mats are so awesome. I bought a few Dash and Albert rugs but you know what? You aren't supposed to throw them in the washing machine. May do, anyway, but the mats make so much sense -- gorgeous and actually practical. What's not to love.

[Sara]

I'm delurking to comment on your lovely kitchen!!! I LOVE OLD KITCHENS. Ah. Somethin' about 'em. Oh. And your shoes? Adorable.

Ok, that's all... back to lurking. :-)

[wendy allegree]

I LOVE the fabric choices! I may have to start a quest for fabrics for my own persoal rug.

[Gerrie]

Bindings are so easy! I will teach you. And with mitered corners, too! Mom

[momo]

i love that blue color of your kitchen!!

[The Nordic Bedouin]

I love that blue colour on your walls! I think your kitchen looks great! Really beautiful in its colours, plus having a window above your sink is the best in my opinion! I LOVE being able to look out and see what's going on while doing some annoying chore like washing dishes or cleaning vegetables.

[molly]

I love the feel of your kitchen in this picture...even if it's only in the beginning stages. the scandi-modern style looks so you. Have you ordered this book? i've seen it on someone's blog before and have wanted to track it down.