"Drink" Place Mat

• 1  11-x-5-1/2-inch rectangle for applique foundation

• 1  6-1/2-x-8-1/2-inch rectangle for applique foundation
• 1 of Pattern E

• 1  9-x-5-1/2-inch rectangle

• 1 each of letters D, R, I, N, and K
• 1 of Pattern F

• 1 of Pattern C

• 1 of Pattern D

• 1  13-1/2-x-8-1/2-inch rectangle

• 1  19-1/2-x-13-1/2-inch rectangle

• 1  19-1/2-x-13-1/2-inch rectangle

Referring to Diagram 2, lay out mottled dark brown letters on mottled pink rectangle and pieces C-F on bright pink print rectangle; fuse in place.

Using thread to match the appliques, machine zigzag-stitch around each piece. (To avoid puckers, designer Linda Lum DeBono recommends placing stabilizer behind the applique foundations; remove it after stitching around appliques.)

Referring to Diagram 2, join appliqued rectangles, bright pink print rectangle, and pink floral rectangle in two vertical rows. Press seams in one direction. Join rows to make place mat top. Press seam in one direction.

Baste batting rectangle to wrong side of place mat top, machine-stitching a scant 1/4 inch from the edges. Trim batting close to the scant 1/4-inch seam, especially around the corners. With right sides together, layer the place mat and backing rectangle. Sew together, leaving a 4-inch opening along one side.

Turn place mat and backing right side out through opening. Hand-stitch opening closed; press. Topstitch 1/4 inch from place mat outer edges through all layers.