Vintage Shirting Scrap Lab - Day 2

Barbara J. Eikmeier's Vintage Shirting & Dress Prints 1880-1910 collection was recently used in the Scrap Lab feature of Quilts and More magazine. 

If you're not familiar with Scrap Lab, here's how it works: Three designers receive a specific set of materials (in this case, forty-two 5" squares of the Vintage Shirting & Dress Prints collection) and are challenged to make something using these fabrics. We'll be sharing all three projects here, as well as insight from the designers about what they created. Grab a copy of Quilts and More (winter 2015) issue to find directions for the projects. 

Next up, Monique Dillard of Open Gate Quilts! 
Monique used the 5" squares to create a round table topper.

"Images are used with permission of Meredith Corporation and Quilts and More magazine.

Copyright 2015."

Q. What appeals to you about the Vintage Shirting collection?

Monique: What appeals to me about these fabrics are the different colors, prints and scale of the prints.

Q. How did you decide what to make?

Monique: I wanted to make something simple but different. With the splashes of red and the surrounding white shirting, I thought that a round shape would add interest.

Q. Can you talk about how your design evolved?

Monique: I started my design with a stars and stripes feel but given the limited amount of fabric in the charm patches, I decided to go with more of a simple design with squares instead of elaborate piecing. 

Q. What do you like best about your project?

Monique: I love the round shape of the project.  I thought it would be perfect on a small round table or with a feather tree perched on top.

Q. Any tips for making this table topper?

Monique: My advice in piecing the project is to lay it out before you begin sewing so you can space out your fabrics and colors. 

See more Scrap Lab projects featuring the Vintage Shirting and Dress Prints collection!
Learn more about Barb Eikmeier's tote bag here.

See the entire Vintage Shirting and Dress Prints collection here.

Visit Monique's website here.

Find Quilts and More magazine here.