Thanks PlanoDebbie and RasberryParade for the links.

Any of the mug rug patterns would work. Some of the mug rugs end up being as big as placemats. Jenny Doan MSQC. FOR ONE. FONS AND PORTER, QUILTY. CRAFTSY.COM. Come up with one of your own. depends on what size you want.

This is what I think of when I make placemats. Lots of patterns feature a central design, but when you think about it, your plate covers this up. I generally try to find a side design, so that when the plate is on and you're eating, you can still see the design. I have made A LOT of placemats, and one of my favorite design is to make a strip pieced inset off to one side, add some piping or a little flange on either side to coordinate with the fabric.

Jeepers - I thought I was a "frequent flyer" of Google - but I hadn't thought of doing that. What a neat "idea" when your mind is stuck in a rut for inspiration.

Marysewfun

there are several free Placemat patterns at this link as well. http://www.allfreesewing.com/?task=s...term=placemats

went to google link and couldn't believe how many they have pictured there! then at the bottom you click for more..wow!

Sent you a PM

Thanks Planodebbie for the google search. Lots of really great pictures that are inspirational. Now I want to make some new placemats....

I am working on a set right now. It takes 36, 5"charm squares. You cut them in half and then in half again. So you will have 4 strips, 5" x 1 1/4" (per ea square)(You can stack them and cut several at a time.) After you have them all cut, lay them out and mix them up for different colors, and then sew 6 strips together making into squares again. Then you cut a solid color fabric into 36, 5" squares. (It said to buy 2 yards of the solid color). Then you lay a solid block with your 6 strips block Right sides together and cut into half square triangles. (when you sew the triangles together you will have, half the block solid and half the block with the strips). Really pretty. Then you sew all those blocks together in whatever pattern they look good, turning the blocks one way or the other or not turning the blocks at all. Play with them to see how you like them and then sew them together to what size you want. Not sure if you can understand this but you could check Moda for the pattern (it was free) It was called "Turn on the Charm Placemat Tutorial", makes 4 placemats. Go to www.modabakeshop.com to download the instructions.

Thank you for this link ! Some very impressive ideas for some of us !! :)