Today is trash day. When the trash can in my sewing room looks like this on trash day, I know it’s been a fairly productive week. 
Artsy Crafty Babe posted some Martha Stewart dishtowels from Kmart that I thought were so cute. I went online to find the closest Kmart just to find out that there are NONE in Texas. Martha Stewart really isn’t getting her fair exposure here! They didn’t sell the dishrags online either, so sweet Beki went and picked some up for me!!! Isn’t that just what you would expect from a fellow blogger? Thank you so much! They are a thick cotton that I thought would be perfect for a pieced kitchen rug inspired by Autum from her famous Japanese craft book. I sewed the peices together, fused the back with fleece, quilted it, then backed it with canvas and slipped a kitchen rug from Target inside.
When the rug was done, there were quite a few dish towels that hadn’t been used so I made my first-ever apron to match. I pieced some squares on point, then using Denyse Schmidt’s pattern as a guide, I made an apron to match. I didn’t put a pocket on because I thought it would be too busy.
I’ve never used aprons when I cook, but I’m always looking around for a dish towel to wipe my hands. Since my apron is made out of dish towels, I think it will serve it’s purpose perfectly. I know, I know, the rug is a bit on the white side. Hopefully it’ll wash well.
It’s ok to be a copy cat but you shouldn’t copy cat so much prettier! I love your mat and apron!! And having a new puppy in the house I can say with all confidence, yes they wash well. I don’t understand what you did with the Target rug. Did you insert it between the canvas and the quilted part then stitch around the edges?
fabulous! Love the apron and I think you’re right about the pocket. The rug is an inspired idea and I just may copycat that from you !
OMG, that turned out so well! You did an awesome job!!! Amazing what can be done with kitchen towels.
those turned out so so cute – great, now i REALLY want to make one of those rugs! add to the list…
I love both the rug and the apron! Very well done, Linda, as usual!
That’s really lovely. I never felt the need for one of these mats before, but I am trying to convince myself of it now so I can have a go at the fun. Maybe as it gets colder and my tootsies need cosseting.
Those are so adorable!!! I bought the same dishtowels a week ago. I’ve been afraid to cut them. Now, you’ve inspired me … again.
I love it, I love it, I love it. How brilliant, the colurs, pattern, and the wonderful job you’ve made making them into a mat and an apron!!!!!!!!
The apron is so cute. I knew that most of the Kmarts in Texas were shut down but I didn’t realize all of them were. Bummer.
So cute. Really jealous. You Craft Apple, you.
I LOVE that apron! Great idea!
Adorable!! Ohhhh….I will do the same thing and be a copycat of a copycat…am I a copy-copy-cat? Or a copycatsquared….no, that is if someone copies me…
Those are dishtowels???? Martha Stewart??? Wow! Who knew. And how pretty.
What a great idea and I like your pattern idea of slipping a “real” rug inside. Should make it very durable and very easy to wash.
I have to ask — what’s with the wooden spoon? Were your really cooking??? . . . . . . .
I would say that trash can of your is overflowing with lots of remnants from some great crafting ideas and finished projects.
What an awesome idea! I really need to quit my job. It’s getting terribly in the way of all the good fun. Course then I couldn’t buy any more supplies but I bet I have enough yarn and fabric for many years of crafting. hmmmm….. Wonder how long the food in my pantry and freezer might last?
You’re ready for a cooking show with that ensemble! I have the same question as Autum. I’ve been seeing these rugs but I’m worried about it slipping on the wood floors in the kitchen, did your Target rug solve that? You’re always doing great things that brighten up your house, it’s very inspiring. Thank you Linda.
Oh Linda, that rug is wonderful. And love the story of Beki getting them for you!!!! How sweet. But that rug and that gorgeous apron would make Martha herself very proud! I may have to be a Copy the Copy Cat kitten. huh?
I am going to be a copy cat next! Oh, wait I already have been. Anyway…I saw those dishtowels and just loved them. I have so many that I was looking for an excuse to buy them. You have now provided me with my excuse!
Oh, I forgot to tell you we finished Edward Tulane the day before I went in for surgery. The children thought I lost it because I boo whooed through those last chapters.
When can I move in??
LOVE this idea. Nice work!
Did you ever get by the sewing machine store to take the lessons? You have been doing so much sewing with your new machine that I can’t imagine you being any more creative. So glad you love to craft.
I might just get creative if I keep coming around here. And as a fellow Texan, yes, there are no Kmarts in these here parts!
Aren’t you smart! Your design sounds nice and heavy and sturdy. I hate lightweight rugs that shift around constantly. And it’s cute to boot. Congrats on the fun apron too!
how great both pieces are.
these came out so well…i love the rug/mat idea!
Oh no! A new blog to add to my addiction.
very nice apron and mat!!! very lovely!!
I recently stumbled across your site upon reading somebody’s blog. What an AWESOME rug and apron.