Classic French Chic Kitchen Set

Today I'd like to share a kitchen set that I made for a friend who is just setting up her first kitchen.

Her mother asked me to make this as a surprise for her, so then I had the job of trying to find out what style she liked, without giving anything away.

My friend is a flamboyant dresser, who loves bright colours, so it was a bit of a surprise to me that she said she was after a neutral, but simple and sophisticated look to her house.

So I got to make a style that is personally my favourite.

Her mother and I brainstormed a few items, and I ultimately made a package of two potholders, three tea towels, an apron and a pot trivet.

I love the simple, elegant lines of this combination.

I've used a base of natural linen and ticking stripes, paired with some Flutter, by The Quilted Fish for Riley Blake Designs, a little bit of Gigi Blooms by Adorn It.

There are also liberal splashes of the recipe print from the Bake Sale collection by Lori Holt for Moda Fabrics.

This one is just perfect for adding to a kitchen set.

It adds just that little bit of retro kitsch without compromising the style...

And of course little touches of crochet lace add to the classic look as well.

Did you know that linen is a fantastic fabric for wiping dishes because it is very low lint?

I learned that from my husbands uncle, who is a car detailer, and told me to never throw out old tea linen tea towels, as they are especially good for polishing ceramics and windows.

I appreciate the thriftiness of keeping the old ones, but aren't new and pretty ones so much nicer??!

Here's the apron I made - you certainly have to be comfortable with making all that bias binding!

But for sure, such a pretty edging is worth all that work.

And I really think this cute apron is a nice incentive to get cooking in the kitchen.

I'm inspired to bake all day!

Here's my little miss modeling it for me, even though it's still a touch too big for her.

I really enjoyed adding all the special little touches, like the handmade tags.

And last but not least, you can see this quilt-as-you-go pot trivet/placemat.

I made this with the leftover scraps from the other items, which was so satisfying.

I drew out a rough sketch based on the sizes of what I had left over.

Then I appliqued some more Bake Sale recipes on top, and another strip of lace, and there was a cute matching mat!

My recipient opened her gift today, and was both surprised and delighted!

She proclaimed them her absolute favourite colours and style, which of course is mission completed!