07-26-2013

Christmas in July

~Christmas in July~

I ♥ Christmas! So this Christmas in July Sewing Challenge hosted by LoveByHand was quick to draw me in. I saw this pattern for a table topper by Julie@TheCraftyQuilter a while back and knew I had to make it! It is called Winter Seeds. You can print out the pattern over on Julie’s blog. Making something with these melon or seed appliques had been on my to do list. I love this fabric line too, it’s Winter’s Lane by Kate & Birdie for MODA. I used a layer cake and a template to cut out the seeds.

upclosetabletopper

I appliqued these by pressing them onto some fusible web, traced my templates and cut them out, pressed in place, and then stitched down with a blanket stitch.

A few of the seeds were trying to fray a bit on me. I am not sure if I needed to take a bigger bite of the fabric or this just happens, but I just happened to have some fray check and that fixed it right up. Just a tiny squirt along the edges and they are all sealed up…no more fray!

I did a cathedral windows style quilting following the design of the seeds.

The binding is by machine using this tutorial. Turning all those corners wasn’t super easy, but just take your time and it will be fine.

Here is one of my old Christmas favorites.

Merry Christmas!

Keep it Sassy♥

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07-24-2013

All Cut Up!

So, I am moving full speed ahead with the Star Surround Quilt-a-Long. Melissa@HappyQuilting is the host and it’s not too late if you wanna join in! This weeks task was to cut up your fabrics. I decided to go with a scrappy yellow. I think I will call this quilt “You are my Sunshine”! I chose the 3 x 3 layout which will only require me to do 9 stars, baby quilt size.

Only 9 FQ’s needed along with a background fabric. I had a yellow bundle that I bought at a quilt show last year so I finally cracked her open. I decided I need to actually use some of the fabric I am buying instead of continuously buying new!!! I am using a basic white on white dot for the background, 1 1/2 yds. for that.

Melissa gave an excellent cutting diagram with some great cutting tips, especially if you are a beginner to the rotary cutter. Don’t you hate when you get the measurements for cutting, but aren’t sure how to cut to get the right amount out of the yardage you have??? When picking a pattern, I always look for a cutting diagram or make sure they spell it out for me. I would definitely recommend saving this pattern, even if you can’t make it right now.

I created a Flickr group just for the quilters I know who are participating, just so we can have a smaller group and not miss out on each others progress. So join in and share your fabrics!

By the way, if you share your progress picks you are eligible for some awesome prizes. This weeks is a gift certificate to ChristaQuilts!

What else is keeping me busy…Christmas in July. Projects are due by Friday and the expected rush is on! Here is the back…

binding it up tonight! Will share on Friday along with Block 10 of the VQB:)

Keep it Sassy♥

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Filed Under: Christmas in July, Star Surround QAL Tagged With: Christmas in July, Star Surround QAL

07-12-2013

Block 8

This block is by Judi Madsen@GreenFairyQuilts, one of my favorite shops to check out precuts! Right now everything is on sale and shipping is free, so check it out. She designed this block as part of the Virtual Quilting Bee hosted by AmySmart@Diary of a Quilter. It is pretty complicated, but does make an intricate block. I am not 100% on my fabric choices, but it will do! Check out Amy’s blog to catch up on all the happenings with the VQB. You can find the tutorial to make the block here:

Something new I am working on is Christmas in July! I love all things Christmas and usually like to get started early on my handmade projects.I am joining in with Christen at LoveByHand in a

Christmas in July Sewing Challenge.

I love a good challenge too! To participate you will enter any Christmas sewing projects you have made during the month of July. Entries begin July 26th, so get busy and enter because there are some pretty cool prizes available for the winners. I will share with you guys whatever projects I get done here too. LoveByHand has some tutorials for some great gift ideas that she is sharing this month also, so for details, tutorials and prizes visit: lovebyhand.com.

This is my latest fabric purchase that I am stalking the postman for, Winter’s Lane by Kate & Birdie Paper Co. for MODA fabrics! I looooove these and if they don’t hurry up July is going to be over!

Don’t forget to check out these new bloggers this week! They have some awesome posts up for you to see.