Wait - I know what you're thinking! What? Happy Holidays??? Ummmm, Tammy.....it's super duper hot and I'm sweating my tushie off here. What do you mean, Happy Holidays.
Hold on just a minute - while the holidays may not be here YET, they are coming! Like clockwork, every year. And yes, most retailers have already held the now infamous Christmas in July sales and promotions. And many of you may have already gotten a jump on your holiday sewing (kudos to you!).
If you haven't started your holiday sewing, it isn't too late! No, really. I mean it - you've still got time.
I don't know about you, but I seriously love a handmade Christmas. I enjoy the process of choosing a project special to an individual, of taking the time to choose fabrics and labor over the creation of a project that is just for them! And that's what Kate and I wanted to share with you this month - some inspiration for your holiday stitching, as well as a few tips when starting your holiday projects. Oh - and head over to Kate's blog to see what she has to say about holiday stitching as well!
A bit ahead of the holiday curve, but here's a little video I posted on my Instagram feed of a stack of burp clothes I made for my soon-to-be here grandson.
I plan on creating some matching bibs next - just in time for the holidays! Sweet, simple, practical - perfect for my minimalist daughter and her new baby!
But what about holiday themed projects? Well, I'll admit that baby fever (and baby projects) have taken over my sewing for the time being. But.....I do have some great holiday themed patterns if YOU are in the holiday sewing frame of mind!
If you are a paper piecer, I have a few patterns that may be just what you're looking for. First up is Celebration Slices, which covers not only Halloween and Christmas, but also birthdays as well! Yup, all three are in one easy pattern with FUSED applique (that's right - I said the "A" word, but hey, it is fusible, so it's all good!).
If you want to tackle some Fall oriented projects prior to diving into Christmas, try Harvest! It stitches up super quickly, and again uses fusible applique and some big stitch quilting for a warm, welcoming wall hanging. And I offer up a more modern twist on the same project on the website with ghost gourds (yes they ARE a thing) on a purple and black background - super fun!
Want something a little different - and super quick? The Pumpkin Patch pattern offers two small pumpkins that are quick to stitch in felted wool, with fun little leaf caps that lift off. A great accent piece for a holiday table!
Still paper piecing - but this Night Of Lights pattern uses a panel as the main focus (and the pattern also includes a terrific little table runner and placemats too!).
Yup - still more paper piecing, but the Festival pattern has a great lap quilt and this fun Menorah wall hanging. The candle flames button on each night of the festival, for a wonderful interactive wall hanging.
Ok, so I've offered up some ideas for your holiday stitching. Now what? Some suggestions for a successful holiday sewing marathon:
Timeline:
I'm going to go old school on you here. Pull out the calendar and take stock of your available time. Now REALISTICALLY evaluate when you can cut, sew, stitch, quilt. How much time do you think that project or pattern will take you? Ok, double that. Now mark it on the calendar (so you don't overbook yourself and find yourself sitting up until 2am on Christmas Eve trying to finish that last project!).
Supplies:
What do you need to make the project? And what do you already have? Don't throw yourself into the red for a terrific project that calls for more than you can reasonably purchase. This is supposed to be a gift from the heart - and your heart may be a bit reluctant if the supplies break the bank! Take stock of what you already have BEFORE heading to the quilt shop!
Receiver:
I'm just going to go ahead and say it. While you may WANT to make it - will the receiver WANT it? I know, I know. What crazy person wouldn't be grateful for a wonderful handmade gift that is full of love and good wishes from the person that made it.....well, we all probably know someone that might not. So loving advice, dear stitching friend - consider your gift receivers and create carefully!
Whew!
I don't know about you, but I'm ready to hit the quilt shop and the sewing room, and put my sewing machine through it's paces over the next few weeks! I have visions of quilty gifts dancing through my head!
Don't forget to share pics of your creative efforts! I'd love to see what you've created - post on my Facebook page so everyone can enjoy!
Thanks for sharing the quilting passion with me. Happy stitching!
If you are interested in having me teach at your shop or guild, please contact me!
I have a Quilt-A-Long coming up next month! Follow me on Facebook to get more details about joining my Tamarinis Quilting Tribe page and to join the Quilt-A-Long! I'm also a Certified Studio 180 Instructor (woot woot!) and am offering Tucker University classes! Look for more Studio 180 classes coming soon!
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