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Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Some Major Christmas Finishes

I bought a Christmas wall quilt pattern  two years ago and FINALLY finished it. I usually get things done faster than this, but I bought it right before Christmas 2013 and I knew I wouldn't get it done that year. Then I put it away and rarely got it out; you know, "out of sight, out of mind". So last year at Christmas time, I got a couple of the applique blocks done. I used Texture Magic for the snowmen which was really fun but I still didn't finish for what ever excuse I had at the time. This summer I got it back out and was determined to finish it. I got all the fabrics out and ready, I got all the patterns traced and then just let it sit. I just couldn't make myself do more applique. So I finished all the other blocks and found a great paper pieced snowflake pattern from Joanna @ Shape Moth called Snow Cristal.

  I don't know about you but I hardly ever make a quilt exactly as the pattern says but in this case I really changed it up. Mainly to get it done, but also I felt it had enough going on without more applique and I am happy I stopped when I did because the size is perfect the way it is.





The second finish is a Christmas quilt for charity. This one was much less work, took me about 2 days to finish instead of 2 years but, it has much more meaning. When I make charity quilts I pray while I am doing them. I pray for the person who will receives it. I feel so blessed to have everything I do, I never have to be cold, I don't need anything and I can't imagine what it would be like to be in need of a quilt like this. I am happy that I can make it and give it to whomever is in need this Christmas. 

I used scraps from my stash for this quilt. It is just 5 inch squares all sewn up. I do think it is a bit long and narrow. I had sewn all the blocks in sets of two before I really thought about how it was all going to come together; that is why the rows are 6 blocks wide. I could have made it shorter but I wanted to use all the scraps I had. The backing and batting is from the stash at our quilt guild so I didn't need to buy anything to finish it.

Charity is just one of the many reasons I enjoy my local quilt guild. We make quilts for OSF St. Francis Medical Center, children who are patients at the St. Jude Midwest Affiliate and to families and seniors in need through the Center for Prevention of Abuse in Peoria which is where this quilt will most likely go. 

The final finish for this week is my Christmas decorating for my house. I am really nuts about Christmas. I just love to get the house all decked out. I don't "deck the halls" though. ;-) 
My quilt hanging on the wall in my living room

My nativity scene.

Another quilt with my carolers. 

My first Christmas quilt over the back of the chair and a pillow I embroidered. 

Another couple of pillows I made last year at Christmas


My tree

I didn't do all this in one week and it makes me tired to think about all the work, but I am so happy to have it all done. Now comes the shopping, baking and more quilting fun I am sure. 



12 comments:

  1. You have been busy! That new machine is getting a workout. Doing a pillow in class next Friday, Dec 11, that would complement your current Christmas decor. Would love for you to join us.

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  2. Hey, I might just do that!! I can always use another Christmas Pillow. Thanks Marty!

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  3. Really cute Christmas decor! I just love Christmas!

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  4. I love, and have always loved your Christmas style mom!

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  5. Thank you unknown daughter! I am really not sure what's up with the comments on this! Grrr

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  6. Hi I love your style!

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  7. I have some Byer's Choice Carolers also. Haven't gotten them out for several years. You inspired me to display them this Christmas.

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  8. That's a gorgeous wall hanging! Your hard work paid off and your decor is lovely.

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    1. Thank you Anne, and thank you for all the likes on Instagram too.

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