I had big plans for productive Christmas sewing this month. Especially with a much clearer calendar than most Decembers (thanks 2020), I figured I would be sewing up a storm! Instead, not much has happened in my sewing room. I guess December has still felt busy after all.
Even though we haven't had any Christmas school concerts or parties this year, I have felt much more involved than years past as we've been trying to stay strong finishing up a semester of assorted combination hybrid online and/or in-person classes for my high school boys. Hallelujah, we're all excited for a school break! (And God bless all of those teachers who deserve a well-earned break as well!)
Even when I have had time I could sew, I haven't felt super motivated to sew for some reason. I think it's just one of my creative funks.
One issue - it took me forever to decide on a border and backing for my sentimental Liberty Stars Christmas quilt. Since it's a sentimental quilt to keep, I decided I wanted something cozy for the backing.
I finally remembered a green and navy plaid flannel in my stash that was PERFECT. But using the plaid, made me want to tone down the borders - I finally came upon this Liberty basic Wiltshire Shadow blender in Indigo.
I was hoping to get it finished and off to the quilter quick, but at this point, it won't be quilted until after Christmas anyway. Good thing the navies and greens give it a "winter feel" so I'll use it to snuggle with through the cold months.
(A few people have asked me questions about this quilt and a future pattern. There will be one at some point. If you're looking to buy the Liberty Festive Collection of Christmas fabrics now while they're available, Fat Quarters (about 10-12) will work for the Stars. I'll figure the sashing fabrics when the pattern is released - but those should be available long term.
Feeling in my funk, I decided to pull out the Christmas UFO's (UnFinshed Objects) I've been working on for the past few years (and was planning to pull out) and hang the blocks on my design wall, to at least feel festive, and maybe get me in the mood to work on them.
Seeing them there does make me happy. 🙂
I'll get there.
Most of the blocks are from Lori Holt's Christmas Vintage Christmas pattern book. I seriously love this book. There are SO many good projects in here! I'm having fun playing with my Christmas stash to make a sampler quilt with the 12" x 12" blocks.
I got some of Melissa Mortenson's Santa Claus Lane collection (from Riley Blake) this year to add to the mix for this quilt. The prints and colors are so perfect for the vintage vibe of this quilt. And I realized I'd better share now while it's still available to buy!
I love the panel that goes with the prints and plan to make some fussy-cut blocks using these panels. (See Ameroonie Designs for a super cute banner idea.)
The house block is from All Through the House from Thimble Creek Boutique. I'm planning a separate project/wall-hanging with this one. But since I'm not 100% sure what that's going to look like (since I'm still making it up as I go) I'm feeling a little stuck there.
So, for now it doing a nice job of looking festive on my design wall.
I'm not going to stress about my temporary lack of motivation to sew. These creative funks come and go (although there's definitely been higher swings this year!) I know my Sewjo will return. And typically the week after Christmas seems to be a good sew time for me. The lists are checked off, but the time still feels festive and much more slow-paced.
In the mean time, I've been trying to spend more time connecting with people. Thank goodness for FaceTime and Zoom and phones. I'm so grateful for a way to maintain connection with humans. I've also been trying to get out and enjoy this place. It's the best therapy.
Not to mention, those Christmas movies and specials can't watch themselves. (This year I'm embracing more TV watching while lying on the couch, rather that my typical MO of only watching something if my hands were busy with a project.) And it's working for me.
Best wishes with your own final Christmas prep!
If you're looking for some last-minute handmade gift ideas, I've got a bunch here.
Or if you're in the mood to make something for a friend who also loves to sew or quilt, I've put together a great list here!
Sharon @ Laurelhurstcraftsman
Sometimes you feel like sewing, sometimes you don't. I'm sure you'll be back at it soon. Your projects are lovely.
Amy
Thank you, Sharon.
Gwyn
Been sewing, but barely getting ready for Christmas. Keeping preschool going was more important. Now I feel down, but we four are all together; have good food; and I can spend the next 9 days at home! Hand binding to be done to relax while we watch Christmas movies. I tell my staff to look for the positive. Stay safe. Be well. Enjoy your family. Thank you for the inspiration and reality check!
Suellen Franze
Amy, for the quilt you show on your wall here, do you have patterns for the station wagon with the tree on top and the house?
Amy
Station Wagon here: Lori Holt’s Christmas Vintage Christmas pattern book: http://shrsl.com/3tcrf
House block: All Through the House from Thimble Creek Boutique: https://tidd.ly/3VxQ4Oz
Suellen Franze
Thank you so much!