Hi friends! Here we are in one of the busiest, but sweetest times of the year. Are you in the middle of 100 different things? Well, you're not alone. I'm always more optimistic than realistic about how much sewing I'm going to get to in December, but I thought I'd still give you a status report of what's on my sewing table this month. Here's a peek at what I've been working on:
But first - can someone please explain to me how we are only 2 weeks away from Christmas? Every year I think I'm doing a better job getting ahead of the game so that I can relax and enjoy the fun parts of the season too, but every year I still end up a little frazzled at some point. Part of the package, I guess.
But seeing the progress on all of the things I was working on in November, I realize I'm actually doing better than I thought!
I finished making the second foundation-pieced stocking with the kit from Perfectly Pieced. I'm so pleased with how this one turned out too!
This time I quilted the front in a red contrasting thread. And the back is red and quilted with white stitching. I love it! The quilting on the back is the Winter design included in the Clear Blue Tiles quilting system.
Would you believe these are the first traditional quilted stockings I've made? My goal is to make 4 more - hopefully one more this year and the finish the other three before next Christmas. I'm still deciding whether I want all of them to have a flying geese theme, or a variety of traditional quilt blocks. We shall see!
Since I've been making stitched ornaments in hoops, I found this little block remnant from piecing the first stocking and stuck it in a hoop too!
Next up - I've pieced together the simple scrappy patchwork quilt I had laid out in November featuring the cheater printed stars. It's pretty cute! My goal is to get the borders on asap so it can get quilted this week.
(You can still find the cheater-print stars on Etsy.)
Also in the works (with help piecing from my stunt-double friend, Suzy) is this red and white Churn Dash quilt. I'm loving where it's going. More on that next week.
And finally, since my patchwork/star quilt came down from my design wall, I put up some more Christmas quilt blocks from an old UFO (UnFinished Object) that I started back in... 2018. (How has it been that long?)
I've been working on these blocks for so long that they're now more like part of the rest of the Christmas decorations that come out every December, and I enjoy looking at them during the season. lol You can read more about these blocks here. Most are from Lori Holt's Vintage Christmas Book (which I still think is fabulous). The house block is from All Through the House from Thimble Creek Boutique.
I know I say this every year, but THIS really is the year I want to finish that house block into a wall-hanging for the landing on our stairs. Will this be the year it actually happens?! Stay tuned to find out!
In the mood to do a little Christmas sewing but don't want to take on any big projects? Try a pillow project instead. Christmas pillow covers are fun to whip up and a satisfying finish. And you can jut put the covers on your existing throw pillows for the season and then store them flat the rest of the year.
I've got a bunch of fun Christmas pillow project tutorials here.
Last year I made this simple quilted pillow cover using a panel by Fancy That Design.
You can still find a bunch of her printed fabric panels on Etsy. They're gorgeous and just the right thing for a pretty, but fast, finish.
So there's the update from my sewing room. How's your Christmas sewing coming along? Thanks so much for stopping by!
Rosemary B
Amy, You are always so inspiring
thank you for your exuberance and encouragement
I really need it so, thankyoudearAmy <3
Amy
Aww, thank you Rosemary. Lots of love to you!
Natalue
Amy ~
Everything you make is just beautiful. What a wonderful talent you share with everyone!
Thank you and Merry Christmas!
Kay
The design wall is fabulous, the whole thing looks like a wonderful Christmas quilt with the house in the middle. For some reason I have never made Christmas cushions but I really should because they are quick and easy. I have made all of our stockings over the years, this year I have made an extra one for our son’s girlfriend.
Cheryl UK
I love your scrappy Christmas quilt, so adorable. You inspired me to make my first ever quilt, it was your version of the Riley Blake "Meet the Makers" quilt. Love seeing your beautiful landscapes too. The winter one is stunning - pictures never do it justice, so it must have incredible IRL. Have a wonderful Christmas , Amy.
Amy
Aww, I love hearing that. Thank you so much, Cheryl!
Lindsey
This is a wonderful post. I want to make everything! Perhaps I should start in January ready for next year. Have a lovely Christmas 🎅🏽
Amy
I have a feeling I'll still be working on Christmas quilts in January. We'll be so ahead of the game for Christmas 2024. 😉
Heidi
I love the patchwork with the cheater print stars...such a great idea! I have been thinking about making a Christmas patchwork with 5" squares since I have a few charm packs to get me started. Would the cheater print stars trim down that far?
Amy
Yes! They would work!
Patcee
Love your ideas - hope to receive more fun patterns - I also have unfinished projects - don’t think we would be real crafters/quilters if we didn’t - Patcee
Amy
I think you're right, Patcee!
Jami Sickels
"Gifts" for me:
4 Christmas stockings - DONE
1 Tree skirt - DONE!
1 Throw quilt - IN PROGRESS (trying desperately to finish by the end of the 12 Days of Christmas 🙃)
Gift exchange projects:
1 Quilted pillowcase - DONE! My first time using a panel and I had so much fun with it!
1 Scandinavian Star ornament - DONE!
I only started sewing a couple of months ago but I think it's safe to say I have the bug! Love your blog for the ideas and encouragement ❤️ Merry Christmas!!
Amy
Way to go!!