THE LAST FINISH OF 2024 is SEW EVERGREEN!

The last Sew-Along that Kim Hensley and I sewed for our

11th Sewcial Distance quilting was in September, 2024

but, its my last finish for 2024.

Kim and I love Christmas quilts

and this EVERGREEN Pattern by Cluck, Cluck Sew

 was perfect.

I had lots of scraps to use from SWELL Christmas.

We broke it down into 4 weeks and 

asked folks to join in.  And one of the other

KWILTY GIRLS, Lucinda, did just that

using her scraps.

 Kim used a FLURRY Layer Cake by Kate Spain

WEEK ONE

We picked our fabrics and cut the pattern pieces.

I had lots of scraps to use.

I didn't need the mini charms....

sew that'll be something for next year.

WEEK TWO

We sewed the Tree Blocks

WEEK THREE 

We sewed the Chain Blocks

I used my Vintage Santa for the center pieces

on the chain blocks.

Santa gives the eyes a place to rest.

And these vintage feeling beauties were ready fir the block settings

Even the whites I used fir background

Were all scraps from my stash,

I love to use block design boards

to layer all the blocks one on top the other.

After chain piecing the units

I paid attention to how the pattern suggested pressing.

Soon all the blocks were in the design wall.

This pattern is sew quick and easy!

And then there was decisions for backing.

Inkwell, seem just right 

This was also in my stash. 

I am a firm believer that your mind will pick fabrics 

that go with fabrics you already have.

This right here is proof!

Then a decision for binding. 

I had enough of the red vintage Santa…or

I could use this poinsettia print …Or

But wait…so far everything in the top is scraps.

I want a scrappy binding !

Sew here is my finished top.

And this is Kim's quilt top!

And this is Lucinda's quilt all finished and

Hanging I. Her home for Christmas. 

Kim Hensley aka Happily Every Quilting has quilted my quilt.

Feilz Navidad is an E2 E design. 

I'm taking this one to the beach fir Christmas and will hand-sew down the binding.

Then a great photo shoot with the beachy Christmas vibes!

Feliz Navidad!

Merry Christmas !

CHRISTMAS CARDS IN JULY

It’s never too early for making

Christmas CARDS!

And who doesn’t enjoy Christmas in July inspiration! 

I recently bought a new to me set of stamps

‘Eden’s Garden’

Nit really Christmas these

But just using reds and greens…

Voila!

This technique is so easy and fun!

It’s like making your own designer paper!

 Frost your stamp from largest stamp to the smallest 

In colors of your choice

Large Flower-real res

Leaf 1 - Garden Green

Leaf 2 - Old Moss Freen

Twiggy Leaf - Burgandy 

Tiny leaf or dots - Gold or Burgundy 

And you stamp with a  + or X going in abstract angles 

(Like below)

8 1/2 x 11 card stick sheet

Then cut into (4)4 1/4” x 5 1/2” sections6

Pull sime cRd stock like red…for a bold POP of color.

Stapled sections can go into cards 

Vertical or horizontal 

Add sentiments

Outside and inside! 

Don’t foget to stamp the envelopes 

A fast and easy 4 cards at a time!

You can make them all ine occasion 

Or mix up the sentiments!

 

CHRISTMAS PICNIC

NOT everything is a PICNIC

But February 2023 found Kim Hensley and I leading a 

PICNIN QUILT SewAlong over on Instagram.

This pattern by Sew Mama Sew is EPIC!

It's ONE block, built with several units, repeated over and over!

Many sizes and many fabric options.

When I saw this Christmas s version I absolutely LOVED it!

I had lots of big Christmas Scraps that could work for it!

Now Kim, found the fabrics here and bought them.

AND she is making 2 for the SewAlong.

I pulled my Basic Grey  Hustle and Bustle scraps!

And found a couple others to add into the Christmas mix!

Cut and stay organized!

I made two test blocks.

Left side was put together as the pattern suggested.

Right block was more scrappy...my choice.

The only fabric I kept the same

was the green dot.

Lots of chain piecing and this went together very fast.

I laid it all out on the floor.

I am loving this scrappy look!

And the flimsy is complete!

Backing, binding and batting all ready for longarmer...

who happens to be Kim!

all finished!

A SEASON TO GIVE

Christmas…gifting is giving.

I always get to use my cardmaking creativity for this.

For my girlfriends…

It usually begins with a plain gift bag

that I decorate with holiday papers.

And hand made gift tags

And when you punch out, too many trees, you figure out how to use them.

I put them on wine bottle gift hangers.

The main gift was a mini Charcuterie Board

I found at Aldis.

I always make handmade Christmas cards!

Even the envelopes get a pretty stamp! 

So, heres a snapshot of the entire package.

I usually receive some fun gifts!

This came from Kim and

oh how true...I actually used to have a Cookie Swap!

My bestie, Kathy knows me so well!

Her gifts began with this towel.

I love the t-shirts and needed new ones...

in the worst way!

I am a Charley Harper fanatic!

These Flamingo Socks were in the gift exchange.

Perfect for me!

My peeps know me!

A slew of fun things and can't go wrong with wine.

Unless of course, its sweet wine.  Ewwww!

But the best gifts given this season…were the toys my girls brought

to the Cork and Fork party.

I asked them to bring a toy their inner child or teenager would have loved…

And why!

THIS HAPPENED!

Wonderful memories and stories were shared!

Everyone agreed that we are so blessed and

Paying it forward to the kids at 

Franklin County Children Services,

reflects the true meaning of giving. 

I loaded them up in my car, the next Monday…

And took them to FCCS in Columbus Ohio

The place was bustling with gifts and workers!

Santa would soon be delivering toys!

Christmas presents for children who need a kit of extra love

given by friends who understand the need.

I now know how Santa Claus must feel each year!

MERRY CHRISTMAS  to all and to all…a good night