Monday, November 26, 2012

Christmas Gift Ideas

Today I wanted to share with you some quick, easy and economical Christmas gifts that you can make at home perhaps using some fabrics that you might already have in  your stash!

I've recently added two new Youtube videos to my channel that will discuss:

1. Christmas gift ideas using leftover holiday-themed materials
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mejfk82AOtw&feature=plcp

2. Christmas gift ideas using recycled denim
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SqnNX7qdCE&feature=plcp

Hope these videos help or inspire some gift ideas!

Happy Sewing! :)

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Christmas Quilts, Post 5

This Christmas quilt is probably my absolute #1 favourite.

It measures approximately 59x38.

The entire thing is machine appliqueed or hand embroidered. It is from a pattern called "Dash Away" by Bee Creative Studio. (www.beecreativestudio.com)


This year, my parents have hung my jumbo Christmas stockings on either side (I made them using panels several years ago). From the ceiling, they have hung jumbo Christmas ornaments using clear sewing thread, so that the ornaments looks like they're floating just above the garland/quilt.

This quilt is usually a crowd favourite at trunk shows, so it comes with me every time I do a presentation.


This is me talking about the quilt at the Lindsay Creative Quilter's guild. 

One of my students actually completed this quilt in my classes last winter: (this is proof that YOU can make it too!)


Never be discouraged by a pattern, YOU CAN DO IT!


Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Christmas Quilts, Post 4

Today's wall hanging is really simple!

I took a paper piecing foundation block of a snowman's head from my Electric Quilt program.
I then enlarged the paper piecing block to my desired size, and instead of printing out the foundation pattern, I selected the option to print out the templates/cutting directions.



Paper piecing small blocks is done for the purpose of being able to piece together a block that has really tiny pieces, that you would not be able to put together otherwise. However, it is actually quite difficult to cheat and use a paper piecing pattern for pieces that are too large. If they are large enough to piece together normally, then that is what you do! It is important to utilize the proper techniques for specific projects.

His eyes and nose are machine appliqued, and his mouth is hand embroidered. I added an actual scarf at the end, to add more detailing.

This is a quick idea that can be done for any block you chose from Electric Quilt. (or any other foundation piecing pattern)






Monday, November 19, 2012

Christmas Quilts, Post 3

This quilt is called Will&Chill and was featured in a McCall's Quilting magazine a few years ago.

It is definitely one of my favourites and goes together quite easily.


The kit and pattern is available online at http://www.mccallsquilting.com/mccallsquilting/articles/Will___Chill

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Christmas Quilts, Post 2

My second Christmas wall hanging that I have to show you today is one of my own designs. I used a Christmas panel with a snowman on it, and added a pin-wheel border, using red and cream 10" squares. After that, I added a log cabin border using various shades of green. I think the log cabin border looks like the spirals on a candy cane.

This quilt is queen sized, but I'm fortunate enough to have a large wall in my hallway, that is tall and wide enough to hang big quilts on. (I'm also fortunate to have a Daddy willing to make quilt racks all over the house!)

I thought this would be a nice inspiration of what to do with simple Christmas panels.


Friday, November 16, 2012

Christmas Quilts

Hello everyone!

My Mom has jumped right into the Christmas spirit and has begun hanging my quilts and slowly decorating the house in small stages. It looks really great so far and since I have such an abundance of Christmas related quilts and hangings in my collection, I thought that I would feature one daily. (However you can view all of the photos in my album Christmas Inspiration 2012, on my Quilter's Workshop Facebook page!)

Today I will be featuring my "Classic Santa" wall hanging (as I like to call it).
I love the look of this traditional wall hanging because Santa has a structure similar to a Nutcracker doll, and I absolutely LOVE Nutcrackers!

He is approximately 25 x 49 inches.

I used buttons for his "bell" on his hat, his eyes, and of course down the front of his coat.


I think he would look great as a door banner or as a wall hanging, you could even dress it up and hang some garland across the top of the quilt. 

Below is a link to the free pattern, designed by Debbie Mumm!


If anyone creates this wall hanging I would absolutely love to see it! You could E-mail me a picture at quilters.workshop@gmail.com or post a picture to my Quilter's Workshop Facebook page!

Happy Christmas Crafting! 

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Upcoming Craft Show

Only one week until my next holiday craft show!

Please join us, at the annual Eastdale Collegiate & Voactional Institute Craft Show

Held: Saturday November 17th and Sunday November 18th 2012 at 265 Harmony Rd. N, Oshawa

Hope to see you there!