Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Christmas in July

I did say I wasn't going to start any new projects but I did anyways! I thought this was such a small project that it didn't really count! I finished this over the weekend. Of course, it still has to be quilted but the top is done. It's quite small. It measures about 23 inches square. I couldn't find a pattern for this but found many tutorials on the Twister Christmas Wreath at various websites and blogs. I used fabric I had at home for the actual wreath.

This is step one in making the wreath. I used 5 inch squares and then added a 1 1/2 inch border of the white background fabric. Using my Lil Twister ruler, I cut the squares and then reassembled them to make this:

I then added a 3 inch border of a lovely Hoffman fabric that had beautiful gold swirls. I must confess the border fabric was not in my stash. I didn't have any fabric that would add the punch I was looking for. I happened to hear of a sale at a local quilt shop on Saturday. I decided to check it out and found the perfect fabric for the border! I couldn't wait to get home and sew that border on! I had planned on making a mitered border but I cut for a regular straight border. The fabric was sort of expensive and I didn't want to waste it so I settled for a straight border. I still like it!

I still have a few quilts to machine quilt. I'm going to get this one sandwiched and pinned as well as the mystery quilt. That will keep me busy for awhile. I'm thinking of making a Swoon quilt next. I know I'm late to join the Swoon Along but I think I can mange fine on my own.

I've been trying to organize my fabric. I discovered the Scrap Therapy method. Your scraps are cut down into 2, 3 1/2 or 5 inch squares. If a scrap is too small, it's okay to throw away! There are actually many patterns to use these squares and you can actually use up that stash! Cutting the scraps is quite time consuming. I have a bag of scraps to cut in my "spare" time. If only I could find some!

22 comments:

  1. Love your wreath, Rosemary. I don't much like Cutesy Christmas; your fabrics have tradition and character on their side.

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    1. Thanks, Dora. I know what you mean. Some Christmas fabric is a little too whimsical. I do prefer the more traditional and classy fabrics.

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  2. That's a pretty wreath, Rosemary.

    I love the Swoon quilt too and like you, I've bought the pattern months ago but have yet to start on them! Looking forward to seeing your first block =)

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    1. Thanks, Farah. I keep going back to the Swoon pattern so I should just make the darn thing! I'm a ways off from actually making a block but I will be getting my fabrics ready!

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  3. This is super cute. Every time I see you make something with the twister I want one. It's so cool how it can transform your quilt top!

    Christmas is definitely on my mind because I don't want to get caught unawares like last year and have to set aside every other project to work on presents. If you do a little bit at a time it's a lot less overwhelming, so kudos for starting early.

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    1. I made a Christmas wall hanging last year during the month of December. It wasn't enjoyable at all! Too much to do. I hope this works out better! You should try the twister ruler. It's really fun!

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  4. Great job on the Christmas wreath! I've not attempted the twister yet. I at one time had that very same fabric you used for the border. . .so pretty!

    Someday I would like to make the Swoon block and the Granny Square block that I see so many making. They are just both so pretty. Can't wait to see your Swoon block!

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    1. I also admired the Granny Square block! I just keep going back to the Swoon pattern so I decided I should just make it! You should try either one of the Twister rulers. They're quick, easy and fun!

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  5. Rosemary, that is a beautiful little wreath. I didn't actually know how that twister ruler worked, how cool.

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    1. It's not difficult at all and I love how it comes out! Try it if you can. You'll love it!

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  6. Great fabric choices, and what a cute quilt!

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  7. Your wreath is beautiful! Can't wait to see it quilted!
    I have been thinking about tackling my scraps and cutting them into usable pieces, too. Just need to find the time to do it. I've got to get this baby blanket crocheted first! It's coming along nicely, though. :)

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    1. Glad you like the wreath! Just a warning, cutting down those scraps is so time consuming! I cut some last night for about an hour and a half. I didn't even make a dent into my pile! I think it'll be good when it's done! Would love to see your baby blanket!

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  8. The reef and block look wonderful, great fabrics very Christmasy
    Cheers Pauline

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  9. Beautiful Chrismas wreath! I love your fabric choices.It's great. :)

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  10. Love the wreath. I have the Twister ruler and a bunch of Christmas fabrics already cut into 5" squares! Going to Pin this so I can refer back to it.

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    1. I hope you make it! It's fun and easy and I think the results are pretty nice!!

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