Handmade Christmas Challenge - April

I know so many of you are enjoying Spring - some of us are still waiting for it, but I like to work on my Christmas projects thru the year and have found this challenge perfect to keep me on track.

This month I worked on a pillow to add to the present box.  This pattern is from Quilter's Cache and called The ArrowHead Block.  Marcia has a lot of wonderful 12" blocks that can be easily made up for pillow tops.  I like this size block and then add a 2.5" border around so you don't lose any of the block into the sides.  And I use the envelop method so the cover can be removed and washed - easily replaced on the pillow form.  I didn't have any more 16" pillow forms (on the shopping list), so put it over one of my over-stuffed chair pillows - hence the odd shape.  I can see making more pillows as gifts.

I know it's hard to think Christmas now with Easter so close, but have you seen the new Halloween AND Christmas being advertised by all the fabric companies???!!!!  AND we had this just the other day:

You can join in any month and please go visit SewCalGal to get some Christmas inspiration.

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon

Tuesday Archives

This week's Archives share is either Baskets or Bunnies.  I don't have any bunnies, but I do have a Basket Quilt to share.

 

This quilt was made into the flimsy state back in 2009 when I first started quilting (before blogging).  I finally pulled it out and had it professionally quilted in 2013.  You can read about it in THIS POST.

Please be sure to visit the other Basket and Bunny link ups over at Val's Quilting Studio. 

Sewingly Yours,

Sharon

Need to Find Your ME Time?

Yes, that time is coming closer - May For Me. Those who have been here a while know about this.  If this is new to you, please visit Marcia HERE where she explains the history of May For Me.

You can certainly join in the fun any time thru the month: post a tutorial, share a recipe, share some de-stressing tips, even a give away if you like.

May is my birthday month, so I will be hosting weekly give aways along with some tips, a tutorial, recipes, fun with kids, etc...

Example - this quick kid friendly recipe I shared in 2011 that saves us some ME time

Some fun with a quick meal - individual pizzas. 
Rhodes or any brand frozen bread roll dough
Thaw and let rise
On floured surface, shape into 6-8” round
Place on greased cookie sheet
Let kids top and decorate as desired
Bake 350 degrees for 10-15 mns

Options: try whole wheat dough, more vegies, tofu instead of cheese, sliced tomato instead of sauce, or make a calzone by filling just half - fold over dough and press edges with a fork to seal. Have some fun!

Happy May,

Sharon

Hands 2 Help - Quilt #2

Well, my little red head helped again.  Notice she loves those orange blocks!  

I know these are called 'Paper Dolls', but they remind me of the Campbell Kids.

This is my favorite block - gotta love polka dots and stripes!  A lot of thread changing as I did each center, then the stars, the frames, and then the sashings.

Just a fun quilt made with gifted HSTs and scraps and left over jelly roll strips.

And I used up some left over extra wide (Connecting Threads) cut off from another quilt.  Hobbs 80-20 batt and CT threads.  As soon as this is washed and dried - it will be boxed up and heading to Sarah for Hurrican Sandy Survivors.

Sewingly  Yours,
Sharon