Monday, January 20, 2014

Make It A Handmade Christmas Challenge

2014 Christmas Handmade Pledge

I saw this just a few days ago on SewCalGal, put the button on the side bar and then sat and thought.  I make a number of Christmas Items thru the year, so why not start now.

  

So I am taking the Pledge and I thought this would be easily enough to do if I combine it with Sherri @ A Quilting Life challenge using those candy charms. 


I saw this TUTORIAL over at Connie's and made a few changes.  I don't have die-cuts and really am not very good at applique.  But you could fussy cut that center or even a pretty hankie or embroidery would work, too.  I had a piece of 'Monet's Countryside' by Fabric-Quilt, Inc. (old fabric) and a few 2.5" candy charms left from a Collection for a Cause - Mill Book Series-1835.


I have been using up this very old lily of the valley print as mini backings.  It goes with the garden theme.  And I found a scrap piece of binding that is from the Enchanted Pond collection - again theme. And these little projects are a great way to use up scrap pieces of batt. I used a piece of the selvedge from Monet's Countryside and signed and dated with a sharpie as my label and simply fused it to the back.   Corner inset pockets for hanging or it can go on a table.


I used a Superior white thread top and bottom and did a simple meander in the center, some loops and fans in the white framing, and some loopies in the charm border.  I have a lot of family members who garden, so don't know who will get this, but it goes into the present box - one gift down. 

This little project took me all of 2 hours to make from beginning to end.  So you still can get a small project done and link up with SewCalGal Challenge by January 25th.  If not, keep it in mind for the February Challenge.

** also linking up with Connies @ FreeMotion by the River - linky Tuesday **

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon

23 comments:

Wendy said...

This is so pretty.

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

It would take me a week....giggle. It's really nice!

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Gosh that is so pretty. It would take me two hours to pick out the fabric! Lovely.

Christine M said...

Your little quilt is so pretty, Sharon.

Anonymous said...

oh this is lovely sharon,well done.xx

Lesley said...

How adorable! A perfect way to use that fabric!

Belinda said...

That's very sweet Sharon.
I've been thinking about trying to make gifts for Christmas this year, but so far, haven't been able to think of what would be good ones for my family members. They have such different tastes than I. Maybe I'll think of something... ;)

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

This is really beautiful Sharon and the center print is perfect!! Thanks for the shout out!

KaHolly said...

Adorable! I always make my Christmas gifts, but don't always make them throughout the year! What a good idea for a challenge! That said, I DO make some of my TX Christmas gifts to leave behind before I head back to the cold North in the spring.

Gina said...

THat finish is really pretty and well done xx

JoAnne said...

I guessing I'm validating everyone else's comments, but this is such a pretty piece and a great way to use up bits and pieces of things laying around. You have tickled my imagination and now I want to go see what I can find in my sewing room!

Teatime Creations said...

Very pretty.

Denise :) said...

It's such a smart idea to actually work on hand crafted gifts throughout the year, instead of getting to Thanksgiving, realizing Christmas is a month away, and panicking that I've got nothing completed! LOL! Great job, Sharon!!! :)

Sheila said...

Oh My! These are beautiful, Sharon! I love them! What a good idea.
Yes. I'm already working on Christmas gifts for this year, too :D

Needled Mom said...

It looks so pretty. It's so nice to get a jump on Christmas.

Teresa in Music City said...

Great thinking Sharon!!! That's an adorable little quilt that anyone would be delighted to have. I'm planning to think Christmas early this year too - it never pays for me to wait until I feel the Christmas mood :)

Sue Daurio said...

That's a really smart idea with corners and the stick. I was trying to read really fast so I could see what it was used for. Ok, really I looked at the pictures first but had to read to figure it out :) Nice little quilt.

Raewyn said...

This is a lovely hanging, Sharon. I like the way you did the label too. For me, often the longest time for making a project is the decision making at the start!!!

KatieQ said...

Thanks for sharing another great idea.

Kate said...

Very pretty! And very smart to start getting ready for next Christmas now.

Elaine said...

That is really lovely. Fussy cutting is a great idea!

Sheri said...

I'd like to use your idea and may make a valentine wall hanging. Thanks for showing us your garden wall hanging and also Connie's tutorial!

SewCalGal said...

Super cute and will definitely make an excellent Christmas gift too!

SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com