Fussy Cutting?

When you have a fabric that is delightful and you can't bring yourself to cut up into little pieces is it still fussy cutting when you cut a bit 12 1/2 inches square to make the most of the print? And then use that as the majority of your cushion cover?

Because that is what I did with my FQ of Michael Miller Reindeer Holiday fabric.

I couldn't resist this fabric when I first saw it. I bought it from the Pin It & Stitch girls and I've just checked, they still have some in stock and it's one sale here. I may need to buy more.

I mean who can resist the allure of a near naked Santa diving into a swimming pool?! Certainly not me, and I hope that my sister-in-law feels the same way because this cushion cover is already on its way to Canada.

I kept the whole make really simple. Big bit in the middle with quarter inch (or so) quilting lines running parallel across the width of it. Some white sashing and then a blue border. Not much to it at all. To up my game I brought out the perle and added in some hand quilting. I haven't done any in ages and as soon as I started I remembered how much I love the way it changes the way a project looks.

The backing is a piece of Riley Blake that I have had for quite a while. Another Christmas fabric I love, which is about used up now though. An aqua blue zip and some lime green top stitching and this cushion was done.

Two more makes for Sweden and the presents that need posting outside the country will be done. Then just a few smaller makes for the UK. If I can get the Swedish ones made by the weekend then I will be pleased as all get out. The light is at the end of the tunnel.

Susan

Scandi Cushion

A while ago I showed a cushion top I made with HST offcuts from my red and white quilt top. Today I turned it into a cushion and another Christmas present.

I love how this pattern is sort of an optical illusion. It just does not look square. Well, it doesn't to me. I would happily make something else with the same layout, maybe different colours. This one is all wrapped and headed for Canada tomorrow. I sent two parcels to Canada today and was surprised I had made the postal deadline, just. That might be a first. Now the postal people just have to do their bit to make them arrive on time.

Susan

Chipping Away At The List

I didn't get as much done today on the sewing front as I had planned. But I did accomplish a big thing on the surprise presents for the girls and I am so excited. I am looking forward to this Christmas incredibly just because neither of them will be expecting their gifts. I cannot wait to see each of their faces. Wish I could bottle this feeling of excitement.

I did progress one more make to a finish though. I took the quilt as you go grey cushion front and turned it into a cushion. This too is destined for Sweden.

I used Essex linen for the back and just added a very subtle teal highlight with the stitching. If you look closely at the front you will see that one of the fabrics - with the tiny flowers - features a little bit of teal as well. I like these tiny extra touches of colour.

Tonight is the last dance class for the girls for over a month. Their teacher is having a baby soon so is extending the Christmas break. I love them dancing but must say that dropping this from the routine for a few weeks is welcome right now. Just one less thing to think about. We've had four parcel deliveries so far today. It's hectic but things are falling into place. Best get wrapping soon.

Susan

Just Like Buses...

... the finishes all happen together. I've been busy making binding, sewing it on and doing the hand stitch thing to secure it to the back.

The 'Swedish Boy' quilt (for want of a name - total blank here) got a binding of the charcoal I used as the background fabric.

I really think this geometric pattern works well for a boy. I hope the particular boy it is meant for thinks the same.

The Wee Wander quilt I have no worries about the Swedish girl liking. I am quite sure she will point out to her brother that her quilt is prettier. She knows her own mind and I like that. Wee Wander got a scrappy binding made from the darker pink fabrics I had of the line.

More boxes ticked. Good, because the weekend is full of parties to be attended (not by me), dance lessons, in-laws coming over and being fed, and a dance exam. And I've got to move all the sewing stuff because the in-laws requested feeding. That is going to be the hardest part of the weekend - moving all the fabric and WIPs to make room for seven at the dining room table. I know I have to do it for Christmas but I still had more than a couple of weeks before that clear up happened. Sigh.

Susan

Finally, A Finish

I would like to say I got a sudden spurt of energy to finish my orange and blue (name?) quilt. Actually, I have been expending energy like a mad woman but not on the sewing stuff. On the decluttering, haul all the cupboards out stuff. And the fight the crowds and do as much Christmas shopping in one day as humanly possible stuff. On the other stuff of life. But things are getting done and I don't feel like Christmas is hanging over me with impending doom because of things not done. I almost feel in control, and this is a good feeling indeed.

Yesterday was the get things done in the sewing room done designated day. So I did. I basted, quilted and bound this quilt.

I stippled all over, because that is my go to, get it done as quickly as possible quilting preference. It is backed with the Ikea number fabric. And bound with a scrappy navy binding.

I particularly like how those blue crosses line up so beautifully well. I would like to say that was due to very careful planning, but let's just say happen stance may have come into it too.

I went and spent the day with the lovely Ange today. And put her to work holding up quilts. (She's taller than me and was required to keep this off the wet grass!)

Tomorrow another quilt will be finished, and Saturday a third. I'm on a binding marathon. What's keeping you busy?

Susan

PS: I would like to thank all the lovely ladies in our Stitch Tease Bee for the blocks they made that went into the making of this quilt.