Oh yes – I did it. I went there. I know it’s only October, but hey, Christmas is right around the corner and I am doing some holiday sewing. It’s been a lot of fun and so satisfying.
Remember last week when I showed you the Santa panel/kit I bought while on retreat? Here’s his jolly face:
It was my hope to get the top pieced before the end of the year so I can quilt it in January. On Saturday, I had some time in my sewing room so I pulled the kit out and started cutting fabric.
This was the state of my cutting table Saturday evening when I went to bed. I was pretty pleased with the progress, and didn’t expect to get much more done for a couple of weeks. But surprise! Sunday was my birthday, and when I had some unexpected time to play I took advantage and finished the borders for the panel. In no time at all I had a finished quilt top!
Isn’t he the cutest? (Sorry for the indoor pic. We had so much wind that it was almost impossible to get a decent outdoor shot. Since I didn’t have any one home to be a quilt holder, I gave up and brought it indoors.) I had to change the pattern just a bit. The instructions said to cut the panel to 22-1/2″ by 40″. This panel is so wide that cutting it to size would have cut off part of Santa’s body. I’m pretty sure he needs all his body parts to deliver goodies to all the kiddies, so I kept the panel as big as I could. Which meant the wide border fabric in the kit wasn’t enough. I substituted it with a black pin dot fabric from my stash and I really like how it turned out.
I am pleased to have this top done and ready to be quilted. I can’t wait until it is Santa’s turn to be loaded on the longarm. I have TONS of quilting ideas for this one, and am excited to start stitching!
In other news, I have all the Scrambled blocks finished for my secret sewing project. I have to add the sashing and borders, and make one very special block. I have no doubt this project will be done by deadline. Yay!
You guys, it feels soooo good to be back in my sewing room working on personal projects. It soothes my soul when I’m making or creating, and I miss it when I get too busy with other things. I’m lucky to be attending another quilt retreat in a couple of weeks, and I can’t wait to see how much progress I will make while there. So, have you been on a retreat recently? I’d love to hear your best tips for getting the most out of your quilting time while at retreat. And if there’s something I shouldn’t forget to take I would love to hear that too.
This week is another busy one for me, with work at the shop three days, teaching one evening, and quilts in the queue that need to be quilted. I finished three customer quilts last week – I know! Three! The next one to be loaded is the most adorable holiday quilt. Once I have it on and started I’ll share a pic. It’s super cute!
Now it’s time for you to share the projects you’re working on for Main Crush Monday. What has you excited to be in your sewing space? I would love to see – you can link up any blog post, Instagram or Flickr pic – here’s how:
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That Santa quilt is going to be adorable!! I don’t think it is terribly early for Christmas projects – our projects take a while. It isn’t feasible to wait until late fall! Love the fabric!
The is one of the best looking Santa’s I’ve seen. His rosy cheeks are just great. That quilt will be wonderful when done. I can’t wait to see how you quilt it.
Cute, cute!! Love that Santa!!
Happy birthday!Your Santa is adorable. Very nice of you to keep him intact so I can get my presents!
Hi Beth, that is just the cutest wall hanging!
Love your Santa! I just came back from our retreat-4 days of sewing bliss! Note to self tho….remember an extra extension cord!
That is one adorable Santa kit – love the fabrics chosen to go on the borders. And Happy Birthday Beth!
My best tip for retreat sewing is to have all the cutting done ahead of time. I find that it is really easy to get distracted and make cutting errors. I’m so glad that you have had more time to sew for yourself lately. Figuring out that balance is tricky, isn’t it? And happy belated birthday!
This Santa is just asking to be enveloped in a big bear hug. He is adorable. I agree he is the cutest!!! May he bring you an early present on account of your birthday.
I LOVE your Santa Quilt!!
Happy Birthday!
You had a super productive week, love your Santa. I agree having sewing time is awesome and on your BD yet too! Happy Birthday Beth!!
Happy birthday! Love your Santa quilt. Can’t wait to see how you quilt it!
Hi Beth! Oh, Santa turned out great. I love the little nine patch blocks in the border and especially each corner. Maybe you will find you have time to get this finished this year. I can’t wait to see how you quilt it! ~smile~ Roseanne
Oh, and I wish you a belated Happy Birthday! It sounds like you celebrated in the perfect way. ~smile~
Happy Birthday!! It’s only right you get to play in your sewing room for your birthday. Love the Santa quilt, very fun. I agree he needs all his body parts. I have never been on a quilt retreat. It’s one of the things on my list to do now that I’m an empty nester.
Happy Birthday! Santa is adorable, well done! I especially like the border!
Happy birthday ;)) Cute little Christmas quilt, your border version is beautiful. Never been to a retreat, enjoy yours!