Another Santa's Belly Pillow

When Dayna saw my first Santa's Belly cushion, she immediately texted, "I want." So what's a mother to do? Comply with her daughter's wishes of course!

This fun, quick-to-make design is by Kelly at My Quilt Infatuation from back in 2018. Little did I think I'd be making not one, but two of these in the space of about a week!

Christmas Garland Runner

I seem to be on a roll of finishes this month, and here is another. Dayna made several requests last summer and I do believe I've now fulfilled them all, though in the other day's conversation mention was made of her needing a heart quilt... She had requested two table runners, one in pink and another in traditional Christmas colours. You've seen the flimsy in the pattern release post. Well, here it is complete.

Dayna loves it. Mission accomplished!

Sewing Forever

Since the Christmas Tree Farm quilt finish I've been steadily sewing. I have a baby quilt commission that I need to finish by the end of this year, and I completed a couple of small Christmas presents as well. Here is what I’ve been up to.

I mentioned in The Christmas tree farm post that Brady had requested a bigger library book bag. It took two tries before I got the size where I felt it was not too big, but not too small either… Just right! As with the first bag, I made him in January 2020, it has a pocket on the front for his library card with his initial, which could also stand for books! I found a font that I liked in the computer, blew it up to the size I needed, lightly traced the letter onto paper laid over the laptop screen, and then used my Hera marker to trace imprint it onto the fabric. From there I lightly went over the imprint with a Bohin fine chalk pencil onto the dark fabric to be sure these eyes of mine could see where to stitch! I used a Sulky Blendables 12 weight cotton thread to FMQ embroider, going over it four times to fatten it up. 

Christmas Tree Farm Quilt

Last fall I made the Patchy Pumpkin Farm quilt for my eldest daughter, Brianne, who lives in Alberta. When Dayna was out there visiting this fall, she fell in love with the quilt and asked if I would make her one. No problem. However, I thought, why not see if she'd like the Christmas tree farm version, same truck just with trees as opposed to pumpkins. She did, so I purchased that pattern from White Plains Quilt, and here it is, ready before Christmas!

She wanted it in traditional Christmas colours, so I asked her if she wanted all forest green trees or some forest green and others a celadon or tarragon green as in the original quilt. She liked that, and lo and behold, I had one in my Kona stash, but no clue what name it is, as I never used to be bothered keeping track of the shades I'd bought. I had enough to make all seven of the trees.

Grandma's House

Quilt names don't usually come easily to me, but sometimes they do and this was one. I am excited to share my original design, a bench pillow, with you today!

It is one of four projects in my newly-released pattern, 'Rainbow Neighbourhood'. Did I mention the pattern is on sale all week? 25% off. It's a pretty darn good deal if I do say so myself: $10.50CA which is $8US for four projects, two of which are a throw quilt and a twin quilt, each with a completely different layout, a 22" cushion cover and this 20" x 36" bench pillow. 

Rainbow Neighbourhood Pattern Release

It's been a long time coming, but I'm thrilled to finally have my houses pattern together and released! You'll be seeing more of it all week, as the pattern has four projects within it: a throw, a twin sized quilt, and two pillows, one of which is a cushion and the other a bench pillow. I made the throw using the original blocks I made back in the Rainbow Scrap Challenge of (would you believe) 2017.

It is so good to see these fun spectrum of houses finally 'grown up' into a quilt. The pattern, which I've named Rainbow Neighbourhood, is on sale all week for 25% off. You can get it in my Etsy shop, SandraJaneQuilts. 

Joyful Star - 12 Days of Christmas in July

I was honoured to be asked by Sarah of Confessions of a Fabric Addict to be part of her hop this year. Despite already having two rather major commitments within six days of each other, I said yes, adding a third! I work well under pressure, always have. Well, I'm pleased to report all three commitments/deadlines have been met. I am now going to have a relaxing August once this post is done! So welcome, and I hope to inspire you with not one, but three little projects!

First of all truth tea: I never, not ever, think of, or make stuff for, Christmas in July. I am a summer-loving girl and thoughts of snow and cold are no part of my July soak up the sun time! However. I made an exception this year. Because? 

Well, Sarah.

And - 

I had a pattern that was almost ready to publish, that would work beautifully for a Christmas quilt. I'd even had that thought percolating.

And it is published! And it's on sale 30% off for the duration of the hop! You can snag a copy for yourself for just $7.70CA in my Etsy shop.

So.

Exceptions had to be made, I mean really! And I'm so thrilled with how it came together.

So cheery! So... joyful! The red fabric is even called 'Joy' by Kate Spain.

Holiday Memories and Traditions

I thought this would be a fun little sojourn down memory lane of Christmases past. Bernie of Needle and Foot is hosting this little hop to add some cheer to a rather tough season for most of us this year.

I love Christmas, though as my daughters have grown up, maybe not as much, since

a. I get to spend it with the man I love (how can that be a detriment you wonder?)...

b. who happens to be rather a grinch.

So Christmas spirit is pretty much all me, and has been that way since we started dating. For me, Christmas isn't religious; it's about the love and gift-giving and time spent with family and loved ones.