When I started sewing a couple of years ago, I decided that I would try to make at least one new, seasonal item each year for our family to enjoy.
The first year, I made the kids a Christmas outfit. My daughter wore this appliqued Christmas Tree onesie and my son had a T-shirt with a print from Flurry in the shape of a tie. They weren’t perfect, but they were cute!
Then last year, I was a little bit more prepared and dedicated. My big aim was to make an Advent calendar wall hanging. But of course I couldn’t just buy a panel or adapt a ready-made pattern, oh no! Instead, I went all out and collaborated with Kristy at Quiet Play to create 25 Christmas patterns - 12 pieced Christmas ornaments and 13 paper pieced Christmas images. Because I apparently don’t believe in doing things the easy way! People have used the designs for a huge range of products, but I used all of them to make my Advent calendar. I just used some pretty clips to hold small origami paper numbers over each pocket and each day, we took down the paper and fished out the goodies from inside. Maybe one day I will embroider numbers on them, but for now, the larger numbers worked well to help with number recognition practice for my son!
UPDATE: A bundle of both Christmas patterns is now available for a special bundle price of $12 - that’s 20% off!
Maybe this year I will actually get around to quilting and binding my A Very Merry HST BOF wall hanging - a free pattern available on Blossom Heart Quilts. And I have two of Kate Spain’s In From The Cold charm packs sitting on my shelf, so I had better continue my unintentional Kate Spain Christmas tradition and think of something for them!
To celebrate Christmas in July here at And Sew We Craft, I’m offering 2 free Ornamental patterns for 2 lucky winners! This pattern includes 12 different Christmas ornament designs in two different sizes - one that works with a charm pack, and one that works for layer cakes! Perfect for those hoarded Christmas precuts in your stash. Simply use the Rafflecopter form below to enter!
Living in Japan for 3 years, Alyce spends her days mothering 2 little monkeys, quilting, blogging at Blossom Heart Quilts, and revelling in the fabrics of Japan!
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26 Responses to A Handmade Christmas
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I love that advent calendar!!!
Love the advent calendar.
I’m planning on making several presents in time for Christmas this year.
Jodie recently posted..Green Elephant Baby Changing Bag
Soon many things! On the table right now is a bit of a dismantled advent calendar! Then I’ve got about a dozen and a half gifts to make for my kids and family!
Naomi recently posted..What I’ve been up to today…
love the advent calendar! think it may be a little out of my league for now, but might give the HST BOF a go …. off to find the patterns! thanks!
Kari recently posted..1st Birthday planning
I am making a wall hanging now… and old fashioned Santa
Stockings
-Gena
Gena recently posted..HEDUA Free Shipping Sale-today only!
I’m hoping to make an advent calendar, although with the other projects I have in mind for now, it may have to wait for next year! But some patterns would be great!
I love doing Christmas sew. I will have to make a advent calendar instead of using the store brought one this year.
[...] As well as blogging here, I also contribute at And Sew We Craft where we’re currently sharing Christmas In July! To celebrate, head on over to win a copy of Ornamental. [...]
I’m planning to make some bags for christmas.
Table runner and placemats are on my list.
I am hoping to make a quilt for my daughter and some bunting, cushions and curtains for her new bedroom. A big girl bed in her new bedroom is her big Christmas pressie this year and it will be a major project from the day after her 3rd birthday in August until Christmas eve I am sure.
Oh and there will be a Christmas outfit too because that is a tradition I started too.
wow thankyou for a chance in this lovely giveaway.xx
Shez recently posted..Another shabby chic set
I am making Christmas table runners and quilted stockings.
What a wonderful family heirloom you have created! I have a long list of lap (or should I say ‘nap’!) quilts to make. We’ll see how many I actually get through…
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I love your advent calendar!
For the last few years I’ve made a Christmas quilt - lap size, perfect for snuggling under!
Love Ornamental & that it can be made with precuts!
Luv the advent calendar. Made one about 25 years ago using perforated paper ornaments on a counted cross stitch tree wall hanging. Would love to do this one now that I am quilting.
The Ornamental pattern and the advent calendar are both so pretty!
A winter design quilt.
There are too many ideas out there but as usual, whatever i end up making, it will be last minute ! x
I would like to make mug rugs for all the family. That would be about 25, I think I should get started soon.
I need a new tree skirt!
I need to make a cool advent calendar! hint hint….. one would look so cute with those ornament designs… LOL.
A wall hanging and stockings I think. Thank you!!
(smjohns63 at yahoo dot com)
I’m starting early this year and make my Granddaughter an Advent Wallhanging. I want to make a few to give to family and friends. I also want to do a candy cane quilt with Christmas fabrics. I also want to make a fall quilt and a Thanksgiving wall hanging. I love the holidays.