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Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Christmas Party Fun

After a long week of giveaways, it's time to get back to normal blogging again!  I had a lot of fun last week with the giveaways and plan on making it an annual event.  I learned a few things while it was in progress and plan on making a few changes for the next one!

This past Saturday was our annual guild holiday party.  It's packed with a pot luck spread like no other!  I totally over indulged on everything!  It was so good I couldn't help myself!

We also have a Secret Santa Swap.  It is always a treat to see the look on peoples faces when they find out who got their name and then open their gift.  The talent, thoughtfulness and generosity is amazing!  Today, I thought I would share what I made for my person, Jenny!



Jenny's list was very helpful to me, yet I was worried when she talked about bags and zippers! She is the queen of all things zippers and bag related!  Yikes!  How could I impress her?!  I swallowed my fear and got busy! 

The first item I made was a set of pot holders (also on her list).  This I knew I could handle! There I go again with my 'Star Thistle' block!  The background color is her all time favorite!  I aim to please! 



I used four different colors for the points, a copper accent and  a print from Anna Maria Horner's 'Fibs & Fables line.  Star Thistle makes the geometric dot-to-dot quilting so easy and I find myself going back to it time and time again!

  

I wasn't sure if Jenny was a 'hanger' person or not.  The majority of the time I do not add hangers, but this time I thought I'd try something different.  I added twill tape on the corners for the hanging option.  What do you think of that idea?  



Next up was the dreaded zipper project!  A scissor pouch was on the list and I knew exactly which one I was going to make!  The Scissor Cozy!  Check out the tutorial from Svetlana @SOTAK Handmade...it's pretty easy and pretty amazing!  



I decided to use my small stash of selvages for this one.  Another thing I know about Jenny is that she is a 'super fan' verging on stalking (kidding Jenny!) of all things Denyse Schmidt! First, I pieced two panels being mindful of where I wanted the most interesting part of the selvage to end up.  And then went about following the directions for complete it.



I wasn't sure what size her scissors were and prayed this pouch would work!  My scissors fit perfectly and come to find out...we both have the exact same ones!  Cozy just as the pattern title states!



For the final 'make' I scoured my stash for every stitch of Denyse Schmidt I could find.  I didn't need much, but I needed 18 different prints.  They say variety is the spice of life!  



Since it used paper piecing on one gift, selvages on another, it seemed fitting to use English Paper Piecing for the third!  You know...that variety saying and all!  



I think Jenny was pretty happy with her gift(s)!  It's always a nail biter when making something for someone you admire and inspire to be like!  

One thing is for sure, quilters love getting gifts from other quilters.  We know what goes into projects and can appreciate every single stitch!  

Next time I'll share my 'goodies' from the Secret Santa Swap!


LINKING:

24 comments:

  1. Jayne, I'm sure she was thrilled with all these! I don't have any use for scissor pouch because I sew always at home but I relly want one like! And I surely need new pincushion which I can make using the papers from 'hexagon shape family'. I don't say anything about potholders ... I should make pile of those. x Teje

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    1. I think she was Teje! I hear you on the scissor pouch…my big scissors never leave home! But it was a really fun project to make!

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  2. These are such beautiful gifts. I'm sure she's really happy with them.

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    1. Thank you Lisa! I know I had fun making each and everyone of these little gifts!

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  3. your gifts look perfect for a quilter, all look very well made!

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    1. Quilters are the best at receiving gifts from other quilters!

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  4. Beautiful gifts! I really like the twill ribbon on the back of the pot holders, it is a great way of hanging for those that would want to hand while being very discrete. I would not use them as pot holders, If I had those they would be hanging on my wall in my kitchen, they are too beautiful too get dirty!!

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    1. I thought the twill tape was a good alternative! I am in love with the color combination of the pot holders!

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  5. Jenny is one lucky girl to receive such nice surprises from you!! That twill tape hanger is brilliant!! I don't have potholders in my house but in my camper I do. I'll have to remember that, thanks for sharing it.

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    1. I hope she thinks so! I thought the twill tape was a good solution for hanging and thought I’d give it a try! It’s an good option!

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  6. What beautiful and thoughtful gifts to make Jenny, and I am sure she appreciated your attention to detail and what she likes!

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  7. Amazing gifts! I always like to see all the little details you add to each project.

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  8. I would love to be your secret sister... and thanks tons for that pot holder hanger method! I usually loop the tail of the binding and awkwardly sew it to the back. You are brilliant!

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    1. We could all use some secret sisters! I thought the twill tape was a great option for adding hangers. I usually never ever do and from a recent post of mine, neither do many others! I’m glad so many find it a good idea!

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  9. OK, you are bad for me! I am trying to get some quilting done and here I am still reading one last blog. YOURS! I couldn't not read it. I really enjoy seeing all the little things you are making. Who wouldn't love them? And your idea for the corner hanger that is hidden on the back is genious. Love it! That way, it can still be hung but for those who prefer not, there isn't a distracting little tag hanging out there. Great idea!!

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  10. The twill tape is an awesome idea!! And that pouch for the scissors...genius!!

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  11. Such gorgeous gifts Jayne - I am sure she was thrilled to receive them.

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  12. Short on drawer space, I do hang potholders, and the twill tape is ingenius--I hope I remember to try that when I finally make myself some quilted pot holders. If I were to receive your beautiful ones, tho, they would hang as eye candy, not for use!

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  13. Potholder? Use it as a potholder? Sacrilege, they are too wonderful. Love the scissor pouch and pincushion but the beautiful 'potholder' is by far my favourite.

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  14. Jenny scored big time, I'd say! You made such lovely gifts. I am especially smitten with the scissors cozy. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas, Jayne!

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  15. very sweet presents - the pot holder is a small wall hanging in reality isn't it?

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  16. What beautiful gifts, Jenny is a very lucky lady! And you hanging tabs are genius! I also adore your block!

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  17. Love your twill tape idea. I actually don't like loops on my potholders. I always end up getting them stuck in a cookie or whatever when checking baking progress.

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  18. I loved opening these presents, and with the fabric and chocolates I felt like the bag was never going to be empty -- presents just kept spilling out! I am actually using my "potholders" (gasp!). They are not taking any abuse, though -- one sits on my sewing table and the other on my cutting table, to keep me inspired (and hold my bottle of water). I love seeing them when I sew!

    The scissor cozy is going to really come in handy when I pack up my things for sewing, because I have always had trouble wrestling my sew together bag closed with all the stuff in it. Now my scissors have a darling little special spot, which the strained-to-breaking zipper on my other bag appreciates!

    The pincushion is wonderful, as I already commented. I had been hoping to get you as a partner someday, and I wasn't disappointed!!!

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