The holiday season is underway and we have only a few short weeks remaining for holiday preparations. Yikes! When I came up with the idea for this stitch-along, I envisioned a fun and easy project that would give us an excuse to slow down for an hour or two every other day, while still being gently productive (and right now, I'm feeling pretty happy about that decision!).
To that end, we'll spend most of the stitch-along hand-appliquéing charming blocks to be assembled into a pillow. The prep work for each block takes only a few minutes and the stitching should only take a couple of hours, just long enough for a holiday movie. I plan to do most of my stitching by the tree in the evening, with a fire in the woodstove and the tv tuned to the Hallmark Channel (I know I'm not the only one with that particular habit!). I hope you'll find this stitch-along restorative—a chance not only to take a break from all the busyness, but also to savor the season and, of course, to make a pillow you love!
Before we get started with today's block, I have just a few housekeeping details:
- Every other day in December, from now until the 22nd, I'll be posting the next stage of our stitch-along here on the blog.
- Links to downloadable instruction/pattern sheets for each day will be available both here and on the stitch-along page.
- Here's the link to a general Appliqué/Embroidery Instructions sheet that you'll need to refer to throughout the stitch-along.
- I mention this on the general Appliqué/Embroidery Instructions sheet, but it's worth repeating here: with all of your blocks, be sure to allow for seam allowances by positioning all flannel/felted wool and embellishments at least ½" from the outer raw edge of your 4½" fabric squares.
- If you haven't yet had a chance to gather your materials, no worries—here's a link to the stitch-along materials page—jump in and join us whenever you can!
All set? Here we go!
Day 1: Holly
Today's block is a pair of holly leaves with button holly berries. Couldn't be simpler—or sweeter!
In the interest of keeping the blog posts short, I won't write out each day's block instructions here. But between the general Appliqué/Embroidery Instructions sheet that I mentioned in the housekeeping details and today's pattern sheet, you should have everything you need to make today's block.
Here's a look at the Holly block that I made for my traditional pillow.
Instead of flannel, I used felted wool in two different green plaids atop a dark red print fabric. I love this classic look, but I've got to say, the contrast between the red gingham and the bright green flannels on my bright version makes my heart sing!!
Have fun making today's block! And don't forget, if you post on IG or Facebook, please tag me @jendalyquilts and use the hashtag #merrylittlechristmassal. You can also email me jendalyquilts@gmail.com. I can't wait to see what you're making.
—jen