And now, somehow, it’s the last month of the year and it’s finally time to reveal the very last block of the Calendar quilt.
December is one of those months where there are so many possible themes, it is hard to choose just one!
I knew what I wanted to do though, I wanted a big, bold Santa for this one, a larger-than-life figure BURSTING out of the December block!
The Little One chose the lovely scarlet fabric for Santa’s suit and I thought it was just perfect.
The snow along the chimney top is a lovely sparkly white, flecked with silver but, as you will know if you’ve ever tried to photograph them, sparkles can be camera-shy.
I love how his face turned out, it’s both kindly and solemn at the same time. After all, spending a year studying naughty lists must be somewhat sobering!
Two tiny black buttons were just the right size for his eyes and I used two slightly bigger buttons for his suit.
I was undecided for the motifs along the bottom of December’s block. I was torn between little sprigs of holly or stockings. In the end the dilemma was solved when I found the holly button for Santa’s hat.
The Little One fell in LOVE with this button as a tot when she was with me in a fabric shop one day and it has been lingering in my button box ever since. I was delighted to be able to use it up on a project for her.
I selected scraps of small print Christmas fabrics to make the little stockings.
Usually I appliqué with a zig-zag stitch but I blanket stitched around the stockings as I wanted them to stand out clearly against the background.
The same technique was employed to sew around Santa’s suit and the brick chimney so these pieces were emphasised.
I used zig-zag stitch on the other appliqué pieces for a more subtle effect.
I am busy with lots of festive sewing at this time of year as I love making little things for gifts and to decorate our home. Are you sewing any Christmas projects at the moment? What has been your favourite ever Christmas make?
To make sure you don’t miss my future posts, sign up to my blog below. I’d love to have you along!
You can see last month’s block of the calendar quilt here.
For tips on machine appliqué, check out my machine appliqué tutorial.
This is absolutely darling? How can I get patterns for the entire year of Calendar Quilts? I just found your patterns last month.
So glad you like it, Marilyn. The patterns are coming! I can add you to a mailing list I have set up so you’ll be notified when the full quilt pattern is released, if you’d like.
I too am interested in some of the patterns especially the December one of SANTA.
If you could add me to your mailing list, I would be so grateful. Thank you.
Have a Merry Christmas.
Hi Joanne, I’m so glad you like the December block, I’ve added you to the Calendar quilt mailing list. I will be adding the December block to my shop shortly, I’ll let you know when it’s available.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!