Friday, August 24, 2012

Best Christmas Quilts 2012 BlogTour

I'm so excited to be participating in the blog tour for my "Christmas Critters" quilt in the new issue of Best Christmas Quilts 2012 by Quilters Newsletter! I met the editor in Houston last fall, where she fell in love with my "Cuddle Buddies Quilt" and invited me to design a Christmas quilt for their awesome magazine, of course I was thrilled. I've kept the basic design very easy, and I used Woolfelt for the critter applique and orange peels for simplicity, no need to fuse or turn under raw edges, as it doesn't ravel. Do be sure to pre-shrink your fabrics, and especially the Woolfelt, it will add a wonderful texture to it and it does shrink just a bit when it goes in the dryer. (I allowed for shrinkage in my yardage in the materials list.) I've used some basic hand-embroidery stitches on my sample: blanket-stitch around the critters, a pretty decorative herringbone stitch around the orange peels, stem-stitch for the reindeer antlers. All of these can be done by machine too if you prefer, I just like to do hand-work.

I chose animals that would have a special meaning for Christmas: of course the rein-deer at upper left, giving Santa a ride to all the good little boys and girls; the polar bear bringing to mind the North Pole where we all know Santa lives; what would Christmas be without the lamb, and every little boy and girl needs a Christmas puppy frolicking around! The 4-patch blocks reminded me of presents, so I added a little bow to the center of each one. If you're making this cuddle quilt for a small one, I would recommend not to use buttons; instead you can fuse or stitch penny-circles on the Christmas tree and at the corners. Ditto for beads, I would use French knots instead, and instructions and diagrams are included in the magazine for doing all the decorative stitches. I also had a thought as I was looking at the magazine photo: wouldn't it be cute to use chenille or minkee fabric on those outer borders? And so soft and cuddly for your little one, too. If you don't have a young one at home, this would also make a great wall hanging as well. My sample was quilted in a Christmas motif by Judy Whitehead, more info on Judy's beautiful work at www.goneawayquilting.com

If you'd like to see more of my patterns including my inspiration quilt #150 "Cuddle Buddies Quilt & Accessories", please visit the Patterns page of my web-site http://www.annieskeepsakes.com Hard to believe, we are celebrating 22 years in the business this year! Lots of patterns and magazine projects have been designed over the years, and we're still going strong! I also have the Woolfelt kit for the critter appliques and green orange peels for this "Christmas Critters" quilt.

And most important: if you'd like to be entered in the blog tour drawing, please leave a comment on this blog post before 11:59 MDT tonight, August 24, for a chance to win this "Hugs and Holly" fabric bundle by Red Rooster Fabrics and a copy of Best Christmas Quilts. Be sure to include your email address in your comment so we will know how to get in touch with you. I will draw one name at random. One comment per person, please. Open to those who haven't won something from Quilters Newsletter in the last 90 days. Good luck, and happy sewing!


120 comments:

MJMR said...

Vicky you always do get things.

Kathleen Taylor said...

Your quilt is gorgeous, Vickie! Congratulations!

NCquilter said...

Love the quilt! The fabrics are gorgeous!

DuAnne said...

Love the quilt! Thanks for the opportunity to win. I need a Christmas project to jumpstart the seasons

Sowing Stitches said...

Oh how precious! That little polar bear is adorable!!!! :D

sowingstitches [at] yahoo [dot] com

giddy99 said...

That quilt is darling! thanks for the chance.

Unknown said...

I love your quilt!

Betty said...

Your quilt is beautiful! Thanks for participating in the Christmas project - I just checked on my Christmas gifties and I guess now is the time to get started!

Unknown said...

I just picked up the magazine and saw your project. The animal choices you made were excellent. Thank you for your hard work and sharing it with all of us.

Sheila Galindo said...

What pretty fabrics. I'd love to win.

Terry said...

A really fun little quilt, and great colors!

scarlette said...

What a cute quilt, love the little bear. what is an orange peel? email shobbs@scarlette.com thanks for making such a cute quilt.

JulieF1962 said...

I love doing wool applique and your quilt is really cute!

Seacoast Quilter said...

What a cute quilt! Love it. Would love to win the fabric, too. mary@furber.com

Ellen said...

A really cute quilt.

Patty said...

Love your quilt. Thanks for the give away.

Judy said...

Love your quilt and the fabic would be nice to make some gifts

Barbara Sindlinger said...

Very cute little kids quilt. Love the idea of wool felt so no turning under when appliqueing.

Carol said...

I love the quilt. Would love to win the fabric drawing.

Gill said...

Great quilt! I've never used wool felt before!
Thanks for a great giveaway!

tanyaPBE said...

Love the fabrics and the quilt...great job!

suequilter said...

Love the fluffy animals!

suequilter at hotmail dot com

Dana Gaffney said...

Oh, that is so adorable, I love the critters you chose. I've never worked with woolfelt, but I think the time has come. Thank you.

Diana said...

Love the little lambs! And I'd love to win the fabric. Thanks for the ideas & the opportunity!

brownj6610 said...

Cute little animals in your quilt.

Maree in NC ☺ said...

Soooo cute ~ love your critters, Vickie! ♥ Thanks a bunch for the chance to win some yummy fabrics! ☺

mynanamaree@yahoo.com

Lisa England said...

Your quilt is very cute and would be great to decorate a child's room at Christmas. Thanks for sharing!

Gale said...

Cute little quilt, Vicky. And I surely could put that fabric to good use!

Martha Lane said...

This issue of Christmas quilts has so many terrific designs - yours is darling!

Sharon S said...

Cute quilt. Thanks for the fun blog hop.

zork said...

Can't believe it is time to start Christmas gifts. The quilt is so adorable.

Nana Jo said...

What a great giveaway! Thanks for the chance to win.

Lindsey said...

I love the wall hanging! So cute! Also, the fabric you are giving away is cute as well!

Karen L. said...

Thanks for giving me a heads up on the give-away. Would love to be in the running for the "prize". Congrats on doing the BlogTour too.

Deb B. said...

I love the quilt! I also like the way the red background for each of the animals & the tree are connected to create another great visual effect!

debmutti@gmail.com

Shanda said...

That is too cute!!

OhioLori said...

Oh my! Love your Quilt! (& your site! sooo cool!) My favorite is the lil Polar Bear!

Thanks for chance to win in this drawing! :)

Suzanne said...

What a great quilt for the kiddos!!

Rachell said...

Darling! How fun to let the kids explore this quilt and discuss what each thing represents during Christmastime. Cuddly is great!
Thanks for a giveaway and congrats!
reillyr2@hotmail.com

teri said...

I love your patterns, Vickie! The quilt is so cute. Thanks for the op to win.

Marcia W. said...

This is a wonderful cuddly Christmas quilt that my grandnieces would love to explore. Thanks for the chance to enter your giveaway too. I think this is my first visit to your blog, and enjoyed learning about your designs.

Chris said...

Very pretty quilt.

Marcia W. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jeanne said...

Love your quilt! Thanks for the giveaway.

Unknown said...

What a darling Critter quilt - wonderful for the grandkids at Christmas! Thanks,
Gail


gamandli@yahoo.com

Kay said...

Love all the Christmas animals. And the fabric bundle is gorgeous. Hope I win.
kguillot@gmail.com

VJ said...

This is a beautiful quilt. I would love to see some closeup pictures of it, too. Thank you for the chance to win.

ladybush57@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

Absolutely beautiful! I would make the exact same wall hanging lol! Thanks for the chance and I hope I win :)
derock5759@hotmail.com

Wendy said...

Adorable appliques in an adorable quilt. Can't believe Christmas projects need to get underway NOW. Thanks for the inspiration :)

Cecilia said...

Your quilt is very pretty. I would love to make one for each of my granddaughters, maybe using minkee for the outer borders as you suggested. Thank you for the chance to win.
ceciliayoung at gmx dot com

Julie said...

What an adorable wall quilt! I love the idea of chenille or minkee too. How soft would that be for a little one to lay on.

julie at kaboodles dot com

Eva said...

Beautiful, just so love it. Hope I win.

eva961@yahoo.com

LaineyDickson said...

The blog tour sounds fun!

Karen Newman Fridy said...

Congratulations Vickie!! So excited for you :)

maggie said...

I just LOVE your Christmas critters. well done
maggie

patricia said...

You haven't seen the really sucky Christmas fabric I have. Thanks for the chance for an upgrade!

Granny Pat said...

You have a really cute quilt. Love the animals.
Patricia_schemel@yahoo.com

Carrie P. said...

Congrats Vicki on being a part of the magazine. Your quilt is so cute.

Jane said...

Congratulations on the cute critters! And thanks for the giveaway!

Ms MoomMist said...

Now, this is in the real Christmas spirit. Love the antique colors of these and your quilts are just perfect.

Sandy said...

What a fun and cuddly quilt!

Diann said...

I love your bright and cheerful quilt.

Unknown said...

This is my 4th try at leaving a comment. I love your Christmas quilt and your blog. I hope to get that good some day. I love making things for Christmas. This is a big "YES" if it manages to send.

5th try.made a new blog

Pamela said...

Annie, your wall hanging is adorable. I love all the different figures used in such an appealing matter. Good Job. Thanks for sharing.

LeAnne said...

Your wall hanging is really cute. Love the polar bear.

oneoldgoat said...

Very cute! I love Red Rooster fabrics :)

Pat said...

To cute for words!

RV Khronicles of Kevelyn said...

Thanks for the chance to win!

ThreadCatcher said...

Great project! I've never worked with wool...I love the look. Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

Vickie,
My best friend growing up was named Vicki. I am a long time quilter and have recently (the past year) become very addicted to wool appliqué. It is not always easy to find wool appliqué patterns with piecing, although it is becoming easier due to designers like you. So thank you for your wonderful designs.

Threader said...

Love your quilt & have added to my "List". Red Rooster Fabrics is a favourite of mine. Thanks
bamoore@telus.net

granbearie said...

The quilt is so very cute! The feltwool looks so fun to work with, I'll have to give it a go.

Unknown said...

Your Cuddle Buddy quilt is darling! Thank you for the opportunity to win.

Unknown said...

I'm so glad you added a lamb to the critters.

granniegee said...

This quilt is adorable! It would be darling as a wall quilt in a new baby's room, especially one expected during the holidays.

Sandra J. Strickler said...

This is just gorgeous. Love the shapes!

laneycath said...

I think I would love to add verbage inside each lamb - maybe open the lamb up - kinda like an advent calendar. THis is really sweet mabbettlorraine at yahoo dot com

Katy said...

Another lovely quilt!

Lorraine said...

Great idea to integrate cotton and wool in the same project. Beautiful design!

Mary Anne said...

I love to make Christmas quilts for my family!!

Joyce Carter said...

Beautiful quilt! and so are the fabrics. would love to win. Thanks for the giveaway.

Cathie in UT said...

I am not much for wool applique but your project is so dang cute it's hard to resist!
Nice to learn about a Carolina Girl designer too!

lindav said...

Love your "wooly" creations and love this "hop" for all the new designers we get to meet! Thanks for sharing and for being a part of the give-away. bverburg@juno.com

Unknown said...

Love all the great ideas

BizyStitches said...

Love your cuddle quilt. I'm going to read through some of your blog and visit your web store. Thanks for the chance to win the fabric bundle and thanks for sharing your talent with us through photos.

ChristiH said...

Beautiful as you are and everything you do!

Plantaholic said...

Love the Christmas quilt! Diane c.

Lucky Duck Dreams said...

Love your design Vicky!

Beth H. said...

Love the quilt and the blog. Thanks for the opportunity. Christmas-guess it is that time to plan.

Unknown said...

Love your design and thanks for the opportunity to win wonderful fabric too!!

Deb Cobb said...

What a cute quilt..would be great for a small child. The fabrics are great!Deb

Unknown said...

What a darling quilt! I would love to win the Christmas fabrics - for my first Christmas quilt!

MoeWest said...

This is so sweet! I would love to do a wool project for Christmas. Thanks for the giveaway.

sewingnancy said...

The quilt is beautiful. I would love to win the Christmas fabric. Its so warm here in the desert its hard to get in the Christmas mood, but the Christmas quilting must be done!

Elaine said...

I love Christmas fabric!

Jackie said...

Love your blog and the Christmas Fabric. Christmas will be here before we know it. Pick Me Pick Me!! Thanks.

quiltlover said...

love the wallhanging. the fabrics are beautiful

Maria Kievit said...

Oh, like the bundle you are giving away. Nice quilt, too. Thanks!

Ellen said...

Great fabrics!

Terri said...

I love the Cuddle Quilt. I have a new grandson, it will be perfect when he comes to visit for Christmas!

DKay said...

Vicky - I love your sweeet cuddle buddies quilt! The fabrics would be wonderful to make some Christmas gifts with! Thanks

KittyAnn said...

Lovely quilt! Would love to have this fabric and magazine, need to get started on gifts! =0) Thank you for the give a way. Click on my name to go to the link for my email. Or, playdoll2 {at} gmail.com

WoolenSails said...

I saw your quilt on the blog hop and just love it, it is so cute and would make a cute baby quilt by changing the colors a bit.

Debbie

Dianne said...

What a wonderful quilt. Thanks for sharing.

David and Patty said...

How fun to find your blog and as soon as I finish here I am going to your website. I think your quilt is darling, I am going to try to do this for our newest great grandson for Christmas. I also love your hats, totally neat and fun.
Thank you for being out there in Cyberspace to teach and share.

Deb said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Deb said...

Ooh I've so enjoyed the blog tour. I'd love to be entered. My email is: debgiro at wildblue dot net
(sorry for the deleted comment)

Carla G said...

What a cute quilt! Thanks for a chance to win! :)
bcgeates at netbistro dot com

Unknown said...

Vickie, what a great quilt. I love all your designs. Your quilt and angel doll I think was the first patterns I bought when I started getting interested in sewing. I'm working on the Angel of Blessings now. Take care until I see you again at a show this fall. Thanks for all your inspiration and talent.

B. Martin said...

I love this quilt. It is beautiful.

Anda W said...

What a unique quilt! I love the cozy design of it! awolk at rogers dot comN

Jane S. said...

Really a cute quilt! It's a nice combination of piecing and applique. :)

Beth said...

Thanks for sharing your quilt, and for the chance to win some cute, Christmas-y fabric.

wordygirl at earthlink dot net

Jo said...

I do love wool, and i think your quilt looks wonderful! :)

Paula said...

Love that the animal appliques are wool felt. Like the happy colors!

Paula said...

I love that the appliques are of wool felt, and love the happy colors!

Faye said...

I just love the darling quilt!! I am getting my thoughts together about the Christmas goodies I want to make as gifts.... Thanks do much!! Faye carolinastitcher.blogspot.com

Shirley in Canada said...

That would make the cutest baby quilt for those being born during the Christmas season!!! Thank you!

mek said...

The animals are adorable!

Susan said...

Love your blog and quilt. I took a nuno felting class with you years ago and loved it!!