Monday, February 18, 2019

Christmas Album Finishing Options


This is just a short post to explain some of the Christmas Album finishing options-- at some point, we fell in love and upgraded this whole project to show quilt status, and it's taking more time than we planned.

That doesn't mean you have to make a show quilt! We will be posting just a simple, free diagram shortly that shows "the easy way out," with cutting directions for an all fabric finish-- done in an afternoon!

If you are game for more, there are two more steps-- embroidered sashing, then embroidered borders. You can do either or both.





This is the "Sashing Kit" for the 4x4 size blocks-- it has already posted. If you recall, we were looking for the perfect sashing fabric-- we didn't find it, so we decided to embroider it. Other than being repetitive, we are super pleased at how easily it went together. All of the parts have basting lines on them, and all you need do is stitch along the dotted line for perfect results. The instructions are super detailed, with photographs. 

The charm size sashing kit is underway, and will be posting this week-- the instructions are pretty much the same, just a little more charming. Then, when you finish your lovely sashing, you can just add a lush Christmas print, or fabulous red plaid and call it quits, 

or...

wait for our beautifully embroidered borders! We have in mind a Christmas plaid with a red ribbon swag all around the edges. As with everything, we guarantee it's worth the wait-- and there's still ten months to Christmas any way!

Since our Christmas Album customers will be kept busy with sashing for a bit, we're not tackling the border set until March.

Mostly because this happened...


A couple of days ago, a SWARM of robins landed on our front step and looked in... by the time I grabbed my camera and everyone else ran to see them, only this guy was left.

What were they looking for, I asked myself.

The Cloud Club Finishing Kit.

Yes, it's time. 

We will be actively working on it starting tomorrow, and I would estimate a finish by the end of the month-- then you can start stitching, and while you are working on your pieces, we will then write up some instructions.

That's the plan.


 We're totally committed to five more birds this year to make a longer layout-- thanks to all for your encouragement to continue-- apparently, you loved them as much as we loved doing them. If you have a bird you'd love to see, comment below.

Still there?

Here's a sneak peek progress shot of March's cross stitch mug rug-- a little robin snuck his way onto this, too.




xox
Carol

13 comments:

  1. OK I admit I had to Google it, but I think you picked a winner there!

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  2. don't forget to put a shamrock on the March mug rug! it is March after all! and St. Patricks day...green green green. the March sample looks like it should be for April.

    PS: I made my christmas project on 9x9 squares. wanted a larger quilt to cuddle up in. will the sashing and borders be able to be "stretched" for a larger square? please say yes!

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    1. We're trying not to make the monthly series too holiday-ish-- but St. Patrick's could have it's own version!
      I think that the sashings would be fine-- for the charm size, we are currently "Squishing" them-- before you do it, write us with the specifics and we will be happy to investigate more... loose cannons are ENCOURAGED in this establishment!! xox

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  3. Just a suggestion for March Mug Rug. It currently looks like it should be an April design. Change The "tulips" to "shamrocks". In the blank corner put a pot of gold with a rainbow so all of our dreams can come true. Where the robin is, put a decorative shamrock. March is green green green! we all need "the luck o' the Irish". (save the pretty robin to go with the easter bunnies of April. just a thought!

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  4. Agreed the tulip might do better as daffodils-- but trying not to go too holiday-ish with this-- we have a worldwide customer base that won't be celebrating Thanksgiving and what not.
    We're think more "special editions" for those. xox

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  5. Birds.... a Magpie, black and white, great bird!
    Also, like the daffodil idea better in the March mug, for what it's worth!

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  6. Here are my suggestions for a few more gorgeous birds: Pileated Woodpecker, Cedar Waxwing, Rose Breasted or Evening Grosbeak, American Kestrel or Black Capped Chickadee. I love the suggestions for a Painted Bunting and a Magpie too! The 13 bird designs to date have all been fantastic. I am sure anything you choose will be a wonderful addition to the collection.

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  7. Chickadees, dark-eyed junco, nuthatch, tufted titmouse are some neat birds I always love watching. LOVE the new sashing kit!!

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  8. For birds - how about a Red-breasted Woodpecker?

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    1. Any kind of woodpecker would be fabulous! I am so glad as it was one of my suggestions. Dee

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