Christmas Swap Quilt

OK we are back and ready to talk about my Christmas swap.

Are you ready? 

Let's go.

I started my Christmas swap last year because I wanted to remake my quilt as a Christmas quilt.

You can read about it here.

Last year I had to take two spots in my swap, to fill it up.

I knew I did not want to have repeats in my circles, so I wasn't sure what to do

 with my second package of swap fabrics.

I thought about making a Christmas zig-zag quilt, but decided to wait.

First things first I had to make my circles.

Now I know you have admired my Jeweled wedding ring quilt,

 and you totally want to make one your self.

This is how you start.

You need to make 525 patterned circles.

I know you can do it because I did it.

here is how I do it.

  First things first, you need a circle.

A two inch circle to be exact, 

I found this glitter container was exactly two inches.

Next get some of your thicker template plastic.

trace your circle.

I then took one of my quilts, circle templates,

centered it and traced around that.

I then drew a cross, that way I know exactly where the center is.

It helps when you are fuzzy cutting.

I now know where the center is,

and what will be showing when the seam allowances are gone.

I know, pretty brilliant. 

Now go to your fabulous stash of Christmas fabrics that you got,

 or will get from the Christmas swap.

Take one square at a time, and fussy cut away.

Note how the template lets you perfectly

 center your little Christmas packages.

                                     

Cut on your traced line...

And voila a perfect little two inch circle.

Repeat with all your fabrics.

Yes all two hundred of them.

Now last year when I was making all my circles, I was left with a quandary.

What to do with the scraps.

I thought about having a giveaway or something.

Then I thought to myself what is someone going to do with those scraps anyway.

Then I started thinking about what I would do with them, and this is what I came up with.

I think you are going to love it.

I cut them up in to two inch squares.

You may notice that those are not true square squares.

It is not going to matter.

I separated them into three baggies.

I didn't want the chance repeating a fabric, so I kept them separate.

You may be thinking

Robyn what are you going to do with a square missing a whole corner?

I am making snow balls.

Are you ready for phase two?

OK let's go.

You are going to need a solid background fabric.

I loved this white on white, I mean it even looks like snowballs.

Cut them four inches square.

Now take your two inch squares, and mark a diagonal line.

Making sure that you are keeping one side perfect, and true. 

  

See what I mean.

Line up your little squares around your big square.

Making sure that the true side is in the middle.

Take it to your sewing machine, and sew on the lines. 

Line up your ruler so that you have a 1/4" seam allowance.

Trim off all your corners.

I have wondered what to do with those triangles. 

I think I am going tot let them go.

Press and look at that cute snowball.

Like I said I had two spots in my swap, 

so from my other pile I took one of the four inch squares,

and sewed it to the side of my snowball.

Repeat

Sew them together.

Look how cute and scrappy they are.

Want to know what is even cuter?

                                       

Sewing a lot together,

because if you look closely...

there are stars.

See how stinking cute is that.

I have a lot more to go but I can't wait to see it all done and adorable.

There are still two spots available in my swap.

If you totally want to copy me you can, 

I'm not going to stop you.

Here is the link to the sign up sheet.

If you only want one spot I will let you do that too.

the deadline is August 25, so you can't think about it too long.

Until next time have a great week end.

I think when the Olympics are done, I am going to be going through withdrawals.

I am now totally in love with synchronized swimming.

It just makes me giggle with joy.