A Quick and Easy Advent Calendar

I was shopping with my friend earlier this week. She saw this fabric and loved it. The colors were "purrfect" for her new house for Christmas. But she didn't know what she would do with it. Her daughter already had fabric for a table runner so she reluctantly put it back.

I went back and got 2 yards having no idea what I would do, but knew how much she wanted it. Then I decided an advent calendar was the way to go. OMG - it is November 20th - there's just 10 days before December 1 and Thanksgiving is right in the middle of that! I had to work fast. So this is what I did.

 I cut the fabric in half and put one half aside for the backing. With the remaining half, I made folds to be like rows that were three inches deep. I made 5 rows.

 I then pinned the rows together and stitched both sides to keep the folds together.

I then measured across the a row adding pins approximately 4" or 4 1/2" apart to create 5 pockets in the row.

Next I lined up my pins along the rulers edge on each row. I didn't have time to see if my invisible ink would really be invisible on the white part of the fabric and I knew I was not going to wash it once it was made, so I just "eyeballed" it to get it as straight as I could. You may wish to do it differently, but as time was not a luxury for me, I did what I could.











I sewd one row from top to bottom and then I measured from that stitching and sewed the next row. I only had to sew four rows from the top of the fabric to the bottom of the fabric to make five pockets on each row. Now I know most advent calendars only go to December 24, but I am adding an extra day and I will tell you why later.

Once all the rows were made, it was time to make the numbers. I went to my computer and printed out what looked like to be an easy font to draw.  I found a red fabric in my stash that matched. Fortunately I remembered that I needed to reverse the numbers on my fusible sheets. That would not have been much fun at all to have to redo them all.

This truly was the slowest part as drawing and cutting out the numbers was very painstaking at times. There were numbers everywhere and when I started adding them to the calendar, I realized that I couldn't count as I needed an extra 1, 2 and 0.

Once all the numbers were added, it was time to add the backing. Now I decided that I didn't want to do binding as that takes some time (which I didn't have) so I decided to put it together much like I do the Kennel Quilts for animal shelters. I will give you more information on that after the tutorial.

Using the leftover piece of fabric that I had put aside earlier, I placed it right side up on the table. I then added the advent calendar top with the right side face down and then I added the batting on top of that. I trimmed the batting to fit the fabric. So the right sides of the fabric are together with the batting on top.

I

 I then stitched around the calendar but left a 16 inch opening at the top so I could turn it and add a sleeve.







I trimmed the corners and then turned it inside out. I added a piece for the sleeve at the top and stitched it on when I stitched the top.

I then quilted the top by outlining some of the trees and I quilted in between each row. The hard part is done. I may add a few sequins or beads on the trees for sparkle, but it will depend on my time. Nevertheless I am very pleased with the way it turned out and how quick and easy it was.

 Before I give it to my friend, I plan on stuffing each pocket with  little candy canes and a note of what the kids can do each day - like give Mom and Dad a hug, take the dogs for a walk - you get the idea. As you see my calendar has 25 days and I plan on adding a note with the reference to the Christmas Story from Luke in the Bible for that day. It is one of my favorite scripture passages from the gospel of Luke, chapter 2 - verses 1 through 20.

Now as to Kennel Quilts for animal shelters - The Quilt Pattern Magazine has all that information and you may find it by clicking here! 

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial and if you make an advent calendar, please share. Thank you and have a Happy Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas and Happy & Safe Holidays!

Nan

Northern Lights - the 10th Bear in the Bullas Bears Quilt.

This little guy has decorated himself instead of the Christmas tree. He is ready and waiting for Christmas! He is called "Northern Lights" and the 10th and final block in my Bullas Bears BOM.
He is from the art work of famous watercolorist, Will Bullas.

Here is Will's picture:

 
 Here is my quilt adaptation:

 

The Bullas Bears BOM is featured in The Quilt Pattern Magazine. This is block #10 and the final block. Bali Hand-dyed Watercolors - Style #1895 from Hoffman Fabrics were used in this quilt as they are just "purrfect" for these bears! Batiks Plus is offering the Fabric Kits. Kreinik Threads is offering a thread kit featuring the speciality threads used with this quilt. 

So how can you join in all this fun? As the pattern is only available through The Quilt Pattern Magazine, all you have to do is SUBSCRIBE today! You will love making these Bullas Bears!

Polar Prayer - the 9th Bear in the Bullas Bears Quilt.

Even bears pray or so one would think with this guy by the Christmas tree.

This is the 9th block in the Bullas Bears BOM (block of the month). This block is called - Polar Prayer. You can feel the stillness in the night.
He is from the art work of famous watercolorist, Will Bullas.

Here is Will's picture:

 
 Here is my quilt adaptation:

 

The Bullas Bears BOM is featured in The Quilt Pattern Magazine. This is block #9.
Bali Hand-dyed Watercolors - Style #1895 from Hoffman Fabrics were used in this quilt as they are just "purrfect" for these bears! Batiks Plus is offering the Fabric Kits.
Kreinik Threads is offering a thread kit featuring the speciality threads used with this quilt. 

So how can you join in all this fun? As the pattern is only available through The Quilt Pattern Magazine, all you have to do is SUBSCRIBE today! You will love making these Bullas Bears!

 

 

Santa's Cookies - the 8th Bear in the Bullas Bear Quilt

Start you holiday baking so you can have cookies ready for Santa.This little bear hopes his cookies will do the trick for some wonderful presents. He is shy but very hopeful.  This is the 8th block in the Bullas Bears BOM (block of the month). This block is called - Santa's Cookies.  What a happy little guy!
He is from the art work of famous watercolorist, Will Bullas.

  Here is Will's picture:
 
 

 
 Here is my quilt adaptation:

 

The Bullas Bears BOM is featured in The Quilt Pattern Magazine. This is block #8.
Bali Hand-dyed Watercolors - Style #1895 from Hoffman Fabrics were used in this quilt as they are just "purrfect" for these bears! Batiks Plus is offering the Fabric Kits.
Kreinik Threads is offering a thread kit featuring the speciality threads used with this quilt. 

So how can you join in all this fun? As the pattern is only available through The Quilt Pattern Magazine, all you have to do is SUBSCRIBE today! You will love making these Bullas Bears!

Pole Dancer - the 7th Bear in the Bullas Bear Quilt

Put on your dancing shoes and join this bear as he does the Pole Dance. This is the 7th block in the Bullas Bears BOM (block of the month). This guy is called Pole Dancer. No wonder he is dancing and enjoying the cool snow during this hot month of August in the United States! He is quite a happy bear. He is from the art work of famous watercolorist, Will Bullas.

Here is Will's picture:

 Here is my quilt adaptation:

 


The Bullas Bears BOM is featured in The Quilt Pattern Magazine. This is block #7.
Bali Hand-dyed Watercolors - Style #1895 from Hoffman Fabrics were used in this quilt as they are just "purrfect" for these bears! Batiks Plus is offering the Fabric Kits.
Kreinik Threads is offering a thread kit featuring the speciality threads used with this quilt. 

So how can you join in all this fun? As the pattern is only available through The Quilt Pattern Magazine, all you have to do is SUBSCRIBE today! You will love making these Bullas Bears!

The first block is finished!

Some of you may have seen my block in progress on FB. But if you haven't, I will share it now.

I have been wanting to do needleturn applique for quite a long time. The last time I used this method was 25 years ago. I remember because I got a small kit from a cute little shop while on my honeymoon in Hawaii! We were married 25 years ago this past February so that made it easy for me to remember.

I am using a pattern from Cindy Mccoy called Painted Hearts. It is a BOM (block of the month) that is featured in The Quilt Pattern Magazine. It started in June and runs through September so there is still time to join in the fun. This is a table runner pattern. But you could use it for a pillow, a wall hanging or a quilt.

I chose Hoffman Fabrics and decided to go Blue instead of pink. I was having trouble choosing a fourth fabric and asked for suggestions on FB from the three fabrics shown above. 


The middle fabric was the favorite as it got the most votes. You can see I added it below in the little boomerangs. So these were the four fabrics chosen for the first block.

And here is the first finished block. I know it is not "purrfect" but the main thing is I am relearning so to speak! And I am having lots of fun!

Well the second month's block is out and I have started on it. Here are my fabric choices. I am using more of Hoffman Fabrics which will coordinate with the first block.

So there you have it! If you want to make the Painted Hearts pattern, just click here for information about The Quilt Pattern Magazine. There is even a workshop just for this pattern and you can share ideas, ask advice plus do show and tell. The Painted Hearts group is on Pattern Pastiche and it is really nice to be able to share and see what others are doing.


  Please leave a comment and let me know what you think and maybe I will see you at the workshop!

 I must add that my little kitty pin holder has been keeping a close watch on my work!

Polar Present - the sixth block for the Bullas Bears Quilt

Well this is like Christmas in July, because this bear has his package already to be delivered. Talk about doing your shopping early! Doesn't he look pleased and excited that his shopping is done?  Wonder what is in that box? This block is called  - Polar Present.

Here is the artwork of Will Bullas.

 And here is my quilt adaptation.

          


The Bullas Bears BOM is featured in The Quilt Pattern Magazine. This is block #6.

Bali Hand-dyed Watercolors - Style #1895 from Hoffman Fabrics were used in this quilt as they are just "purrfect" for these bears! Batiks Plus is offering the Fabric Kits.

Kreinik Threads is offering a thread kit featuring the specialtity threads used with this quilt. 


So how can you join in all this fun? As the pattern is only available through The Quilt Pattern Magazine, all you have to do is SUBSCRIBE today! You will love making these Bullas Bears!

June Thoughts and Memories

Well when new opportunities present themselves, we need to take advantage of them even if they come in a round about way. So that is what I am doing. Life handed me lemons for awhile, but I choose to make lemonade. And in that process, I will be more timely with my blogs and hopefully post often. I now have the time to do that. I have already outlined blog ideas through September on my list of things to do! So here goes!

Growing up, June was always a magical month as it was the first month I was out of school and there was the promise of a wonderful summer - picnics, swimming, and vacation. Some of my relatives celebrated their birthdays in June so there were always family get togethers for parties with lots of seasonal treats! My cousin got married in the month of June so it was cause for yet another family celebration.

Favorite Family Vacation Spot!

Looking back, I am so blessed to have had such a wonderful family and so many great memories of childhood summers. And because good memories are so very important, I decided to make a quilt in memory of a dear, sweet aunt who was like mom to me. We called her "Billie". Her birthday was June 14th  - Flag day here in America.  She was my mom's sister and took over the role as mother for me when my  mom died.

When my cousin (her daughter) and I were going through her clothes, so many dresses made me think of happy times. I asked her daughter if I could have the dresses and make a quilt. She was delighted and so that is what I am doing. She has helped me when she can even though we live in different states.

There were so many colors, but blue was the predominant theme as that was "Aunt Billie's" favorite color. She had a couch with blue flowers,  blue kitchen curtains and chair seats, a blue dust ruffle and many blue dresses. So gathering all of the dresses and leftover fabrics from a box she kept with her scraps, I went to work.

I decided a strip quilt would be the way to go with blue from the dust ruffle  being the focus fabric in this quilt. I took her dresses and cut them into different size strips to add more interest to the quilt.
Here is a picture of my  scraps. 

I then cut 10" squares from the dust ruffle. I 
marked a two inch strip down the center of
 each square and then started "stripping" 
(sewing my strips)!  I have come up with some 
lovely combinations which even include fabric
 from her aprons    and placemats. I did wash 
everything first, but I had to include those as 
seeing that apron and those placemats brought
 back a flood of wonderful times around her 
Thanksgiving table with all the family.

Yellow flowers on the red paisley fabric were placemats

 I still have a few more squares to go but hopefully will finish them before the summer as some of the projects that I am working on have finish dates looming. This quilt does not. I can take my time and enjoy making it and savor the memories while doing so.

 





 Here are some put together. What do you think?

   
Now if you would like explicit directions for this, you can order my Bark Park pattern as it is a strip quilt. It also includes tips about working with ties as Bark Park is made from ties.

It also uses fabric from some silk pajamas that I got. The pajamas are the focus fabric or connecting fabric that runs through every square. It is the bright red fabric with the dogs. I didn't have enough of the same tie to do that. But it works. So you can make a strip quilt from all different kinds of fabrics.

I got the idea for using ties when I made a quilt in memory of my uncle whose birthday was June 5th for another cousin.  He had so many ties and they weren't sure what to do with them, so I asked if I could have them. She loves it as she remembers her dad wearing so many of them. Again more good memories. (Sorry I don't have a picture.)

Isn't it nice that as quilters we can do so much with treasured dresses, fabric scraps from home decor projects, aprons, placemats, dust ruffles and even ties to bring some comfort and joy to those that we love?

I hope this has given you some ideas and inspiration to make a memory quilt for you or someone you care about. If you do, please share your quilt story with me. Have a wonderful June!

Nan

The Snowmen - the fifth block for the Bullas Bears Quilt

The Snowmen  is the June block in the Bullas Bears quilt. This guy is having so much fun making his Snow Bear. You can just feel his enjoyment and pride! You will have just as much fun when you make this block.

Here is the original artwork by Will Bullas.......

And here is my quilt adaptation:

The Bullas Bears BOM is featured in The Quilt Pattern Magazine. This is block #5.

Bali Hand-dyed Watercolors - Style #1895 from Hoffman Fabrics were used in this quilt as they are just "purrfect" for these bears! Batiks Plus is offering the Fabric Kits.

Kreinik Threads is offering a thread kit featuring the specialtity threads used with this quilt. 


So how can you join in all this fun? As the pattern is only available through The Quilt Pattern Magazine, all you have to do is SUBSCRIBE today! You will love making these Bullas Bears!

Polar Bells - the fourth block for the Bullas Bears Quilt

 Polar Bells is the May block in the Bullas Bears quilt. He can be a little challenging with the shading, but don't you just love his face! He is probably a member of the Polar Bell Choir!

Here is the original artwork by Will Bullas.......

 and here is my quilt adaptation.

 



The Bullas Bears BOM is featured in The Quilt Pattern Magazine. This is block #4.

Bali Hand-dyed Watercolors - Style #1895 from Hoffman Fabrics were used in this quilt as they are just "purrfect" for these bears! Batiks Plus is offering the Fabric Kits.

Kreinik Threads is offering a thread kit featuring the specialtity threads used with this quilt. 


So how can you join in all this fun? As the pattern is only available through The Quilt Pattern Magazine, all you have to do is SUBSCRIBE today! You will love making these Bullas Bears!

Bearing Gifts is the Bullas Bears BOM for April

The next block in the Bullas Bears BOM is called Bearing Gifts! Aren't these bears great?
Just makes you wonder what lovely present he is presenting under the mistletoe!
Here is Will Bullas' picture.

 and here is my quilt adaptation.

The Bullas Bears BOM is featured in The Quilt Pattern Magazine. This is block #3 so there is still plenty of time to start your quilt.

 I am hosting a workshop on The Quilt Pattern Magazine's social network - Pattern Pastiche and I will be having a Live Chat on Saturday, April 20th at 8:00pm CDT and again on Sunday, April 21st at 800am CDT. We will be "Sharing Bears" and there will even be some giveaways. You don't want to miss it. 

Bali Hand-dyed Watercolors - Style #1895 from Hoffman Fabrics were used in this quilt as they are just "purrfect" for these bears! Batiks Plus is offering the Fabric Kits.

Kreinik Threads is offering a thread kit featuring the specialtity threads used with this quilt. 


So how can you join in all this fun? As the pattern is only available through The Quilt Pattern Magazine, all you have to do is SUBSCRIBE today! You will love making these Bullas Bears!

A 30 Year Celebration for Derrel's of Pensacola

I am so pleased to announce that Bob Gray, owner of  Derrel's of Pensacola just celebrated 30 years as a Bernina dealer. To congratulate Bob and help with the celebration, Paul Ashworth who is President of Bernina America flew in for the day.

Bob Gray and Paul Ashworth (right)

There were demonstrations with all the Berninas and many of Bob's customers came to join in the fun. The shop was decorated with balloons including ones that said 30 years! It was a very festive atmosphere. There was even a huge cake decorated especially for the occasion!

 

 

Donna Gray (Bob's wife), Paul Ashworth & Bob Gray

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

I was delighted to be part of the celebration representing The Quilt Pattern Magazine. I showed the Bullas Bears BOM (block of the month) quilt from Purrfect Spots which is featured in the magazine. It started in February and there is still time to get the complete pattern if you subscribe before the end of March.

Paul Ashworth, Nan Baker & Bob Gray

Now you can't have a party without presents and there were some great ones! Derrel's of Pensacola gave away a Bernina 215 sewing machine to a very lucky winner!

The Quilt Pattern Magazine gave away a free year's subscription. But if you missed the party you can still be a winner! Derrel's of Pensacola has a wonderful line of Bernina machines with some great prices and there is even special financing offered by Bernina. Plus if you buy a Bernina at Derrel's between now and the end of May, you will receive a FREE six month subscription to The Quilt Pattern Magazine! So what are you waiting for - come join the celebration! 

Derrels - Pensacola's only Bernina Dealer
5559 -E North Davis Highway
Pensacola, FL 32503

Join us at Derrel's in Pensacola, FL on Tuesday, March 12th.

Here’s a chance for those in the Florida and surrounding area to join in a special celebration and have a chance to win a Bernina sewing machine!

On Tuesday, March 12th, Bob Gray of Derrels in Pensacola, Florida, will be celebrating  his 30th anniversary as owner.

The celebration will include a visit from Paul Ashworth, President of Bernina of America, who will be available for a meet-and-greet from 8 a.m. until noon.

Festivities will include demonstrations of Bernina’s new 7 Series line of machines and visitors will be given the opportunity to win a Bernina 215 sewing machine!

 I will be there and will be displaying my Bullas Bears Quilt now being featured in the The Quilt Pattern Magazine as a BOM  (Block of the Month). One lucky visitor will win a free, one-year subscription to The Quilt Pattern Magazine. Also, a free, 6-month subscription will be a bonus given to each buyer of a Bernina sewing machine sold at Derrels  during  March, April, and May, 2013!

Join the fun!

Derrels -  Pensacola’s only Bernina Dealer
5559-E North Davis Highway
Pensacola FL
32503

Introducing Yukon Yule - the 2nd Bear in my BOM

I am so excited about this bear - Yukon Yule! He is my favorite in the quilt. I love the look of wonder and amazement as he looks at the Christmas ornament. It is almost as if he is saying " It's getting to be Christmas" and that brings anticipation of things to come and happy memories of times past during the holiday season!

Yukon Yule is from the artwork of the internationally famous watercolorist, Will Bullas.

Here is Will Bullas' bear.

And here is my quilt adaptation.

The Quilt Pattern Magazine is offering the BOM (block of the month) and that is the only place you can get the pattern. It started in February and will be running through November. There is still time to join in the fun. All you need to do is subscribe during the month of March and you will get the February issue as well as the March issue. 

I am hosting a workshop on The Quilt Pattern Magazine's social network - Pattern Pastiche. You can join me there to chat, ask questions or "share your bears"!


Bali Hand-dyed Watercolors - Style #1895 from Hoffman Fabrics were used in this quilt as they are just "purrfect" for these bears! Batiks Plus is offering the Fabric Kits. 


Kreinik Threads is offering a thread kit featuring the speciality threads used with this quilt.

This pattern will only be available through The Quilt Pattern Magazine so be sure and SUBSCRIBE today. You won't want to miss the fun you will have with the Bullas Bears!

Machine quilted by June Bauman of June Bug Quilting.

 

Bullas Bears BOM (block of the month) Quilt

I am pleased to share the Bullas Bears BOM Quilt with you today. This quilt is a fabric adaptation from the artwork of an internationally famous watercolorist, Will Bullas. I fell in love with his work many years ago and have cross stitch and needlepoint patterns featuring his designs. I can now add quilts to the list.

Don't you just love these bears? They each have their own personalities and of course Will has  wonderful titles for each square!

The Quilt Pattern Magazine will be offering this BOM starting in February and running through November. By next Christmas you will have a wonderful holiday quilt. I will also be hosting a workshop on The Quilt Pattern Magazine's social network - Pattern Pastiche. You can join me there to chat or ask questions or share the pictures of your bears!

Bali Hand-dyed Watercolors  - Style #1895 from Hoffman Fabrics were used in this quilt as they were just "purrfect" for these bears and  Batiks Plus will be offering the Fabric Kits.

Kreinik Threads is offering a thread kit featuring the speciality threads used with this quilt.

This pattern will only be available through The Quilt Pattern Magazine so be sure and SUBSCRIBE today. You won't want to miss the fun you will have with the Bullas Bears!

Machine quilted by June Bauman of June Bug Quilting.