Tuesday, August 2, 2011

July Sewn Together Block

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July was Anna's month in the Sewn Together Bee and she loves trees so she assigned each of us a month, sent us some scraps and asked us to each make her a tree based on the month she assigned us. And I got December. We don't celebrate Christmas in our house, but I love that time of year because everything is so pretty and decorated so I was actually really excited that I was responsible for making a Christmas tree for Anna.

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My first idea was to cut a more stylish tree on the fold of the fabric so I started sketching out half trees.

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But then I suddenly changed gears and chose to cut 2.5" and 1.5" HSTs.

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I pieced the 2.5" triangles together alternating rows of batik, tree lights and reindeer and I did a raw edge applique to secure it to the main block.

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I decided to use variegated Green Gutterman 100% cotton thread for the machine stitching on the raw edge. I thought the green would add some color and dimension to the red fabrics while sticking with the Christmas theme. I then did a raw edge stitch around each of the 1.5" HSTs , circling each twice both for aesthetics and security. Then I used a variety of Pearle cotton thread to secure each onto the tree. I wanted to create a flowing, textured look.

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Each was secured with a french knot and four stitches to simulate fairy lights in the tree. Each row the straight stitches alternate and either lay on the diagonal plane or the horizontal plane.

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No Christmas tree would be complete without presents under the tree and friends and family surrounding. I imagine they're singing Christmas carols as they're joining together.

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Then I hand stitched a star on top using two different Pearle cotton gold threads and again French knots and straight stitches.

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I call it my Shabby Chic Christmas Tree. I really hope Anna likes it. I love trees too and am always looking for a good one to climb. I loved making this block. It was fun to let loose and let the imagination go wild.

11 comments:

  1. You put so much work into this fabulous tree! Thank you so very much. I love it! You do beautiful work. (giggling - like a little girl!)

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  2. how sweet is that tree, i love the details...Lucky Anna!

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  3. I love the fairy light detail!!!!! so cute!

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  4. How creative! And so much fabulous work into a Christmas block from someone who doesn't even celebrate the holiday. Kudos! :D

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  5. Love your block! It's going to such a wonderful addition to her quilt.

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  6. Now that's creative. I love raw edge applique and this will be at the top of my list for Christmas.
    Barbara W JAmestown CA

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  7. Love your creation. Thank you so much. I'm way behind on my Christmas sewing, but this is one I think I can make a couple for gifts.

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  8. Very creative, super talent you have and thanks for sharing. This will be one I can make for gifts and not have to take forever to finish. Many thanks for a very pretty tree.

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