Christmas in July...start early!

A couple of years ago...perhaps even three...I designed a couple of shadow applique quilts for teaching; and I still use them in my college classes. One was a Christmas quilt filled with lot's of holiday memories...and when I brought it to the HGTV Message Board Group...I called it Christmas in July. I think that's the month we started the quilt process. It is still in the same state as this photo shows...still needs an outside border!

 

Oh, I have the borders...all cut out and in the basket with the quilt center...attaching them is just way down on my priority list. The second quilt I mentioned...Bunny in the Pink...is a complete top...and has been basted together...and I will be hand quilting it. So, Christmas will wait.

But, no need for anyone else to have to wait...so, if you'd like to create the quilt...it will be in the files section of the Yahoo Group site. Shawkl_Blog_Files

Santa Claus Shadow Applique Tutorial

Okay, it's the day after Thanksgiving...are you thinking about Christmas? Yeah, I know you don't WANT to think about it....but it will be here soon!
So, to get you in the mood for the holiday...how about a quick shadow applique (or regular applique if you prefer)...Santa face block or pillow!

This design is from my basic shadow applique class, first taught on the HGTV Message Boards (Crafts: Quilting and Needlework). Here are links to the instructions sheet, the pattern, and the layout guide. Hope you try it...and come back to comment a link so I can check out your work too.

The instructions are for the shadow applique technique, but can easily be adapted to needle-turn or freezer paper applique methods. All files are Adobe Pdf, so if you have problems opening them...just go to Adobe.com and download their free software for reading any Adobe pdf formated files. Have fun!