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Thursday, August 8, 2013

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas...

Yep.  Summer is the perfect time to sew Christmas things; helps to take the mind off how hot it is outside!

Santa Bottle Covers, a Nancy Halvorsen pattern

It's my day to participate in the Ho Ho Ho Blog Hop... thought you would get a kick out of these cute little Santa Elves (hee hee).  Thanks, bunches to our own "Christmas Carol" of JustLetMeQuilt for organizing the hop and cheering us on!!

Lots of quilters must have the same idea, getting a jump on holiday sewing, that is -- many of my online pattern sales recently are for my little quilted Star Medallion Tree Skirt!


I love making this festive tree skirt - all with half-square triangles - NO Y-Seams, Yeah!  The top comes together in just an hour or two, but it does take a little time to add the binding with its odd-angles.  You've got plenty of time, though:  Christmas Countdown

If you don't want to fuss with odd-angled binding, an Envelope Finish works too!  Have you tried this? Sometimes it's called a knife-edge finish.

Star Medallion Tree Skirt with Envelope (knife-edge) finish,
featuring A Merry Little Christmas by Zoe Pearn for Riley Blake Designs

Stitch the backing right sides together with the quilt top, all the way around the outside edges.  Trim the backing.  Then lay the quilt top wrong side down on the batting, pin, and stitch on the same lines as before; trim off excess batting, about an inch from the stitching line.  Make a slice and cut the center circle to fit around your tree, clip the inner corners, and turn the quilt right sides out.  I don't clip the corners, I use a quick folding technique to flip the corners (tutorial HERE).  Then you only need to bind the cut edges.  Machine or hand-quilt your new tree skirt--It will look so festive under the tree!

I made this one today - just needed an example.  Right now it's unquilted, but I have time, right?
Here's the back. 
If you want to use the tree skirt as a table topper for Christmastime, skip the slice and simply leave a space (about 8") for turning the quilt right side out, then hand-stitch the opening closed. You may even want to leave out the batting for a tablecloth flimsy.

Here's a fun tree skirt I made for my sister on her little ranch in Idaho.  She wanted blues and rust to match her decor.  She and her husband raise cattle, and she has loved riding horses since she was three years old.  She sometimes competes in a barrel racing league.  It's her birthday today, so "Happy Birthday, Buckaroo Jan!


Horseshoes and bandanna print...

Cowboys, saddles, and spurs for the backing:
Fussy-pieced so it could be reversible.

Thanks for visiting my little Tree Skirt showcase - and here's a slideshow from some of my classes.  Fun to see how unique each one is:  Tree Skirt Slideshow.

Patterns for this tree skirt are now available in both printed and digital copies:

For more Ho-Ho-Holiday inspiration, Ho-Ho-Hop on over to visit these lovely ladies today!

Quiltscapes (thanks for stopping by!)
Just Sew Quilter
full lineup HERE


133 comments:

  1. What a lovely christmasprojects. Thanks for sharing

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  2. Your Christmas tree skirts are so wonderful. It is hard to say which is my favorite. I love them all
    Thanks for sharing your creativity and being part of this blog hop

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  3. I love your little Santa's. They look really good. Loved the tree skirt slide show! Thank you for that tip. I will have to try that too..... Well, there is still LOADS of time till Christmas.....

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  4. Love your tree skirt. Your santas are pretty darn cute too!

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  5. What a cute, quick idea for a Christmas gift. I think I'd cheat and finish them all with a pillowcase finish. I like that clean look and it has to be faster than binding. Your Santas are precious. The guy with the hat that sticks up is vying for attention!

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  6. Just love those Santas! Your tree skirt is also wonderful, all the different looks. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  7. Hihi great work :) Those santas are cute :) Thanks for sharing :)

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  8. Krzysztof - That was me ;) I forgot log out from my husband profile ;)

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  9. Oooooo I'm intrigued by that envelope finish-must try it on something immediately!! Love all your skirts!

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  10. They are all pretty, but that first one is to die for!! I love the quilting on it. I am practicing and practicing my FMQ, but it isn't easy! Still, I see progress everytime I sit down and try again. Great hop stop.

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  11. Those tree skirts are beautiful, as is your quilting on them! And I do love the envelope finish; have used it from time to time. I like the idea of a tree skirt in cowboy fabrics - who says they have to be red and green? My cowboy husband would get a kick out of that!

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  12. It`s time tree skirts have a new look. Your patterns are joyful and refreshing.

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  13. I love all those skirts! Envelope finish, no y seams, half square triangles- you make it look doable.

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  14. Your tree skirts are lovely & the Santa elves have me green with envy. Thanks.

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  15. I love your tree skirts. That shape is my favorite pieced block too, like the center of a Dutch Rose block. Love how cute the tree skirt is in all the fabric variations. Thanks for the how to tip on the envelope finish too.

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  16. I love the tree skirt(s)! I'm am needing to make one and the envelope finish and no y seams sound divine. And, I love the finished skirt.

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  17. Love your tree skirts!
    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  18. Your tree skirts are so wonderful! What a great pattern. And I really like those Santas too.

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  19. What gorgeous projects. Thank you for shareing them with us today. What a fun ho ho ho hop this is.

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  20. I love your tree skirt Deonn - and the idea of doing an envelope finish is great! blessings, marlene

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  21. Beautiful! I love your tree skirts!

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  22. Oh I really love the tree skirt. It looks so very easy and the first one is my favorite. Nice job and thanks for sharing.

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  23. Wonderful projects and love Santa's elves!

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  24. My favorite post yet! I LOVE your tree skirt, and would love to make some. If I don't win the pattern I'm definitely going to have to buy it! Thanks so much for sharing.

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  25. Outstanding - you are a true artiest. Stunning.

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  26. What cute little Santa Elves and your tree skirts are beautiful! My favorite is the red with the neat feathers quilted on it. Thanks for sharing!

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  27. What great tree skirts! (and I love the little Santa elves!)

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  28. The Santa elves would be great at my bazaar! Such a happy looking throng of holiday cheer! Your tree skirts are fabulous. Half square triangles are so much fun

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  29. I love your tree skirt! Somehow I have trouble finding a pattern I reall ylike--must be too picky,huh?

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  30. LOve your tree skirt. I made a similar one 20 years ago and still love it today.
    tvbart@charter.net

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  31. Stars are my thing..sew I really like the tree skirt star. Thanks for sharing today.

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  32. This is a great pattern. Love all of your versions and the hint on non binding.

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  33. I love your little santas. Thanks for hoping today

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  34. oh, those are gorgeous tree skirts and the santas are cute. you did what I thought about doing but forgot...put a countdown on the post. thanks for sharing

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  35. Love your tree skirts and the unique bottle Santa's! Thank you for sharing.

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  36. Love the idea for a table topper! I always think there is loads of time before Christmas, but it always catches up to me before I am finished!

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  37. Love your tree skirts. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  38. Great tree skirts. I'd take that class.

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  39. Oh these are wonderful....I cannot tell you which one I like the best. Depending on the fabric used it makes the pattern look a little different. Wonderful idea as a table topper. Now my sister would love this too but only in any kind of ocean fabric. Thanks for sharing it with us today.

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  40. Very nice job. Love the Santas.

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  41. Those cute elves would be perfect next to the wallhanging I made...I need to make one of them! Your tree skirts are all beautiful and your quilting on them throws them over the top. Just lovely!

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  42. Your tree skirt is awesome. I am making tree skirts for my girls for Christmas. This pattern would come in really handy.

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  43. Great tree skirts! I love seeing the same pattern using different fabrics. Lots of choices!

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  44. I fell in love with your little santa elves. Your tree skirts are great nice to see them in different colors.

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  45. LOVE your Santa elves! Absolutely adorable!
    Beautiful tree skirts. Love how the different fabrics give them a different look.
    Thanks for sharing.

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  46. Way to cute and oh so versatile! I have been using a plaid flannel sheet for 19 years now. Every year I say I am going to make a tree skirt... and this year we wont even be home so no tree!

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  47. Lovely tree skirt. Thanks for sharing and the giveaway. I love the Christmas season.

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  48. Very cute tree skirts and the envelope style for finishing looks really nice (and faster). I love the Santa's elves. They are so cute.And what is better than one cute project...lots of them!

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  49. This is such a cute tree skirt! I also love your Santas!

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  50. Deonn your Santas are darling and those tree skirts are just gorgeous! I even think the back side in all one fabric looks great too.

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  51. I love Christmas tree skirts - they are my go-to wedding presents for close friends. I'd love to try your pattern :)

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  52. Both projects are great but I love the Santa's! What pattern did you use or is it an original? Thanks for sharing.

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  53. I truly love your tree skirts. I have wanted to make one for myself for years now, but only think about two weeks before Christmas, and by then, who has time? But I could do it this fall and be all decked out and ready for Christmas.

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  54. Love the tree skirt pattern. It is great, unique and so elegant. Thanks so much for sharing

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  55. Super cute Santas! and Love all those three skirts!

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  56. The Santas are so cute and I love the tree skirt. It is a great design.

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  57. Deonn, Your little Santas are adorable and of coarse your tree skirt is lovely. So many options!

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  58. Gorgeous tree skirts, Deonn! Love seeing so many versions and think your sister will love the one especially made for her.

    Thanks so much for sharing your Ho Ho Ho inspiration!

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  59. You really went to town! I love the FMQ and creative edge of that skirt. Thanks for sharing your beautiful project :)

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  60. Your Santa elves are adorable, what pattern did you use??? We started a sewing group for girls ages 4-12 and that project ould be a great one for them.
    Your tree skirts are beautiful and I love the tips you shared, thanks. Jane

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  61. Sew very fun! Thank you for sharing! pbstrand@msn.com

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  62. Love the Santa's.....WOW.....on the tree skirts....thank you for such s wonderful giveaway....

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  63. HI,REALLY LIKE YOUR TREE SKIRT!
    THANKS FOR SHARING!

    msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

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  64. What adorable little santas. And those tree skirts. Wow, love your quilting!

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  65. I love all your pictures of the tree skirts. they put me in the christmas spirit.
    thanks for sharing

    dagmarkb@gmail.com

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  66. I love all your tree skirts and would love to win that pattern.

    (smjohns63 at yahoo dot com)

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  67. Love the tree skirts and yes I bought the pattern. I would love to know where I could get the pattern for the adorable Santas! Thanks

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  68. I love those Santa elves! Did you make them yourself? Could you link to a pattern if you did, please?

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  69. Your tree skirts are all beautiful, I expecially like the first one (the red and white). Your quilting is beautifully done.

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  70. I love the little Santas and the tree skirts are really neat too..

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  71. omg - the santas!!! love 'em! And your beautiful tree skirts too!

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  72. Your skirts are lovely! I am sure your sister will be thrilled with her's! Your little santa elves must be fun to decorate with. Thanks for sharing!

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  73. I love your tree skirts. SO cute!! Thanks.

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  74. Your medallion tree skirt is stunning-wish I could machine quilt like that! From California, thanks for sharing.

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  75. Love the tree skirts! and my friend would love the one for the ranch!

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  76. I never win so I just went and ordered your adorable tree skirt pattern! Now how about telling us how you made those too cute Santa Elves? I love them!

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  77. I have been wanted to try making a tree skirt for the last couple years! Maybe this will be there year I give it a shot! Your's are beautiful!!

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  78. I LOVE your Santa elves, How cute. And the tree kirts! Wow! Each one is lovely.
    Thanks for sharing.
    cheers
    maggie

    maggiemine42@gmail.com

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  79. Hi Deonn,
    I knew that it would be a pleasure to visit you today, I love your tree skirts.
    Thanks for sharing.
    The Santa Elves are so-o-o cute. Did you make the pattern for the Elves?
    xo
    Bente

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  80. Thanks for sharing! I like them all, the red and white is extra pretty! I may have to actually put up a tree this year so I can make that tree skirt.

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  81. Love those adorable santas!!!!
    The tree skirt is gorgeous in all the different styles!

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  82. Fun skirts/table toppers! Thanks for joining the blog hop...

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  83. The Santas are adorable and set the mood for Christmas immediately. I love the tree skirt/table topper. It is a very versatile pattern and no Y-seams - hurrah. You are a talented designer and someone is going to be thrilled to have a great pattern. I would love to make a table topper for some family members for Christmas. My quilt guild has asked members to make table toppers and small quilts for auction for our quilt show in June 2014. This looks like a perfect pattern. So, maybe... Thanks for participating, adding to the festivity of Christmas, inspiring us, and sharing your creativity.

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  84. Love what you shared. Thanks!

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  85. Love those 'staches on your Santas and the tree skirts are beauties!

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  86. Love those Santa's; very original and cute.

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  87. What a sweet little tree skirt. And love the Santas. Cute

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  88. Love your "no y seams" tree skirt. looks hard but I bet it's easy

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  89. I love this Christmas tree skirt. I may have to put up 2 trees so that I can make one like this plus use the one I showed yesterday. lol Beautiful work. I love your quilting. You always do such an outstanding job and raise the bar for the rest of us.

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  90. Santa is soooo cute and like the tree skirt also thank you for sharing

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  91. well...it's still summer at my house, and I think that tree skirt would look pretty sharp done in something bright and fabulous by Kate Spain or Kaffe Fassett and gracing my patio umbrella table, lol!

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  92. Apologies for me coming in at the end today...with blog disappearing...well you know...
    WE are back and here I am letting you know how much I adore your tree skirts...I am going to buy that pattern today,
    as my daughter wants to make some ....and you are D best over and over again..

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  93. The Santas are so cute. I really love the tree skirts and the quilting-WOW! Just gorgeous! You really did a fantastic job. Thank you for sharing.

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  94. Santa's elves look busy and very cute! The tree skirts are very cool and would make such a great gift to give for Christmas.

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  95. Your tree skirts are beautiful. Congratulations on being in the top 3 today.

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  96. I need a new tree skirt and your pattern looks great! I also love the Santas. Where do you get the pattern for them? Thanks!

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  97. What beautiful tree skirts! Thank you for sharing.

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  98. This pattern is so cute...would love to win it. Each fabric combinations make it look completely different. Your Santa Elves are darling. Thanks for sharing with us.

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  99. Wow, each of the tree skirts looks so cool, in each of the colorways. You are right though---these would also work well for a table topper!

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  100. You come up with some really awesome designs Deonn, and thank you so much for sharing!
    ~Brandy
    brandizzle7133 at yahoo dot com

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  101. The tree skirts are all so pretty! Hmm...remembering a request from my daughter now that I'm thinking about it!
    Can you tell us about the little Santa's Helpers too? What's the pattern for them called?! I love their little knotted mustaches and the fabric selection is luscious!

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  102. I would love to watch you machine quilt... I have sooo much to learn but it is all so fun.
    Hugs

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  103. Your Santa dolls are sew very adorable. Your Star Medallion Tree Skirt is stunning. Every lady showing hers is very proudly smiling and that speaks to the designer and her pattern. How generous you are giving one with this hop. Creative Hearts are Happy Hearts...

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  104. Beautiful tree skirt, love the quilting too!

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  105. Hi Deonn, love that pattern! And no Y seams? Sweet!

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  106. I love all of your little Santas, but all of the projects are also great!

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  107. Great tree skirts and love those little santas.
    thanks for sharing with us in the hop
    in stitches

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  108. Those Santas are adorable. I really like the tree skirts. Lovely areas to showcase your quilting.

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  109. I love the first tree skirt you showed...Thank you for sharing...Nice projects

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  110. Wow! That is beautiful! Thanks for sharing and congrats on the feature at Sew We Quilt!

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  111. what great variety with your tree skirts all from the same pattern. I would love to make some for gifts!!

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  112. My favorite is the first tree skirt, I love those fabrics. I would love to make one for myself.

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  113. That is a gorgeous tree skirt! I could see that in French General's christmas fabrics, mmm.

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  114. I love your Red & White tree skirt. Thanks for sharing with us!

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  115. I love all your projects! The cowboy tree skirt is so cute. I love that fabric!

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  116. Your tree skirts are really great! i especially like your sister's tree skirt.
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  117. Great tree skirts! and I love your Santas too!
    Thanks for sharing!

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  118. Love your tree skirt design. It's delightful.

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  119. Hiya Deonn!!! Love that tree skirt, easy enough that I can do it lol. I'm a beginner quilter, but I can handle HSTs. Happy birthday to Jan, her tree skirt is so cute. Thanks for sharing and for having the giveaway. Merry Christmas, blessed be, hugs!!! Pam

    pamspretties57 at gmail dot com

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  120. I love your tree skirt pattern and seeing all the different fabrics you you made it with.

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  121. Thanks for being part of the fun blog hop. I enjoyed your blog.

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  122. I love your tree skirt pattern. I loved following your blog since I met you at the quilt shop in Midway! I loved that shop! And you are so very sweet. Thanks for sharing your talent!

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  123. Your designs always amaze me with your sense of color. Fab! The Santa elves are adorable. Is that one of your designs, too?

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  124. Lovely tree skirts. Love the fabric for your sisters.

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  125. Your tree skirts are beautiful! Thank you for sharing.

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  126. Love the skirts and the adorable bottle covers :)

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  127. ooo... I love those Santas. They are so cute! Thanks for sharing.

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  128. Your Christmas tree skirts are beautiful and I adore the Santa bottle covers, thanks for sharing.

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  129. They are really wonderful and thank you for sharing the slideshow. I do love your red and white one the most.

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So happy you stopped by for a visit! Thank you!