Thursday, November 13, 2014

'Twas the Night...

It snowed this morning!  Really puts me in the mood to start thinking about the holidays ahead, and the perfect setting for my stop on today's "Twas the Night..." holiday Blog Hop.  

Madame Samm @ Sew We Quilt has organized this inspiring hop, and sweet Marlene @ Stitchin by the Lake has been our wonderful cheerleader.
This hop has been something special - not only have the ladies all shared fabulous ideas for quick projects for gifts, but it's also a "Swap Hop"!  

Let me first showcase the amazing gifts I received from Jane @ MooseStash Quilting!

Lindt Chocolate Truffles ~ oops, (not pictured)... nothing left but a few wrappers...

Fat Quarter Star ~ sweet holiday fabrics

Embroidered hand towel ~
 Jane embroidered this and added the cheery accent strip to the bottom.

Cupcake Pot Holder ~ Sew cute!  And I've used it already!

Pie Plate holder and wide rimmed glass pie dish ~ Beautiful wrapped cord in a star design; amazing!  
(Are you sure it took just an hour or so, Jane?)  Even my husband was duly impressed.


But then, I needed to fill the dish. You know, for the pictures.  

I haven't made a pie for ages, but my Momma had some amazing recipes, including the best. pie. crust. ever! Mmmmm!  Hop over to my family blog at 3rDegree Bakery if you'd like the recipe for a fabulous All American Apple Pie and Luscious, Tender Pie Crust.  Or just to drool over the pictures.

Now for some ideas for gifts that take just a few hours or an evening to whip up:
This is my go-to gift ~ I've made dozens.  
I use a glue-stick to position the rickrack and speed things along, 
And isn't my niece a cute model?!


Use a single quilt block, about 8" to 10", quilt it up with 1 to 2 layers of cotton batting 
and a layer of heat-reflective batting such as Insul Bright, then trim square and bind.

 
Use a 2 1/4" x width of fabric strip for binding.

1)  Begin at a top corner, align raw edges at top and sides, 
then stitch binding to the back of the quilted hot pad using 1/4" seam allowance.

 2)  Miter the remaining three corners, same as on any quilt.
Stop 1/4" from the corner, backstitch, remove from machine and clip threads.

a)  Fold binding at a 90-degree angle to create the miter.

2.b)  Fold binding back to align raw edges; fold is even with top quilt edge.
Start sewing at the edge and continue to the next corner.  Repeat.

 3)  Pin or glue-baste beginning edge of binding around to the front;
Stitch over beginning corner.  Remove from machine and clip threads.  
Leave a 6" tail of binding at the end.

 4)  Fold binding around to the front side of the pot holder;  
miter the corners, then pin or glue-baste in place.

 5)  Fold leftover tail into thirds, then edge-stitch the loose section,
continuing to edge-stitch binding into place on the pot holder,
pivoting at corners and backstitching at the end.

6)  Form a loop at the top, turn raw edges under and machine-stitch to finish.


And, this season, I'm all about this little Birdie.  
He's a great little pincushion #littlebirdiepincushion (see >>TUTORIAL<<),
but he'll also make a sweet little ornament or sachet.
It takes just a couple of charm squares and bits to make.


Paint around the eyes and you've got a sweet little Christmas Cardinal.

My gift went to Elizabeth - she's a pattern designer and works mostly with wool.  You can see her designs in many issues of Create & Decorate, and she sells patterns on her Etsy and Craftsy stores.  Trying to think of what she might like, I used one of her own patterns as inspiration for a little quilted hot pad.  I've also learned a few fun ways to fold fat quarters and will share some of those techniques in a few days.  


I absolutely love love little projects that can be made with just a couple of scraps from the sewing room.  A needlenook, a little scissor pocket, a tissue cozy, and many more gift ideas and free tutorials can be found here on my Snippets page.  

Would you like a Little Birdie pincushion of your own?  Leave a comment below and I'll choose a winner on Nov 21st at 5pm when the hop is over.  For a second entry, leave a comment over at 3rDegree Bakery, too!  Meanwhile, if you've missed any of our previous hoppers, see Marlene's master list HERE.  And also, Mdm. Samm is collecting pictures of everyone's projects on her Pinterest page HERE.

Be sure to visit the rest of my quilty sisters on today's hop!

Quiltscapes  << So glad you stopped by!
The Days Dewings

P.P.S.  UPDATE:  GIVEAWAY over and winner has been notified.  Thanks for visiting - see you again soon!

82 comments:

  1. You got some great gifts, and you made wonderful projects, yourself. Happy Holidays!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Everything is sew lovely as always!! I Love your little Birdie Cardinal!! I hope I can get some made before the Holidays, if not after for the Spring!! Thanks so much Deonn, you are always such a delight!! Happy Holidays!!
    Huggs, Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  3. What great ideas you have on your Snippets page! Love your pretty Cardinal, something I don't have here in California. Thank you for sharing and Happy Holidays!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. WOW! I love that rope bowl pie holder! and the towel and pot holder are so cute!

    Your cardinal is too sweet! and I love how you gave definition to the eye.. perfect finish.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Such beautiful gifts and I just love your change up of the little birdie into a cardinal. Such a cutie! A nice apron too..and your niece has a beautiful smile! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great gift ideas. I may start to get into the Christmas spirit yet!

    ReplyDelete
  7. What lovely gifts from Jane! I love your apron and the birdie is adorable! Pot holders are always useful! Great hop.

    ReplyDelete
  8. What fun - your birdie pincushion is gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Deonn, you received such wonderful gifts! And you know I adore all the pieces you made...since you sent me one of each! Thanks so much for showing us how to make all of them.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Morning Deonn...Joan must have a twin too living with Jane...as only 2 people could have done all that...how nice...and a great pie holder..love that..your birds and tut....now that is lovely - of course the apron is out of this world delightful too...great holiday gifts..

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a lot of lovely gifts and gift ideas! Your birdie pincushions are adorable, thanks for the chance to win one!

    ReplyDelete
  12. What great gifts you received!! and great gift ideas too, thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  13. So glad you enjoyed your little package, and yes the pie holder is a quick project. I must say it looks so much better with that beautiful pie inside! Love your gift ideas. Especially the little birdie pinny! Soooo Cute!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am in love with your cupcake pot holder that you received! What a wonderful set of gifts. Your little birdie pincushion is the cutest! Very nice work! Be careful driving in the snow. Even though I love winter and all that it brings, I really don't like to have to get out in it and drive anywhere.
    -Brittany

    ReplyDelete
  15. Great gifts from Jane! I love the purple/turquoise combination. Enjoy using them! Love the little birdie....cute as can be!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Fabulous start to today's hop. Such lovely gifts you received. The towel and potholder are such luscious colors and the pie plate holder is such a great idea. Joan did a fabulous job. Thanks so much for the tute on the potholder. Seems much easier than how I get my loops on there. I will give it a try. And I do so adore your little birdie. He just moved to the top of my list. :) Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your holidays.
    P.S. The pie picture was mean. It's barely 7a.m. and I want pie....bad! LOL

    ReplyDelete
  17. All this beautiful stitching and you can sing, too! I just read Elizabeth's post. The little birdie pincushion is adorable ... as are all your gifts. The corded basket with the star is sew clever and perfect for the pie baker. Your pie looks so delicious. I shall head right over for the family recipe. Thanks you for sharing in the hop ... :) Pat

    ReplyDelete
  18. Sweet little birdie, and a big thank you for the quick tut on the potholder binding. Love the gifts you recieved, wonderful pie plate holder. Looks like a mighty yummy pie too.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Cute projects that you have made and received. I love making potholders and aprons for gifts, too. Your apron is just adorable. I really love how you made it. Love the pincushion, too. Thank you for the chance to win it.

    ReplyDelete
  20. these are some wonderful gift ideas. this little birdie pincushion is just the cutest. At the moment all I have is one magnetic pin cushion. at least it is pink lol

    ReplyDelete
  21. Your gifts from Joan are amazing! Your gift ideas are just perfect, the little birdie is so charming :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Joan really spoiled you...wow, what adorable gifts! Thanks for sharing the great ideas for quick gifts. Your little birdie is just the cutest!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Oh. My. Goodness. What wonderful gifts! I need that pie plate holder - I made an apple pie this week! Yesterday I made a couple of pot holders because mine are just a disaster and for the life of me I couldn't figure out how to make that loop! Thank you so much for the tutorial. :) blessings, marlene

    ReplyDelete
  24. Joan gifted you well. I really love your apron. Great job.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Wowzers Santa Joan was awesome! Those are fabulous gifts. Love the pie plate holder! Your gifts are fabulous as well. Sure wish I could have made that little birdie at Market! Too much to do! Thanks for the tut on the pot holder. Im Like Marlene, couldn't figure out out to make that loop!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Wow, you really did give us some great ideas and that little birdie...well I'm going to make one for MYSELF to keep! Cute Cute Cute! Thanks! Read your binding tutorial and I would like a better explanation of how to miter a self binding. Reading Snippets is next! yessewingisfun@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. Love that pie plate holder!! Pot holders seam to be in season this year!!!

    ReplyDelete
  28. love your projects especially the little bird so sweet

    Robin in Washington State
    assweetaspeaches hotmail

    ReplyDelete
  29. How inspiring! I adore he apron, hot pad and birds pin cushion!! Wow!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Cute projects. Auto stores sell Turtle Wax to clean your headlights - makes a big difference. Merry Christmas.
    24Tangent@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. What wonderful gifts you received! I love that pie holder. Very clever design! Your gifts are lovely too. Those little birds would make great tree ornamants. The festive apron and pot holder would be so nice for Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  32. The pie holder is a great gift Iv'e never seen before. And the little bird won my heart.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Great gift ideas. Thanks for sharing them.

    ReplyDelete
  34. The gifts you received are Wonderful!!!!!! I know you LOVE THOSE!
    Your little last minute gifts are GREAT TOO! I am definitely going to make those aprons and pot holder!!!!
    now, forgive me while I head over to your blog link and see how that beautiful pie crust in the other picture is made....YUM YUM!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. The gifts you received are wonderful Love the pie dish carrier. What a great way to present a pie.
    The birdie pincushion is so sweet. Have to try this. Happy Holidays.

    ReplyDelete
  36. The pie dish carrier is beautiful--I'm tempted to try one. The pincushion is darling. I really like your dishtowel apron. What a creative idea!!

    ReplyDelete
  37. What wonderful projects, both yours and the ones you received. Love the pincushion. Really have to make one for my mom who loves cardinals. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Deonne, always a joy to visit your blog. Your sweet personality just shines through as I read it today. LOVE your birdy...he is adorable and a cardinal too? Cute as he can be. Can't believe your amazing gift, just wonderful! Really like the idea of your towel apron, that is a great idea. Also appreciate the tutorial. Hope you have a warm and peaceful holiday season. Merry Christmas, ~Cori

    ReplyDelete
  39. Beautiful gifts Deonn...just as your projects are!! Thank you so much for sharing ... Best wishes to you!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Great gift ideas, Deonn! I'm totally crushing on that birdie pincushion, I'd want a whole flock of these cuties. ;o) Thanks so much for sharing some gift inspiration with us!

    Lovely gifts from Jane. Everything is coordinated so nicely and that pie plate holder is amazing. Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Wow what a lot of surprises in your gift package. The little bird pincushion would be fun to have. I checked out your other blog to get the best pie crust recipe since I'm always looking to improve what I use and it is the same...guess I just can't get any better than that! kthurn@bektel.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. Fab gifts from Joan! what neat colors!
    I love the jumbo rickrack on your apron! and love your birdies too

    ReplyDelete
  43. Just letting you know that I visited 3rDegree Bakery too for my second chance to win that wonderful bird pincushion. kthurn@bektel.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. My mother loves cardinals and this would make a sweet little ornament. Thank you for the link to the tutorial! Your gifts are amazing...esp that embroidered towel! Lovely! Merry Christmas, Deonn!

    ReplyDelete
  45. What great projects you have made. I like them all! I don't think I could pick a favorite. Each have a unique quality. Such as the aprons ric rac, nice!

    ReplyDelete
  46. The gifts you rec'd are awesome! Love those colors! And that bowl. An hour? Really? Your go-to apron is really a winner, but that birdie pin cushion is love at first sight! Thanks for sharing the link to the tutorial.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Oh what an adorable cardinal!! I'm thinking ornament, I can totally fit another on into my two or three boxes of ornaments... And yes, your niece makes an excellent model for that cute apron. Also thank you for the instruction on how to put a loop on the potholder, for some reason that process was eluding me, but I get it now! Happy Friday!
    ~Brandy

    ReplyDelete
  48. Love the bowl that you received, absolutely awesome! Your pie looked quite delicious.Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Cute goodies! Too much today that I am on a sewing overload high. Will have to stop again over the weekend. Thanks for showing how you did the binding. My hands are getting to the point where machine binding will be it from now on.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Snow puts fear into my Christmas Mood. Winter Travelling is scary this year. Wish I could just FLY like a bird! That's a great Apron. Glad you had time to be part of the HOP. I'd love a little Birdie to hang on my tree next month. I have gleaned a few ideas for Homemade gifts from the HOP!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Great Apron, hot pad and birdie!! Plus, I snuck around on your blog and found some cute flannel pj's!! Your pictures are so nice!
    Gmama Jane

    ReplyDelete
  52. Fun gifts for you! That little bird is so sweet. Would make a perfect gift. Glad you made it home safely.

    ReplyDelete
  53. You received some great gifts and I don't blame you for having no Lindt truffles to show as they are hard to resist. Your bird is adorable!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Lots of fun gifts. I really like the pie plate bowl you received. I've made wrapped corded bowls before but have never seen any done with an open design on the bottom. So cool. And you were also busy with loads of fun gift projects. Really like the idea of making an apron with a dish towel. :) Time to go check out the links you included.

    ReplyDelete
  55. You got some fabulous gifts!!! Love the pie plate bowl - awesome design in the bottom - Moose Stash Quilting needs to do a tutorial on that one for sure!!! Your pie crust looks totally drool-worthy, so I'm off to get that recipe!! Thank you for the great giveaway!!!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Wowsa. Such great gifts and a like all your projects as well.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Aww, Joan really did spoil you good. What sweet gifts. You equally spoiled Elizabeth with wonderful and unexpected gifts. You apron is awesome, but my favorite is that sweet little cardinal pincushion. You never disappoint Deonn. Have a great holiday season.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Oh those are some Beautiful gifts you received from Joan! That little birdie pincushion is just adorable,I am going to have to make some of those for sure. Going to check out that pie recipe as well,since I have a basket of apples needing to be used...

    ReplyDelete
  59. Oh my goodness! Such great gifting goodness! Love that bowl and the accessories. And the pie is the perfect addition! You creations are awesome as well! I love that dishtowel apron. I'm always wiping my hands on my apron when I cook. I need one of those for myself. Everything is fabulous!!

    ReplyDelete
  60. Beautiful gits received and beautiful gifs made and given. They are all lovely and I esspecially love the birdie pin cushion. Merry Christmas Sandra

    ReplyDelete
  61. Lovely gifts. The corded bowl is fabulous.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Sorry I am late to comment, loved your gifts both made and received :) Glad you are ok after your drive, we are blessed not to have been hit with bad weather yet other than the cold...stay safe!

    ReplyDelete
  63. What a pretty set of gifts! That's a great color combination. I love that pie plate holder! I would use that a lot around here and I'm thinking there will be some bird making going on around here too - very cute projects!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Got to make those cardinals. We have cardinals year round here and it's one of our favorite birds. Your dish towel apron is very cute!!!

    ReplyDelete
  65. I love the corded pie pan holder; I'm going to check out that idea more fully. You've made some great quick gifts - today and many other days, too. Those quickie projects are so rewarding. The pincushion is adorable - you are always creative. Glad your trip back on those winter roads went well. Though we have had some flurries over the past week, we have snow forecast for tonight; winter is here!

    ReplyDelete
  66. What wonderful gifts I love the corded pie plate holder.Love your festive apron and hot pad. The little birdie pin cushion is my fave. You cannot have too many pin cushions. Merry Christmas ( I am not looking forward to driving in snow again-yuck)

    ReplyDelete
  67. Hi Deonn! Such a great post and you really got some super gifts! I am definitely going to put pot holders on my list of things to make. And I appreciate the tutorial on the binding with the loop. Now that pin cushion is so dang cute. One of my favs! I have never made one, but I can really appreciate what a great job you did on that one!

    ReplyDelete
  68. I love your little birdie pin cushion :) You have been a good little elf. Fun projects. I have pinned the pie and hope to give it a try. It looks delicious. I have a friend who makes those corded baskets but have not seen the star pattern in the bottom before. Really cute! Thanks for the little tutorial on the pot holders. Janita

    ReplyDelete
  69. I love the apron, and that little birdie pincushion is adorable! Thanks for the chance to win. We had snow overnight last night and it's still on the ground now. I guess winter really is coming!

    ReplyDelete
  70. Your bird pincushion is adorable. Thanks for the chance to win and thanks for the directions to make one if I don't win.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Wow! That is a terrific bunch of goodies! Can't wait to adapt your loop to my soon-to-be-made potholders! And I love your little birdie! Thanks for a chance to win one!

    ReplyDelete
  72. Adorable bird! And my daughter loves to bake so I'm headed over to check out that pie 😃

    ReplyDelete
  73. You received some great gifts! Just love that apron, too cute!

    ReplyDelete
  74. Your quick projects are all so adorable.

    ReplyDelete
  75. Hi Deonn,
    you are a very lucky girl, you have had so wonderful gifts!
    As always you shares great ideas and tutorial with us, thank you very much, they are lovely!
    Bente

    ReplyDelete
  76. You made and received some amazing things. I've pinned that bird pincushion tutorial for later!

    ReplyDelete
  77. You made some gorgeous quick gifts. Love the little bird sew cute! Jane made you some beautiful gifts as well. Have a Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  78. Your bird pincushion is darling! Your apron is great!

    ReplyDelete
  79. Commented on the 3rDegree Bakery site on the Apple Pie post. Does the pie ever look tasty!

    ReplyDelete
  80. Love the apron,,,and the bird pin cushion is adorable. Great gifts from Jane...love the pie plate holder...your pie looks delish!!! Thanks for the links...I'm going to try the pie crust recipe for sure. Happy holidays Deonn

    ReplyDelete
  81. The basket is beautiful! I love your apron idea and the little bird. I'll go check out that tutorial.

    ReplyDelete

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