Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Christmas Quilt Show






I've been making some Christmas Quilts. While working with JFMagic.com, I was able to play with a variety of ideas to add lights to quilts. So far, I'm having a blast! It's fun to think of new ways to incorporate either LED lights or fiber optics. I'm planning on designing other styles, but right now have these. They will be available as kits shortly, with full instructions on adding the lights, and some finished wall hangings will also be available.

I used Eleanor Burn's QIAD pattern, Pumpkin Grins as the basis for this Snowman. The lights are stitched into the face of the quilt from behind, then the quilt is sandwiched and quilted. It's a cute way to celebrate the season without needing a power outlet, since it's battery operated. Perfect for a door or a small apartment.


Another design using lights is a Christmas Tree. I added small buttons and embelishments, as well. This is one perfect tree! No needles, no need to water, and it lights up. Perfect for a small apartment or a house with animals.

Another view, without flash, so you can see the lights.


Here's another tree still in the design stage. The tree block is a slightly different shape, and a 12" block instead of the 16". I lay out the lights on the front to determine the placement, and mark the locations. I need to finish decorating this one, and need to update the pictures. This will be edited when it's ready! You can see the strand of LED lights and the battery pack here. That all gets hidden behind the quilt, so you only see the sparkle of the lights.

UPDATE 12/2/2011
I have pictures to add from the latest Tree with Lights quilt!
I added small ornaments and it's finished (and ready for sale, or kits if you prefer)


I sewed small "lightbulbs" over the actual LED lights, so the lights actually shine through the bulbs. The bulbs were from www.dressitup.com.
Now, I bet you are asking "How did she do that?" Well, here's the idea I came up with. I want to hide the wires, yet have the lights show on the front. I make small buttonholes (with stabilizer, the white squares you see here) and number the locations of the lights, push the little LED bulb through the opening, and stitch the buttonhole closed. I layer the quilt, and am very careful with the battery pack and the locations of the wires. I quilt, add embelishments and finish with a small pocket to hold the battery pack. So, now you want one, too, right?? Let me know!








I'm working on other ideas and plans. If you want to learn more, contact me.

37 comments:

Joanna said...

I love the lights on the trees. I learned something new today. Nice idea.

Sue Daurio said...

Lights on quilts? Now that is a first for me at least!! So cute.

SewCalGal said...

Wonderful quilts. Love the lights on your tree. I so want to figure out how to do this.

Thanks for sharing in the Christmas Quilt Show.

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

Christine M said...

The lights on your tree are lovely.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

I have a friend who does this too - aren't they just too cute!

Ashlawnfarms Rag Quilt Creations said...

Unique idea! This should be a popular new thing indeed! Pretty quilts!!

Nima said...

wow...lovely quilts

Lynette said...

Wow!! Oh my gosh - that's so COOL to have lights in the quilts!

Needled Mom said...

Cute...I love the lights!

sew.darn.quilt said...

Your quilts are de-light-ful!

Carolyn

Unknown said...

Ha ha ha De-light-ful! They are!!!!! Thanks so much for sharing, I got a huge smile when I saw the tie on your snowman!

Carrie P. said...

Pretty neat how your trees light up. great entries.

Lesley said...

Cute idea with the lights!

Snoodles said...

I haven't seen this done before...thanks for sharing! They are really cute!

Julimond said...

very pretty

Karen said...

Lovely quilts and the lights are such a wonderful idea. It's great to see them.

Nanbon44 said...

love your wall hangings... might have to make a snowman like that one for my step daughter

Mary said...

cute ideas all over this Christmas Show.

Teresa said...

Well who would have thought lights were possible, great fun

Judi said...

Adding the lights is genius! I'm going to have to play with that idea. Cute quilts!

doni said...

Clever idea, thanks for sharing your method.

doni @ Oregon coast

Sandra Kaye said...

I love snowmen!! Thanks for sharing!!

Rachel said...

Very nice! I love to see all the Christmas quilts - such inspiration!

Laurel said...

what fun! you could only do that with LEDs... that's a great idea. i am dreaming about a starry night quilt with LEDs. could you imagine!

Rachel said...

Awesome quilts! Thanks for sharing!!

Jocelyn said...

What very fun quilts.

michele said...

Very fun! Thank you for sharing it!

Janet said...

What an intriguing design and a lovely quilt!

Teresa F. said...

Beautiful Xmas tree. Love the little lights on it.

Barb N said...

Such a neat idea to put lights - everyone loves them!

Heather said...

Such an interesting idea, may have to try it!

Kelli Fannin Quilts said...

Great projects! Love the snowman!

Unknown said...

Good job! Makes a great wall hanging.
SallyKingemail@gmail.com

Michele said...

Love the use of lights! What a fun idea :-)

Karen O said...

Such a creative idea. Thank you for sharing.

maggie said...

Very clever, so cute.

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

These are so cute! Thanks for sharing!