Thursday, December 17, 2015

Holiday Happenings!

I'm linking up with QuiltShopGal's Linky Party! #NightsBeforeChristmas!  And #Creativegoodness.

Here are some things I've done lately to get ready for Christmas!

nights before chistmas party

I've used an older charm pack, Royal Holiday, from Moda, and Little Charmers II by Anka's Treasures, and a gold metallic print fabric from Timeless Treasures.



This is a great pattern for charm squares.  I planned the layout to make sure the gold smaller squares created the alternating design.  Anka's Treasures has lots of patterns for charm squares.  I like them, especially if the packs are older and you didn't think to buy coordinating yardage for borders and binding.  You can always find something that works for binding, though.  This is a Benartex metallic pindot that matched the colors in the squares, and had a little touch of gold to pick up the gold print fabric. And yes, I mix brands. I'm using my stash!

I also made this runner featuring Island Batik fabrics.  


I had seen similar runners made by friends, and then saw a share on Olfa's Facebook page for this free pattern.  I do have enough triangles left for a smaller piece.  I need to play with layouts to decide how to make it.  I used 4 fabrics, and quilted it with Superior Metallic in Light Gold.  My suggestion is to press the strips in alternate directions, so more of the seams lock.  I'll play with some tips for the next one I do.  I used the 60* Ruler from Quilt In A Day.  Any ruler about that size would work, though.  I've seen some really pretty runners using the same shape ruler, and you can play with the layout to make different looks.

Next on my list is baking!  I love the old Spritz cookie recipe, and my cookie press, for holiday cookies.  I double the batch, and leave 1/2 without color, and the other half colored green.  I bake the plain ones first, then mix in the green food coloring to the remainder.  I use a round or flower shape for the plain, then melt about 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave and mix until smooth (my microwave takes between 2 and 3 minutes.  Just make sure the bowl you use is dry.).  Dip 1/2 of the top side of the cooled cookie in the melted chocolate and then some colored sprinkles (in another bowl) and let them cool.  For the green dough, I use the tree shaped die and just add some colored sugar, or snowflakes or sprinkles on the top.  It's the perfect buttery flavor cookie with great texture and looks elegant for parties.  You'll be asked if you purchased them from a bakery.



Finally, I'd like to give away some Island Batik fabric.  You can win an assortment of 4 Fat Quarter pieces.  Leave a comment for one chance.  Sign up for emails of my blog post (up on the right hand side), and let me know if you do, for another chance, and "LIKE" my Facebook page, with a 3rd comment, for 3 chances.   I'll pick the winner on December 26, but prize will be shipped in January.  I'm not sure which fabrics I'll choose yet, so we'll all be surprised.  I have some more from the collection in the black and gold runner, but may decide to send some of the newest collection called Sea Salt Sandy, which won't be in stores until January.  Or something else!  This is going to be fun!  (International followers, if you wouldn't mind chipping in towards the extra shipping fee, I'm glad to include you.).  If Facebook goes over 350 followers, I'll choose a second winner from these comments!

Thanks so much for stopping by, and I do hope you'll visit QuiltShopGal's party and see what the others are sharing.  It's a great way to spend #NightsBeforeChristmas!

I'm off to make a cheesecake, and some bread dough for Sausage Bread, and work on a quilt using Island Batik for my son.  He needs a new lap quilt.  Enjoy the 8 days until Christmas!

Maryellen

38 comments:

Unknown said...

I'd love to win, I already subscribe to your blog and have liked you on facebook.
llamance@hotmail.com

Joyce Carter said...

Mary Ellen,your table runners are beautiful! I think I like the one with the charm squares most because it is so colorful. This would be a great pattern to go scrappy. Thanks for the giveaway.

Joyce Carter said...

I already subscribe to your blog.

Joyce Carter said...

I already like you on Facebook.

Kathy E. said...

What a super pretty table runner! I am on a table runner kick and enjoy using different blocks and quilting methods to make each unique. Love batiks too!

Michele T said...

I love batik fabric!!! Thanks for your generosity!!

OhioLori said...

Love your Runners!! Beautiful!Thanks too, for recipe for these cookies! Love Spritz cookies! :)

Thanks for chance to win your Give-a-way!

MERRY CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS!!

Michele T said...

Those cookies look yummy!!! I am already signed up for your emails!! Thanks for another chance!!

Michele T said...

I like you on FB!! Thanks!!

OhioLori said...

I follow your blog already too :)

Vicki H said...

I love the table runners! My sister also makes great spritz cookies.

Vicki H said...

I am already signed up for the emails.

Vicki H said...

Follow with FB also.

Barb Neiwert said...

Those spritz cookies are one of my favorites! We make green and red. Fun table runners, too! I already follow your blog with email updates.

Barb Neiwert said...

Just liked your FB page. Merry Christmas!

GranChris said...

Great runners. I love batiks, but who doesn't. I'm with you I bake lots of cookies.

GranChris said...

I am a FB follower.

claire ross said...

I am following you on FB.
Iain.ross30 at gmail dot com

claire ross said...

Love your runner and all the better if you were able to make it from stash x
Iain.ross30 at gmail dot com

claire ross said...

I am following by email. X
Iain.ross30 at gmail dot com

Pamela said...

Both the table runner and the cookies look so yummy! And I love anything batik! Thanks for the chance to win! I follow you on Facebook.

Aunt TC said...

You've been busy! Thanks for the drawing. Howlandquilt (at) gmail.com.

Aunt TC said...

You've been busy! I like the table runners. Howlandquilt (at) gmail.com.

Aunt TC said...

I already get your blog posts. Thanks! I don't have Facebook. Howlandquilt (at) gmail.com.

Emily C said...

I love your runner, what pretty colors.

JANET said...

I follow on facebook.

JANET said...

Cute runner! Thank you for the pattern.

JANET said...

I am on the email list.

Quilting Tangent said...

Pretty table runners and yummy looking cookies. 24Tangent@gmail.com

Sarah said...

I subscribe via e-mail to your blog. sarah@forrussia.org

Sarah said...

My mom used to make spritz cookies for Christmas when I was growing up. sarah@forrussia.org

Grandma said...

The table runner is so pretty.
patsystitch@gvtc.com

Grandma said...

I follow you on facebook and liked the post regarding this give away.
patsystitch@gvtc.com

Grandma said...

I could not find how to sign up for your newsletter.
patsystitch@gvtc.com

Rebecca said...

I love batiks, thanks for the chance
sewfabrics@outlook.com

Anonymous said...

Love your table runner! The cookies look yummy!
nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

Anonymous said...

e-mail subscriber and like you on facebook: Nicole Sender
nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

Anonymous said...

liked you on facebook: Nicole Sender
nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com