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.