My Magic of Christmas blocks are all finished. During November and December Primitive Gatherings designer Lisa Bongean came out with 25 free blocks that she called The Magic of Christmas. The block patterns are still all available on her website. She made her blocks all in red and white, but I switched it up a bit and made two of each block--one in red and cream and the other in green and cream. I figured that way I would end up with 50 blocks, which would be enough for a lap quilt or something. All the fabrics were from my stash. I bought nothing new to make these blocks.
Some of LIsa's block offerings I chose not to make because they had too many really teensy pieces. The finished block size is only 6 inches, and if you look at the blocks in the photo above, some of them are pretty complex. Half square triangles that measure 3/4 inch just aren't my thing I have decided. I chose to set the blocks diagonally, and alternate rows of red and green blocks. I ended up with 61 blocks. (36 red and 25 green). I augmented Lisa's selected block patterns with blocks from Judy Hopkins 501 Rotary Cut Blocks book. I also added in 10 basket blocks, which I adore.
I finished 55 blocks before Christmas. Once the dust settled after the holidays I wanted to get those last 6 blocks done in an afternoon. I decided to use the Judy Hopkins book, and pretty much just opened it at random and decided to make whatever was on the page that was revealed. Can you tell I was done fussing and wanted to close the chapter on this project?
I chose fairly simple block patterns for my last 6 blocks. I was definitely in a "Get it done" mind frame.
I still have to make the lattices to separate the blocks, for which I need to purchase yardage. I also need to make setting triangles, which I feel will look good done in an assortment of scrappy background prints. Then we have to come up with a border, and I may take my time choosing just the right thing. After all, I have a number of months before I need to get this top to my quilter in order to use it next Christmas, right?
Meanwhile, I am leaving these blocks on my design wall so they are in my face reminding me they need to be sewn together.
Isn't it fun to quilt from scraps? I tried to do that with Bonnie Hunter's most recent mystery quilt, and I found that I didn't have enough fabric in my stash so I had to go out and buy fabric. I guess that means I don't have a big enough stash, right? Anyhow, your little blocks look marvelous and I can't wait to see the completed quilt.
Posted by: Margaret | January 11, 2017 at 04:49 AM
So very pretty! I love that it will be a Christmas quilt!
Posted by: Jean Etheridge | January 11, 2017 at 04:56 AM
Standing ovation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hugs!
Posted by: Barbara Anne | January 11, 2017 at 05:17 AM
I am still working on my Magic of Christmas blocks! I admire that you did two of each plus some extras! I don't know what I'm going to do with them. I think I'll just make 25 into a wallhanging... still thinking about it... Your's are gorgeous!
Posted by: Audrey | January 11, 2017 at 05:27 AM
Fabulous blocks and I am sure the quilt will be equally wonderful.
Posted by: Teresa | January 11, 2017 at 05:34 AM
Gorgeous blocks. Teensy pieces aren't my thing either. I find it more difficult to get smaller blocks to come out the right size.
Posted by: Jeanna | January 11, 2017 at 05:46 AM
I enjoy you sharing with all of us....from the pictures to the thoughts of the project. Always inspiring😉 A beautiful quilt it will be when finished.
Posted by: LeAnne | January 11, 2017 at 06:21 AM
This is gorgeous, Nicole!! And all those many months have a way of slipping by us! I'd love to join the half square sew along, but I have way too many books to read!! ;-) Today is a good reading or sewing day because with the windchill, it is -40F here in SK!!! Have a good day, Nicole.
Posted by: Tracey Holzer | January 11, 2017 at 06:45 AM
Beautiful quilt Nicole. Love how you share what you stitched and how you stitched it.
Posted by: Stephani in N. TX | January 11, 2017 at 06:51 AM
Great idea. Open the book, make the block. I'll add this to my grabbing fabric out of a paper bag. I find I agonize over quilts and they never get done. Thanks.
Posted by: Niki | January 11, 2017 at 06:52 AM
The blocks look great. You will really be pleased with yourself next Christmas when this is all finished! great job.
Mary
Posted by: Mary Kastner | January 11, 2017 at 07:27 AM
Bravo!!! I just started on Block # 19. "Life" and "Work" get in the way of my stitching time!!! I really like your red and green choice of fabrics -looks fabulous! HUGS... and stitches
Posted by: ChristieB | January 11, 2017 at 07:49 AM
It's going to be a beautiful, classic Christmas quilt!
Posted by: Donna | January 11, 2017 at 08:13 AM
I love how you interpreted Lisa's idea into your own by doing both the red and green blocks and telling yourself it was okay to drop some locks and add more of your own. Great job on the random selections!
Posted by: Kyle | January 11, 2017 at 08:18 AM
Your blocks looks great and I can't wait to see the finished quilt! Will you ise cornerstones for your setting? If yes, you could buy fabric for the cornerstones and enough for a border too it would tied all nicely together ... just a thought:-)
Posted by: Hildy | January 11, 2017 at 08:52 AM
Just gorgeous - as always!!!
Posted by: Miss Jean | January 11, 2017 at 08:55 AM
Excellent assortment of blocks and love the color combination. That is going to make a beautiful quilt.
Posted by: piecrust | January 11, 2017 at 09:00 AM
those are beautiful! love the settin!
Posted by: ina | January 11, 2017 at 10:14 AM
Congratulations on finishing all of your blocks and just using fabric from your stash !!! I APPLAUD YOU !!!!!
Posted by: Sue Babich | January 11, 2017 at 10:30 AM
This quilt will be absolutely beautiful when finished! It's already lovely!! I printed all these patterns of Lisa B's off but didn't have the time. Thinking of joining in on her new HST sew along. You have inspired!
Posted by: Jody | January 11, 2017 at 10:39 AM
Love it, love it, love it!
Posted by: Laura Valdez | January 11, 2017 at 11:15 AM
This is, perhaps, your finest effort. I love it.
Posted by: Nancy M Stevens | January 11, 2017 at 04:26 PM
This is going to be beautiful. Depending on your sashing fabric, perhaps a red and green ribbon border might work.
Posted by: lynda | January 11, 2017 at 05:40 PM
Beautiful blocks cant wait to see the completed quilt.
Posted by: Helen storer | January 11, 2017 at 05:43 PM
The colors you chose are wonderful together! And good for you making the quilt your 'own' by including the blocks you wanted. This will be a beautiful Christmas quilt!
Posted by: Jan | January 11, 2017 at 07:49 PM