Make this beautiful Christmas quilt pattern with poinsettias in one weekend! Display it on the wall, the table, or as a throw. However you use it, it is sure to contribute to the warm welcome you will extend to your family and friends this holiday, and for many to come!
“Holiday Cheer” was just published in the November 2021 issue of the American Quilter magazine. I love this photograph so much! It provides the perfect setting for this bold, geometric design. And the colors!!!
The quilt measures 63-1/2″ x 63-1/2″ and the blocks finish at 24″ and 12″. I worked with the gorgeous Moda Fabrics collection Starflower by Create Joy Project. I wanted to showcase the beautiful prints so the blocks feature smaller prints and solid fabrics for a more dramatic statement. How do you like it?
The triangle sections of this block are paper-pieced – this simple shape is ideal for beginner quilters, and a breeze for veteran ones. I’ve been using regular printer paper for this technique (as an editor once suggested to me) and its removal is quick and easy.
If you have not yet worked with this technique, check out this tutorial. I think you will get hooked! My first paper-pieced project was a small wall hanging with many little blocks. I enjoyed the repetitive aspect of the technique and how the points were perfectly aligned. If there aren’t many blocks or block parts that are paper-pieced, I will trace the templates. Otherwise, printing them directly onto printer paper or any other foundation paper is more efficient.
The center star block uses half-square triangles and flying geese units. The blue circle is machine appliqued once the pinwheel is completed. I could have omitted it but I thought it would bring focus to the center medallion. I am happy I left it in the design.
Another possibility for a design change to this Christmas quilt pattern with poinsettias was to make the corners all blue so the star would float. Instead, I anchored it to the block with the red snowflake fabric, as a color bridge to the poinsettia border. If you decide to float the star, send me a photo!
I added a hanging sleeve (also called rod pocket) using the same backing fabric to ‘hide’ it in case I decide to use it as a table topper or a throw. After the binding is hand-stitched, I pin the sleeve and stitch it with matching thread. It helps to have a fun audiobook to listen to while completing the final steps of the quilt. I have a friend who prefers to watch movies while hand-sewing. Which one do you prefer?
If you are ready to get started on the Holiday Cheer quilt, get the American Quilter magazine for the pattern. I am in love with the wool quilt on the cover and, perhaps, it is time to begin a wool project since I have not done one in a while. The other projects in this issue are amazing…
[Giveaway closed!] Ah, the giveaway! I have an extra copy of this American Quilter issue (courtesy of the American Quilter’s Society), as well as more than 3 yards of the fabrics I used to make Holiday Cheer (courtesy of Moda Fabrics). Here are the details to enter:
- Leave a comment telling me how many Christmas projects you have finished this year already, or how many you are planning to make;
- Let me know that you follow this blog or are a subscriber to the Newsletter;
- Mention your email in the comments using this format: soandso at emailprovider.com. This way you will not receive spam email.
The winner will be announced on Tuesday, October 12th. This giveaway is open to US residents only.
Have a fun weekend!
Drat! I am working on a couple of gifts for Christmas, but they are not Christmas quilts. At 80, I have made a number of Christmas quilts and decorations that all come out at Christmas, but I don’t have any more room to showcase another Christmas quilt. I have been a subscriber for years.
Judy Morin as threadlady at bellsouth.net
Quilting is such a wonderful thing to do, regardless of our age! I can only imagine how many projects you have made. I began quilting in my forties and hope to continue until the fingers give out! 🙂
Hello i have made 7Christmas Aprons ,and still have to put togather a tablecloth 50×70.Hope to get started on that next week.
Christmas aprons – what a fun idea! I would love to see a photo of your table cloth when it is ready!
I have made 10 pillowcases with plans to make many more. I make Christmas socks for charity. I have made 4 table runners with 2 more to make. These are hand quilted and pieced. I am a subscriber to the Newsletter. sewseitz at sbcglobal.net
Wow! You are way ready! I think pillowcases are a great idea and may make them for my grandsons. Thanks for the tip!
Olá!!!!Brasil tá fora,,,,BUááááá!!!!!Passando para parabenizar seus trabalhos cada vez mais lindos. BeijoGRANNNNNNNNDE!!!
E’… nao consigo fazer minha familia receber NADA que mando via correio, menina! O que esta’ acontecendo por ai???
Obrigada, continuo trabalhando sem parar. Espero que voce e sua familia estejam com muita saude!!!
Congratulations on being featured in American Quilter magazine! This quilt is gorgeous and definitely drool-worthy! 🙂
I have one laptop Christmas flimsy that I hope to complete soon and probably 2 or 3 smaller holiday projects to sew just to get me in the mood.
I follow your blog through Bloglovin’.
duchick at gmail dot com
Thank you! When I saw those fabrics I had to come up with a simple design that would make them pop! I do need to get my projects for Christmas into gear – I love to make small ones like wool embroidery, for instance. Thanks for following this blog!
That is so pretty. It looks complicated until you read how you assembled it. Adding the hanging rod is a great idea too. I’ve finished one Christmas quilt this year, but have two more in the works. RKJRK5 at aol dot com.
I like coming up with designs that look complicated but are easy to make!
Congratulations on being in American Quilter, how cool!! I’ve made quite a few Christmas gifts — I even signed up to be a Secret Santa, so that added 12 projects to my list! I have two more that I’d like to finish, but I’ve made about 20 small quilts. My giveaway theme this year is Stars (last year it was Houses) — I find I get more done if I choose a theme because that limits the choices I need to make! If I find the time, I’d also like to make a seasonal wall hanging for my own house before Christmas! I follow your blog and receive the newsletter by email. gpc49[at]yahoo[dot]come
What a great idea – yearly themes for the gifts! I am sure you will get it all done in time, including the wall hanging for your house!
I have four projects for Christmas to finish. I get nervous when I’m behind, so need to up my production!! lewisnancy54 at gmail dot com
That is me, too, even when the deadline is self-imposed! So… what do you do from midnight to 6 am? 🙂
Man I’m behind! I haven’t finished my Christmas projects ? I have 2 quilts I need to finish for Christmas. One is pieced but the second is only cut. Love your paper piecing triangles!!
I subscribe to your newsletter! kristine.w.clay at gmail.com
Thanks for sharing your awesomeness and the chance to win!
Girl, you ain’t behind YET! Wait till December 10, for instance, then we will have an intervention with ways to get you through all your projects!!!
I have a Christmas jelly roll that I want to use to make a throw quilt. That may or may not happen since I have other projects already in progress. I get your newsletter by email. mbhugh at bellsouth dot net
Oh… jelly rolls are fun to use. But, yeah, go after those projects you already have going (said she, after looking at a discreet pile of blocks in the adjacent room!).
Your quilt is beautiful! I am working on 2 quilts for Christmas presents, but I haven’t gotten very far on them. I subscribe to your blog.
cecilialyoung at gmail dot com
I also subscribe to your newsletter.
Thank you. Those fabrics are fantastic… I am sure you will finish your Christmas quilts in time, with room for a few smaller ones, too!
I haven’t started any Christmas gifts this year as I am dealing with family issues. Next year for sure! I get your newsletter!
I can totally relate. Family issues are like curveballs, so just go with the flow and don’t put to many demands on yourself.
I’m new to the quilting world. I have been working on table runners for Christmas gifts. I have 2 done so far. I’m enjoying making and learning something every day.
I do receive your news letters.
[email protected]
Oh, so you are in for a fun ride! Table runners are great projects because we can finish them fast and they are easy to quilt with our sewing machines using the walking foot.
What a great quilt!!! I have too many projects but when I get bummed about my deadlines I pick up a crochet project and put it into perspective. Then I go back to my quilting and it seems to go soooooo much faster as I’m am a sllllloooow crocheter. Hoping to finish two log cabin quilts by Christmas. I subscribe to your blog using nsue21702 at Gmail dot com!
Thank you! I love crochet but am now knitting another baby blanket (the fifth one this year with no recipients in the horizon) while listening to a book. That’s what I do in the evenings after long workdays. I’ve become a “slow everything” the past few years, particularly when it comes to sewing…
Hello, I enjoy reading your memo’s and Newsletters. As a learner I am only making Christmas sets of 6 place mats and table centres as gifts for friends. Eileen.mann29 is my email ATgmail.com. I am in Australia under continued lock down so have plenty of time to get learning to quilt. Seasons Greetings to all. Cheers Eileen
Dang. Lockdown. I hope you have plenty of fabric and other craft stuff to keep busy. Table-toppers and placemats make the best projects to learn new techniques, too. Your friends are lucky!
I have not started any projects related to Christmas! Hope to get in the Christmas mood soon!
Congratulations on “Holiday Cheer” being published in the November 2021 issue of the American Quilter magazine!
Thank you. Yes, it is a little early to think of Christmas projects but, don’t worry, the stores where you shop will ‘get you in the mood’ as there will soon be Christmas stuff everywhere. And music to boot!
Forgot to add my email address:
nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com
Subscribe to your newsletter!
nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com
I just finished 8 Nutcracker placemats, ready to free motion quilt the 2 remaining projects: a twin and queen size quilt. Hemming a wedding dress and my nieces Halloween costume are preventing me from finishing the quilting!!! Anxious to get back to quilting for sure. I subscribe to your newsletter. lutzcats at yahoo.com
Oh… I would love to see those placemats! Free motion quilting is the best, though I only have time to do it on smaller projects. You will have plenty of time to finish those quilts!
I’m hoping to make some ornaments & pot holders. I received your blog via email. Have a great day! angielovesgary atgmail dotcom ???
I love making small projects to gift at Christmas. It is a way to ensure the gifts get done in time, and handmade stuff is the best, right?
I have made 3 or 4 Christmas quilts in the past several months. Your quilt is beautiful, so cool to be in the magazine! I subscribe to your newsletter. jklmengland at windstream dot net
Thank you! Those Moda fabrics are really beautiful. Wow, you are so ahead! I love when I can make Christmas projects throughout the year (or purchase toys and other gifts) so I can avoid the rush in late November/early December. So much more enjoyable, right?
I have five holiday project to make and one started! Yikes! I follow your blog and get your newsletter! Thank you for the giveaway! butler83ataoldotcom
Hi Denise! I have not made any Christmas projects yet this year but I do have fabric for one! I’ll be getting busy on it this week! Thanks fir the generous giveaway. I love this pattern! Gloria at gmail dot com.