The days are short & the nights are very long! Most of these days are gloomy, like today… Fortunately for another week we’re so busy with all the Christmas hustle & bustle that we hardly notice, but after Christmas it really kicks in; the winter blues.
So what are we to do?
Redfin has put together a list of mood-boosting activities to do at home and how to begin incorporating them into your routine, one which of course is quilting!
I can think of no better way to spend a cold, dreary day than inside where it’s warm & cozy *with lots of lights on* planning & sewing a quilt!
If you’re reading my blog you probably already quilt,
but don’t miss the recent Redfin article we were featured in: “Mood-Boosting Activities at Home to Fend Off Winter Blues: Indoor Hobbies and Practices.”
Head over to their site & check out their other great suggestions of mood-boosting activities to do at home and how to begin incorporating them into your routine.
“There’s no better way to make your home truly yours than by making custom quilts in your own style. Colors, sizes, and designs can be customized for everyone in your home, by everyone in your home. Young children up to adults can join in the creative process and make quilts for beds, walls, and tabletops. – Suzn Quilts“
Your days will begin to look brighter even before the first signs of spring.
Are you like me & have a hard time thinking of Christmas in July, even October???
With Thanksgiving over, the house decorated & the Christmas season underway, I want to sew with all the beautiful red, green & Christmas fabrics around me!
There are still plenty of days to sew before Christmas. And if you don’t finish it before this Christmas, there are plenty more days before Christmas 2022, 2023…
If you need some inspiration, I dare you to click this link to reveal some awesome Suzn Quilts Christmas patterns!
I did a “Christmas” search on my website to see what would happen.
There are 3 pages, 53 items!!!
I knew I loved to sew for Christmas, but I had no idea I had that many Christmas patterns. Some are quick & easy like my quilt-as-you-go Christmas Pines table runner & placemats
& Gnomes At Home December.
Many are now available in PDF so you can purchase them today & start sewing today too!
Some may take a bit more time (lol) like my Christmas Greetings sampler.
I hope you’ll go & be inspired to sew.
Know that when you place an order I ship same day, or the next if it’s late.
The #SewPink Initiative was created by ByAnnie.com LLC to raise awareness for breast cancer throughout the year. Our efforts culminate in an annual blog hop during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month to promote self-care, awareness, early detection, and support for those affected by breast cancer.
In addition to participating in the #SewPINK Initiative, Fat Quarter Shop invites you to support the National Breast Cancer Foundation with the goal of raising $10,000.
Welcome to Step 15, the last step of making your Candy Corn Sampler!
Wow, it’s time for quilt assembly!
I hope you’ve kept up & have all of your blocks complete, but if not, “Just Keep Sewing!”
If they are compete, refer to the diagram on page 21 to lay out all of your blocks & the border strips to be sure you have everything in its correct place.
Below is a pic of my top in progress minus the bat corner blocks.
Once everything is in place, sew the blocks into columns then sew the columns together.
I’d show you those pics, but I was so excited to sew my top together that I didn’t think to photograph these steps!!!
Sorry, lol!
Position then glue or fuse the “B” on the lower portion of the applique strip
& the little bird on the “OO” block.
Appliqué them in place.
Lastly, sew the candy corn border strips to the sides & then to the top & bottom.
Now to layer with backing & batting & quilt it.
You still have a couple of days ‘til Halloween you can probably get it quilted by then.
Or if you’re like me, hang the top for Halloween, then take it to your favorite quilter on November 1st!
I’m sure Tamara would love to quilt your Candy Corn Sampler.
After it’s quilted, don’t forget to sew the little white buttons on the bats for their eyes.
Have you sewn on buttons with your sewing machine before?
I sew all of my buttons on with my sewing machine.
First, tape them down in place.
I tape multiple buttons on at the same time.
Next set your machine’s stitch length to “0” & set the stitch width to align with the holes in the buttons. On my machine it’s “3” for the width.
Did you know that no matter the size of the button, “most” button holes are the same width apart? Super large or super tiny buttons are the only exceptions I’ve noticed.
I sew multiple buttons on & then go back & trim threads.
Notice I use the open toe foot for this task.
Did you know that I use this foot for pretty much everything?
The only time I take it off is to put on either the walking foot or free-motion foot.
To remove the tape painlessly, pull the tape off parallel with eye stitch width.
Usually it pulls off in just 1 piece.
Repeat with remaining bats.
I really hope you’ve enjoyed this quilt-along.
I loved designing and making my Candy Corn Sampler Quilt.
If you’re just reading along to see if you’d like to make this or another pattern of mine I hope I’ve enticed you to do so.
If you’re not already a member of my Sewing With Susan Facebook group, please join & share pics.
Quilting my way through life! 