Tag Archives: gift idea

Tu-Na Quilts: The Day After Christmas in July

I don’t know about you but the day after Christmas can leave one feeling a bit let down. Maybe you didn’t get the gift you really wanted. Maybe your family is leaving and you’ll be alone. Maybe you’ve eaten too much and now you’re feeling a bit guilty. Maybe you’re exhausted from all the hustle and bustle of the past 12 days.

Even though The 12 Days of Christmas in July Blog Hop is over for 2017, the tutorials will be around for a long time and you’ll be able to stop back and revisit those ideas you’re compelled to make. Hopefully, you’ve found a lot of Christmas inspiration during the hop and your list of “must makes” has grown. I know mine did. You will find recaps of each of the participating blog hop posts on each of my 12 Days of Christmas posts.

To make it even easier, I’ve also included the list of participating blogs at the end of this post which also includes all the recaps of each of those posts to help you and me find the projects we’re wanting to make. Now just to find the time to sew them all up.

Have you discovered some new blogs to follow? I know I did. And I gained many new followers, too. Welcome to Tu-Na’s. I hope you’ll like it here, be entertained, and find some new inspiration.

While I’ve been a follower of Sarah at Confessions of a Fabric Addict—the host for this blog hop—for awhile, I do want to give her another rousing THANK YOU. She spent a lot of time pulling everything together and getting us all excited and organized. She even found prizes for the giveaway. Speaking of prizes. Did you enter?

There’s still just one day left to enter the giveaways for some Tula Pink Homies fabric generously donated by Free Spirit Fabrics—today! To enter just comment on the participating blogs, there’s only a bit of time left and just like Cinderella, when the clock strikes midnight tonight, the fun has to end. For your convenience, I’ve put the updated list towards the end of this post which includes links that will take you directly to the 12 Days of Christmas in July Blog Hop posts. Sarah will be announcing the winners on August 4th and I’ll be posting the list as soon as I see it. And I’ve included the list at the end of this post.

Homies

Giveaway items of Holiday Homies by Tula Pink from Free Spirit Fabrics.

And don’t forget about my own giveaway which I introduced yesterday. I’m giving away the cute little mini quilted Christmas Stocking and all the stocking stuffers that I revealed (pictured below). Now that’s some really good news for one lucky person. But you can’t win it if you don’t enter. Check out my post here to enter by leaving a comment. You get a bonus entry if you are an old or new follower. The giveaway closes on August 1st. The giveaway is open international entries.

The comments for my giveaway have been pouring in and I’ve even shed a couple of tears and laughed out loud as you told me about the most memorable gift you’ve given or received. There are stories of becoming engaged, adopting a child, getting a pet, receiving sewing machines, and many more touching gifts. Many of the gifts you gave or received had to do with a quilt; one was even made with the shirts from a father-in-law and gifted after his death. Gail wrote,

The Christmas after my FIL died, I made quilts from his shirts for my MIL, husband, the three grandchildren and my husband’s sister. There was not a dry eye in the house. Here is a link to my blogpost about the shirt quilts. http://thecozyquilter.blogspot.ca/2013/12/the-quilts-of-christmas-2013.html

After reading that comment, there wasn’t a dry eye in my house either! I’ve been enjoying reading each one and hope to be able to reply to all but it will take some time. Thank you for sharing your story and your heart.

What I Learned Today:

  1. I have some really faithful followers and readers who leave wonderful comments. As of midnight last night, you have left 397 comments during the blog hop and even more have come in this morning. Thank you for taking the time.
  2. Sometimes, one has to remove the old and put in something new to freshen up the look. I’ve changed my header pictures. I think it really changes the look of my blog. What do you think? Email followers: if you haven’t seen the blog for awhile, pop on over to see the new look.
  3. If only I could get my husband to believe the first sentence of #2, then I could redo the kitchen.
  4. I am very sentimental and can get rather emotional.
  5. This is my 14th consecutive daily post! I posted the day before the 12 Days of Christmas in July Blog Hop started, then each of the 12 days, and finally this day after. I think tomorrow I’ll take a break and get some sewing done.
  6. I have three bee blocks to be sewed and mailed before month’s end. I’m not behind yet, but it’s getting close!
  7. There are only 2 more days until the 2018 Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop begins. Will Tu-Na and Tu-Na Helper go this year again or sit this one out? What do you think?.

Question: Do you shop the After Christmas Sales, either in the store or online, or find it not worthwhile? I usually take advantage of the sales after Thanksgiving rather than Christmas. The days after Christmas usually finds us either hosting family or cleaning up after they’ve left. 

12DCIJ2017

July 14-25, 2017 Hosted by Sarah at Confessions of a Fabric Addict.

Direct links to the 2017 12 Days of Christmas in July Blog Hop posts:

Friday, July 14th

Confessions of a Fabric Addict Sarah will be offering a quilt-along during these 12 days. Her post gives fabric requirements and cutting instructions. I hope you will join along as we sew our way through the rest of July. If you can’t participate now, remember this quick, easy tutorial when you need a quilt pieced NOW.

cfa

Santa’s Trip Around the World Quilt Along

From My Carolina Home Carole makes sewing a zippered bag look easy. She offers the free tutorial and gives directions and pictures. Take it one step at a time and you’ll soon have one (maybe more if you can’t stop making these) gift made for someone on your list.

Vrooman’s Quilts If you have kids or grandkids, you might like to see these ornaments out of CDs that the kids can make. Jump start the little ones creativity, today!

Pampered Pettit Are your pillows looking tired and worn? Breathe new life into them with Brandy’s quick pillow sham/covering tutorial. You could also make new covers for your existing pillows in pretty holiday fabrics and add some holiday cheer to your sofa/couch.

 Saturday, July 15th

Confessions of a Fabric Addict Sarah will be offering a quilt-along during these 12 days. Her post gives fabric requirements and cutting instructions. I hope you will join along as we sew our way through the rest of July. If you can’t participate now, remember this quick, easy tutorial when you need a quilt pieced NOW.

 Citymousequilter Grace won’t be left without a sock—to hang on the mantel at Christmas time that is. See how she constructs a string-pieced stocking both with and without a cuff.

Vicki’s Crafts and Quilting Vicki shows a new pattern she just released on the Craftsy site. If you want to make a fun table runner with snowmen dudes, check out her blog. She has a link to the pattern. It sure looks like fun!

Quilting Fun Pam makes a quilt and gives a couple good tips (what she uses to make a circle and how she does the center of the circle) as she quilts a circular pattern around her quilt. I thank you for them!

 Sunday, July 16th

Confessions of a Fabric Addict Sarah gives us our sewing assignment for Santa’s Trip Around the World quilt and also shows some great decorating and gift ideas that you could make for someone on your list. Are you sewing along? I’ll show my pics soon.

 Swimming in a Sea of Estrogen Amy won’t be burning her fingers this year when she pulls hot bowls out of the microwave. If you’ve been wanting to make yourself or someone on your Christmas list some microwave bowl cozies or if you have no idea what these are, you’ll want to hop right on over to her blog to see how really easy and fast these are to stitch.

Everyone Deserves a Quilt Do you set up a Christmas tree? Joanne’s got you covered if you do. Well, your tree that is. She has a tutorial for a tree skirt that looks mighty festive. You might want to check it out.

Cheryl’s Teapots2Quilting If you haven’t found anything to make for those on your list yet, don’t worry, Cheryl’s posting lots of ideas with more to follow. She’s also giving away three mini kits so  you might like to leave a comment on her blog if you want to win one and really get a jump on  your holiday making.

 Monday, July 17th

Confessions of a Fabric Addict Sarah gives us another sewing assignment just like the others. She’s found some great looking origami ornaments to show us and we can make them too.

 Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats You are here. I am making sure no quilter will be unhappy with all the stuffers she’s put in her stocking. Do you have kids or grandkids? Karen also includes a tutorial for helping kids make a Wreath so everyone can help you decorate for the holidays.

Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life Wendy adds a colorful touch to the holidays by showing how to color some holiday cheer with the children. You’ll be running for your box of crayons after reading this.

Crayon Box Quilt Studio Michele made a Christmas quilt. She shows how using charms, half charms, and sashing can make a beautiful quilt for anytime of the year. Look closely at the pics to see some design inspiration in her quilting.

 Tuesday, July 18th

Confessions of a Fabric Addict Sarah gives us our next sewing assignment which is just like the others; sewing one final strip set. She promises something different for tomorrow. In the meantime, I’ve got some sewing to catch up on. How about you?

 Seams To Be Sew Do you need new ornaments for your tree? Marian shows us how to make some simple ones from fabric. For only a short time spent, you can give your tree a new look this year.

Stitchin at Home Cindy is spreading a little JOY at Christmas time this year. This super cute project just might be on your list to make this year.

Domestic Felicity Anita’s stitching up some Christmas cards on her blog today. Or you could use this cute idea for some really fun gift tags.

 Wednesday, July 19th

Confessions of a Fabric Addict Sarah’s got us sewing the next step on our quilt along.

 The Colorful Fabriholic Jan found the perfect solution for those of us with limited space but still having a desire to put up a Christmas tree. Making one of these is definitely on my list to do.

Smiles From Kate Kate’s drawn some cute holiday pillow covers that can stay around longer than just Christmas. Even if the weather warms and you haven’t put them away, they won’t be melting anything except maybe your heart.

 Thursday, July 20th

Confessions of a Fabric Addict Sarah’s posted the next set of instructions for the  Santa’s Trip Around the World Quilt: a little bit of ripping and a bit more sewing, pressing included.

 Cheryl’s Teapots2Quilting Cheryl’s post is filled with 10 more ideas of gifts to make and give away or even keep for yourself. I found one or two that I put on my must make list. Maybe you will, too.

The Inquiring Quilter Are you needing a quick table runner pattern? Jennifer is one talented quilter who’s designed a beauty that will leave you lots of time to either make more or turn some into a quilt. I’m putting this one on my list to make. You might like to, too.

Selina Quilts Selina’s suggesting making some vinyl bags for someone on your list. She’s posted the link to the free pattern and tutorial. She also gives a hint for sewing with vinyl. I often forget about how great these are for gifts and great to use for myself.

 Friday, July 21st

Confessions of a Fabric Addict Sarah’s giving us the next set of instructions which includes more of the same of yesterdays. You should be seeing your quilt starting to take shape now. Unless you’re a tad behind, like me, but don’t fear, I bet we’ll be doing the same assignment for the next few days. She’s also sharing a couple of ideas on how to start your holiday morning right with a cute breakfast idea the kids, of any age will love as well as sharing some snacks and treats.

 Katie Mae Quilts If you think your quilt borders are getting rather boring, you might like to check out Kate’s technique for a jazzy new idea and great instructions on how you can make it too.

Quilted Blooms Hands down! Paige has designed one clever pillow cover that will get the whole family involved. If you agree that Christmas is a great time for creating new memories or traditions, this idea won’t disappoint.

QuiltFabrication Susan’s designed a fantastic coaster idea; they can’t get any prettier or more festive than that. Using her easy tutorial, which includes lots of pictures, you’ll be making lots of these to tuck in Christmas stockings this year. The people on your Christmas list will be thanking you for sure.

 Saturday, July 22nd

Confessions of a Fabric Addict Sarah gives the next sewing assignment for Santa’s Trip Around the World Quilt Along which is a repeat of the past two days. She’s also found some great kid’s Christmas craft ideas which are fun for kids of any age including those of us who are young at heart.

 Devoted Quilter Leanne’s been freely sewing with her machine and has stitched up some quilty tree ornaments. Bonus: you can practice your free-motion quilting at the same time.

 Kathy’s Kwilts and More Kathy shows how easy making a pillow cover is. You might be able to stitch up several in an afternoon following her directions unless you decide to use one to lay down and take a nap.

All Points of the Compass Jean’s post is really a hoot! She’s sewing some parliament members that are looking really wide-eyed and fun. Who wouldn’t want to sew one on the front of a bag? Who wouldn’t want to stitch one for a banner or flag? Who wouldn’t want to receive a pillow cover with one on the front? (Jean’s been tracking all the bloggers through the hop. Her posts are really fun to read.)

 Sunday, July 23rd

Confessions of a Fabric Addict Today’s assignment is just as I suspected; finishing the final quarter for the Santa’s Trip Around the World Quilt so be prepared for a new assignment tomorrow. Sarah’s also sharing a bunch of ideas for cute. little gifts to give quilters. You may just want to make one of each for yourself, too.

 Mel’s Quilting Blog Meloney’s sharing a trio of little gift ideas that are perfect for teachers, or guild members, or neighbors. No one on your list needs to be left crying or looking for a tissue. Go see for yourself.

Resourceful Momma Mel persevered some obstacles to create a cute little project for the hop. She’s even offering it as a free pattern download. Those of you who enjoy embroidery or want to learn, this is your chance to create a cute center block for your wall hanging, table topper, or pillow cover. Who can resist that impish smile?

Cheryl’s Teapots2Quilting If you haven’t come up with an idea or two for Christmas this year, stop by Cheryl’s blog. Her post is filled with suggestions and examples, that should please someone on your list. Make a few extras, just in case you forgot to check it twice!

 Monday, July 24th

Confessions of a Fabric Addict Sarah walks us through the next step of Santa’s Trip Around the World Quilt Along if you’re sewing along. If not, you can always start one and finish in time for Christmas. After completing today’s assignment, the quilt top will be finished. Probably not mine, yet, but it will get there, eventually.

 Anja Quilts If you can’t see the forest for the trees, head over to Anja’s to create your own forest of Christmas trees. This table runner looks like it would grow mighty quick.

PickingandStitching Judy’s showcasing the easy quilt as you go method on her table runner. If you’re looking for a quick project that you need to get done TODAY, stop on over to take a look. While you’re there, take a look at the picture of the back of the pinwheel block to see those gorgeous spun seams. That’s truly a work of art behind the scenes.

A Dream and a Stitch  Jen made a real sweet treat to hang on the wall or door. This is one way to enjoy some Christmas candy and not worry about cavities or calories.

 Tuesday, July 25th

Confessions of a Fabric Addict Sarah has a list of all the bloggers that are doing a final wrap-up of this season, too. She’s provided a linky so you can showcase your Santa’s Trip Around the World if you were sewing along. You don’t have to be finished, just show what you’ve done.

 Christina’s Handicrafts Christina has been dabbling in small pieces, too. She’s got a couple of super cute projects to show. You might like to try making them, too.

Abyquilts Stars are an important part of Christmas and Aby has one to show and share. Star quilts will soon be twinkling all over blogland thanks to Aby and her free pattern.

Kathy’s Kwilts and More Kathy’s back with more to show and she’s even brought a guest. She’s helping her granddaughter sew a special gift for her doll. Kathy’s extending her love of sewing as well as her love of giving. That’s one lucky little girl.

 

Tu-Na Quilts: Ding Dong Merrily on High–Day Eleven of the 12 Days of Christmas in July Blog Hop

Ode to the 12 Days of Christmas in July Blog Hop

Choirs of sewing machines continue to hum all across the lands

While quilters and sewists are busily laying out their plans

For filling their lengthy Christmas lists from all of their labors

To wrap, bag, or stuff in red stockings and hand to the neighbors.

by: Tu-Na Quilts

12DCIJ2017

July 14-25, 2017 Hosted by Sarah at Confessions of a Fabric Addict. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas all over Blogland. Are you still wondering why or what? Check out this hop for Christmas inspiration for everyone on your gift list.

 

Join these bloggers on this Eve because tomorrow’s the last day of this year’s 12 Days of Christmas in July Blog Hop. But don’t worry, everyone’s posts will be available for a long time so you can come back and look at them again and again.

Monday, July 24th, 2017

Confessions of a Fabric Addict Sarah walks us through the next step of Santa’s Trip Around the World Quilt Along if you’re sewing along. If not, you can always start one and finish in time for Christmas. After completing today’s assignment, the quilt top will be finished. Probably not mine, yet, but it will get there, eventually.

 Anja Quilts If you can’t see the forest for the trees, head over to Anja’s to create your own forest of Christmas trees. This table runner looks like it would grow mighty quick.

PickingandStitching Judy’s showcasing the easy quilt as you go method on her table runner. If you’re looking for a quick project that you need to get done TODAY, stop on over to take a look. While you’re there, take a look at the picture of the back of the pinwheel block to see those gorgeous spun seams. That’s truly a work of art behind the scenes.

 A Dream and a Stitch Jen made a real sweet treat to hang on the wall or door. This is one way to enjoy some Christmas candy and not worry about cavities or calories.

Remember to leave comments on each of these 12 Days of Christmas in July blog hop posts so you can qualify to win some fabric giveaways of Tula Pink’s new holiday line, Holiday Homies, generously donated by Free Spirit Fabrics!!! You have through July 26th to leave comments on all of the 12 Days of Christmas in July blog hop posts.

Please note: Sarah has notified us that she needs to delay the announcement of winners until August 4th due to a family emergency. Winners will be notified by email then. I will be posting a list, too, as soon as I see it.

Here’s a sneak peek at the prizes thirteen people will be winning just by commenting on each of the 12 Days of Christmas in July participating blog hop posts.

Homies

Holiday Homies by Tula Pink from Free Spirit Fabrics.

 

I posted my 12 Days of Christmas in July blog hop post on Monday, July 14, 2017 where I showed how to make a mini quilted stocking and a ring wreath that kids can make. Click here if you are looking for it. It also contains links that will take you directly to each blogger’s 12 Days of Christmas in July blog hop post to make it more convenient for you to comment or find that project long after the hop is over. 

My first stocking stuffer reveal (Pincushion in a Pail) happened here, the second stocking stuffer reveal (Strawberry Pincushion) happened here, and the third stocking stuffer reveal (Pretty Pillow Pincushion) happened here. Here’s a picture recap of what I’ve created for this hop:

Jean, who blogs at All Points of the Compass,  was quite smitten with that Pretty Pillow Pincushion. She wrote a poem about it and shared it with me. She’s given me permission to share it with you. Who needs to read my pincushion tutorial when you could just read her poem!

The Pincushion

This is the tiniest wee item,

you’ll be sure to find it all fun.

Then before you can say “ Woohoo”,

it’s  finished, even quilting all done.

 

Now go and sort out your fabrics,

You won’t need them larger than SMALL.

Sort them out into order,

The shorter, the tinier, the  tall.

 

A pinwheel of only TWO inches,

that’s the first part, the true centre square;

The borders just go on like magic,

a tad more than 4 inches, you’re there.

 

Add some batting and then do the quilting,

such short rows, a real pretty sight.

Interface and then add the backing,

at this stage it’s all going right.

 

Sew round the edges, leave a gap, trim the corners,

turn it out and fill so it’s firm.

Add stuffing and sew up the opening,

to test it, just stick in a pin!!!

 

But remember, these are only the words,

Save some time, and make sure you’re thinking

Before pinning and cutting, and sewing it up,

It won’t quite be done in an inkling.

 

But the many minutes and hours that you spend

Will reward you so very well.

Then you’ll show it off often,

And have a story to tell.

 

So sit back and relax, look with great delight

A design made for us all, thank Karen so much,

She is a whizz at the needle, the words and the photos as well,

And we can all be so thankful for her magic touch.

 

With apologies to any poet who can do better.

This was a fabulous tutorial, I smiled, I enjoyed it SO much.

Hugs from a Sunday night down in New Zealand.

Jean. ( you deserve a huge hug, some XXX, and a glass or two of bubbly) !!!

 

 

Thanks, Jean. I was touched and honored that you took the time to write me a poem about my work! Your poem is perfect!

 

I’ve been having a lot of fun here at Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats revealing that stocking loot. There’s one day left on the hop but the stocking still holds quite a bit. So plan to stop by tomorrow to see what else I could possibly have stuffed in there. And then the big question is: What does Tu-Na plan to do with it all?

Coming soon on Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats:

Tu-Na Quilts: The Fourth and Final Stocking Stuffers Reveal—Does The Fun Have to End? (Do you see the s on the end of Stuffers? I bet you know what that means.)

What I Learned Today:

  1. Sharing my cold with my husband seems to have done the trick; I am feeling much better.
  2. I need a longer list of toddler activities. I got to babysit my 2 year grandson for about 4 hours today (my son, his wife and this little guy are living with us for a few weeks while they wait to get into their new home). By the time 30 minutes had gone by, we had done just about everything on my list of things to keep him busy.
  3. Treadmills make a good bowling alley for toddlers.
  4. Tu-Na makes a good bowling pin setter. My 2 year old grandson brought me to my knees. I was on my hands and knees at the front of the treadmill setting and resetting the bowling pins for him. He had fun until the knees complained—mine.

Question: Do you celebrate Christmas on Christmas Day, Christmas Eve, both, or do you celebrate all the way through New Year’s Day? Now that almost all of our children have married, we have to share them with their in-laws over the holidays. They’ve all worked out a schedule so everyone is on the same calendar. One year we all gather for Christmas around New Year’s Day and the next year we gather for Christmas around Christmas Day.

Thanks for stopping by and do come again.

Karen, Tu-Na Quilts

Tu-Na Quilts: Santa Claus is Coming–Day Nine of the 12 Days of Christmas in July Blog Hop

12DCIJ2017

July 14-25, 2017 Hosted by Sarah at Confessions of a Fabric Addict. Christmas inspiration provided by dozens of bloggers.

Mrs. Claus and all the elves may be hard at work at the North Pole but these bloggers have been busy in their sewing rooms. Come check out what projects the ones listed below have created to help you be inspired for some merry Christmas making of your own.

Saturday, July 22nd, 2017

Confessions of a Fabric Addict Sarah gives the next sewing assignment for Santa’s Trip Around the World Quilt Along which is a repeat of the past two days. She’s also found some great kid’s Christmas craft ideas which are fun for kids of any age including those of us who are young at heart.

Devoted Quilter Leanne’s been freely sewing with her machine and has stitched up some quilty tree ornaments. Bonus: you can practice your free-motion quilting at the same time.

Kathy’s Kwilts and More Kathy shows how easy making a pillow cover is. You might be able to stitch up several in an afternoon following her directions unless you decide to use one to lay down and take a nap.

All Points of the Compass Jean’s post is really a hoot! She’s sewing some parliament members that are looking really wide-eyed and fun. Who wouldn’t want to sew one on the front of a bag? Who wouldn’t want to stitch one for a banner or flag? Who wouldn’t want to receive a pillow cover with one on the front?

Remember to leave comments on each of the Christmas blog hop posts as listed above so you can qualify to win some fabric giveaways of Tula Pink’s new holiday line, Holiday Homies, generously donated by Free Spirit Fabrics!!! You have until July 26th to comment on each blog.

giveaway

Please note: Sarah needs to delay the announcement of winners until August 4th due to a family emergency. Winners will be notified by email then. I will be posting a list, too, when I receive the info.

I posted my 12 Days of Christmas in July post earlier this week. Click here if you are looking for it. I showed how to make these two projects pictured below: a mini quilted Christmas stocking and a kid’s mini wreath craft. You will also find a complete listing of all the participating blogs on the hop with updated links that will take you directly to their 12 Days of Christmas in July blog hop posts once they are published. This might be helpful if you have to go back and comment for the giveaway or look at directions again for all the projects you want to make.

I then revealed two of the surprises this stocking holds.

You can find the tutorial for the pail pincushion here and the strawberry pincushion here.

Coming soon on Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats:

  • Sunday, July 23rd, 2017Tu-Na Quilts: The Third Stocking Stuffer Reveal—How Much Can It Hold?
  • Tuesday, July 25th, 2017Tu-Na Quilts: The Fourth and Final Stocking Stuffers Reveal—Does The Fun Have to End?

 

What I Learned Today:

Question: Who fills your stockings? Santa or no Santa? What other giving traditions do you observe? Usually Santa and Mrs. Claus were up late finishing the gift wrapping and sneaking stuff under the tree and into the packages. My husband and I were very tired on Christmas morning. I miss those days. One year, our family hosted a Christmas party and hired a Santa to come. Before he arrived, the kids painted cookies which I posted about here. It was a lot of fun for our three year old. Now our kids and their spouses exchange names and make or buy something at a really good deal for that person. The kids have been very creative as their gifts have been quite impressive.

5a

 

Thanks for stopping by and do come again.

Karen, Tu-Na Quilts

Tu-Na Quilts: Tu-Na Quilts: The Second Stocking Stuffer Reveal—You Mean There’s More?

Yes, there is!

I’ve already revealed this cute little pincushion here on Monday’s post. I made this stocking as one of the projects on my 12 Days of Christmas in July blog post and filled it with lots of goodies that make good stocking stuffers for sewists and quilters. If you missed the stocking tutorial, you can find it here.

It’s time to see what else is hiding in this stocking.

tunaquilts 13a

I made the berry shape using this simple tutorial from A Quilter’s Mission found here. She just cuts a circle out of fabric and cuts the circle in half. I used a 5″ circle because I didn’t want a huge strawberry. This size makes a 1.5″ long berry, not counting the leaves. I think this shape makes a nicer, rounder berry.

However, I used the free pattern for the leaves found here at The Sewing Loft. You can download and print the free pattern by clicking on the download button located at the end of her blog post.

Since I’ve already given you two links to tutorials for these strawberries, I won’t go into much detail here. But I do want to include a few construction tips if you decide you want to make a batch of these juicy, yummy strawberry pincushions for yourself or those on your list.

  1. I used quilting cotton for the berry and felt for the leaves.
  2. I suggest making more than one pincushion since you’ll have gathered all the supplies anyway. This way you’ll have some to keep and some to give away. Besides, if you are using the circle like I did, you’ll have an extra half circle anyway so you might as well make two.

    tunaquilts 6a

    This berry patch is just getting started. I’ve sewn the only seam required by a sewing machine.

  3. Sew the running or gathering stitch with heavy duty thread, such as hand quilting or upholstery thread, on the RIGHT side of the fabric. This allows you to gather it nicely and tie it tightly when done.

    tunaquilts 4a

    I used two strands of hand quilting thread to run a gathering stitch about 1/4″ from the edge. I tied a secure knot at the beginning only. Leave an 8″ tail at the beginning. If you are careful you don’t even have to remove the needle during the pulling stage.

  4. Make yourself a Crushed Walnut Shell Dispensing Bottle. See this post for instructions on how I turned a mustard bottle into this handy tool.

    tunaquilts 7a

    This bottle really works well when filling tight spaces.

  5. Once you think you have enough crushed walnut shells in your strawberry, use your finger to push them into place. You can even shake or pound your strawberry on the table to help them settle and make room for more. Stuff it well.

    tunaquilts 8a

    You want your berry full and firm. But if you overfill it, you won’t be able to close it at the top.

  6. Then top with some poly fiber fil.

    tunaquilts 9a

    The fiber fil or stuffing helps give a nice shape to the top, helps you sew the opening shut, and helps keep the crushed walnut shells inside.

  7. Once your strawberry is full but not overly full, pull on the gathering threads to bring the opening together and tie a knot. Thread these thread ends through a needle (if you removed the needle already) and tightly sew the opening shut.

    tunaquilts 10a

    Do the best you can to close it up tight.

  8. Attach the three separate leaves, from The Sewing Loft pattern template, first. Then I fold and bunch the joined leaf shape and stitch it on top. I used two of these per berry.tunaquilts 5a
  9. I just happened to find this white plastic ring in my craft supplies. I parted some of the leaves in the center and sewed it on the top. Because every strawberry pincushion that I’ve ever seen has had a ring.tunaquilts 11a

And there you have a sweet little strawberry pincushion.

tunaquilts 12a

The 12 Days of Christmas in July Blog Hop continues:

Friday, July 21st, 2017

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas—Day Eight

Confessions of a Fabric Addict Sarah’s giving us the next set of instructions which includes more of the same of yesterdays. You should be seeing your quilt starting to take shape now. Unless you’re a tad behind, like me, but don’t fear, I bet we’ll be doing the same assignment for the next few days. She’s also sharing a couple of ideas on how to start your holiday morning right with a cute breakfast idea the kids, of any age will love as well as sharing some snacks and treats.

 Katie Mae Quilts If you think your quilt borders are getting rather boring, you might like to check out Kate’s technique for a jazzy new idea and great instructions on how you can make it too.

Quilted Blooms Hands down! Paige has designed one clever pillow cover that will get the whole family involved. If you agree that Christmas is a great time for creating new memories or traditions, this idea won’t disappoint.

QuiltFabrication Susan’s designed a fantastic coaster idea; they can’t get any prettier or more festive than that. Using her easy tutorial, which includes lots of pictures, you’ll be making lots of these to tuck in Christmas stockings this year. The people on your Christmas list will be thanking you for sure.

Remember to leave comments on each of their 12 Days of Christmas in July blog hop posts so you can qualify to win some fabric giveaways of Tula Pink’s new holiday line, Holiday Homies, generously donated by Free Spirit Fabrics!!! You have through July 26th to leave comments.

giveaway

Coming soon on Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats:

  • Sunday, July 23rd, 2017Tu-Na Quilts: The Third Stocking Stuffer Reveal—How Much Can It Hold?
  • Tuesday, July 25th, 2017Tu-Na Quilts: The Fourth and Final Stocking Stuffers Reveal—Does The Fun Have to End?

What I Learned Today:

  1. I’m hungry for some strawberries!
  2. I can clean a bathroom in 10 minutes. Company’s coming. They are willing to take the risk.
  3. The apricot tree has apricots that are needing picking.
  4. I must be a very giving person. My husband now has a cold.

Question: How fancy do you wrap? Do you wrap your gifts with Christmas paper or put them in bags? I stocked up on Christmas gift wrap years ago and am still using up that supply. It was quite a good after Christmas sale so it will be a few more years until it’s all gone. Some years, if I can’t find the gift tag, I just write the name on the package or a piece of the gift wrap. No fussing happening around here.

Linking to:

 

Tu-Na Quilts: Go Tell It On the Mountain–Day Three of 12 Days of Christmas in July Blog Hop

12DCIJ2017

This year’s hop started July 14, 2017 and will continue through July 25, 2017. Participating bloggers are posting gift and Christmas ideas.

Santa’s little helpers for today can be found at:

 Sunday, July 16th, 2017

Confessions of a Fabric Addict Sarah gives us our sewing assignment for Santa’s Trip Around the World quilt and also shows some great decorating and gift ideas that you could make for someone on your list. Are you sewing along? I’ll show my pics soon.

cfa

  Swimming in a Sea of Estrogen Amy won’t be burning her fingers this year when she pulls hot bowls out of the microwave. If you’ve been wanting to make yourself or someone on your Christmas list some microwave bowl cozies or if you have no idea what these are, you’ll want to hop right on over to her blog to see how really easy and fast these are to stitch.

Everyone Deserves a Quilt  Do you set up a Christmas tree? Joanne’s got you covered if you do. Well, your tree that is. She has a tutorial for a tree skirt that looks mighty festive. You might want to check it out.

Cheryl’s Teapots2Quilting  If you haven’t found anything to make for those on your list yet, don’t worry, Cheryl’s posting lots of ideas with more to follow. She’s also giving away three mini kits so  you might like to leave a comment on her blog if you want to win one and really get a jump on  your holiday making.

Remember to leave comments on each of their posts so you can qualify to win some fabric giveaways of Tula Pink’s new holiday line, Holiday Homies, generously donated by Free Spirit Fabrics!!! You have until July 26th to comment on each blog.

giveaway

See my post here for a complete listing of all participating blogs on the hop.

What I Learned Today:

  1. There’s no place like home. Even my junk doesn’t want to leave. (I’m cleaning out my storage room and garage.)
  2. It’s hard to let go of things I’ve had for many years.
  3. I’m very sentimental.

Question: What do you make/bake for Christmas goodies? I used to make lots of different kinds of cookies and candy which is one of the reasons I am once again on a mission to lose weight. Now, I’m lucky if I get our Traditional Painted Cookies, Reindeer Cookies, and maybe some gingerbread men made for the grandkids.

Thanks for stopping by and do come again.

Karen, Tu-Na Quilts