Happy Mother's Day - Quilting With Eleanor, free patterns

In honor of Mothers Day today, I wanted to recognize a woman whom some might think of as the Mother of Quilting.  Eleanor Burns certainly has taught many to quilt and is loved by many quilters from all around the world.

Did you know Eleanor is coming out with a new line of fabric, from Benartex?  It is called Zoey Christine.  This line of fabric is actually named after one of Eleanor's granddaughters.  So special, but as all mothers and grandmothers try to be fair, I think this means Eleanor is going to need to come out with more lines of fabric to ensure all her grandkids are recognized.  Or maybe I'm thinking that as she always comes out with such sweet fabric.

Pre-orders for Zoey Christine can now be accepted at Quilt in a Day.

Eleanor and the Quilt in a Day team created a fun YouTube video, where she also shares some insights in honor of Mother's Day.  Plus, she shows how to create a spectacular quilt using an AccuQuilt.  She makes a Jewel Box quilt that can be created with a 6" or 9" design.  I also enjoy all of the tips she shares for precision piecing and connecting blocks with perfect seams that press perfectly flat.

This video runs for 59 minutes, but you can start/stop/repeat anytime you want.  You'll see Eleanor make three quilt designs, as well as see these designs made in a variety of fabrics and colors.  Plus, there are free patterns for these designs!

If you have problems viewing this embedded video, or are on a MAC, you can watch it directly in Youtube by clicking this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdXqrMYQsuE&list=TL9PoAsZViBGQjYLoFR6zoxXthinWxFOeV

You can download free PDF patterns from Quilt In A Day for the three patterns covered in this video:

Jewel Box
Spools
School Girl Puzzle

Happy Mother's Day!

You can find Eleanor and Quilt In A Day at:

http://www.quiltinaday.com/
http://www.eleanorburns.com/
http://www.stripquilter.com/
http://www.quiltinaday.tv/

https://www.facebook.com/quiltinaday
https://twitter.com/QuiltInADay

You can find AccuQuilt at:

www.accuquilt.com

Quilt in a Day is also giving free  shipping on orders placed this weekend, as a way to celebrate Mother's Day.  They have a great online store with great prices too!  To clarify, the free shipping has no minimum order but is good for the 48 contiguous states in the US.  Non-contiguous states and International orders will receive 50% off shipping costs.  

My Favorite Tutorials - Cute Wallhanging with AccuQuilt Dies @ Bejeweled Quilts

When I first saw this cute quilt and tutorial I instantly new this had to be added to my list of Favorite Tutorials. I'm happy to be able to add this to my list today.  This beautiful design was created by the very talented Barb Gaddy (Bejeweled Quilts) and she has a wonderful tutorial on her blog to help you make it too.  She figured out a way to use AccuQuilt dies to create a shape that wasn't necessarily the primary design of the respective dies, thus finding a way to add more value to those with AccuQuilt GO! and/or dies.




I hope you'll pop on over and visit Barb's delightful blog and check out her great tutorial too!


You may also want to check out the new page that I created to provide a visual index to My Favorite Tutorials.

Fun Friday Giveaway: Cherry Blossoms Quilting Studio

Welcome to another Fun Friday Giveaway, sponsored by Cherry Blossoms Quilting Studio.

Cherry is a wonderful "Southern Woman" who is also a very talented quilter, longarmer, and quilt designer.

She has a wonderful blog where she shares many tips, fun insights.  As a follower of her blog, I knew when I saw her beautiful Christmas Tree Quilt (Feathered Christmas ) that she shared in the 2011 Christmas Quilt Show, that this wonderful quilt needed to become a published design.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/CherryBlossomsShop

Source: etsy.com via Cherry on Pinterest

Needless to say, I was absolute delighted when I learned Cherry published this "Feathered Christmas" pattern. The finished wallhanging measures 24"x28" and uses a raw edge applique with pieced borders.  It looks great in red/white, blue/white and I'm confident it would look spectacular in batiks, as well as a variety of colors and prints.



Cherry also designed a spectacular Christmas Wreath Design (Feather Fancy)

Source: etsy.com via Cherry on Pinterest

The finished wallhanging measures 28"x28" and uses a raw edge applique with pieced borders.

Both Feathered Christmas and Feather Fancy patterns are easy to follow with excellent visuals.  They also come with a full size layout template that helps with placement of the raw-edge applique' pieces.  While you can manually cut these applique shapes, these designs are AccuQuilt GO! compatible using the following dies:  55028, 55087, 55088, 55024, 55017, and 55053.  To clarify, these patterns include everything you need to create this design without the use of an AccuQuilt, or all of these dies, but using the GO! and all of dies certainly helps to make this a very fast and fun project!

I was delighted how easy and fun the Feathered Christmas design came together. I'm certainly looking forward to quilting it, and also making Feather Fancy too.

Don't you think these are perfect designs to help decorate your home for the holidays, as well as make for gifts?



These patterns can be purchased  from Cherry Blossoms Shop.  They are such a new design they are not yet available in many quilt stores, or online shops.  But, you can let your quilt shops know that you'd like them to carry these designs.  Wholesale orders can be placed through Brewer Sewing.

You can find Cherry at:

http://www.cherryblossomsquiltingstudio.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CherryBlossomsShop
http://pinterest.com/materialchic/

Did I Mention A Giveaway?
Cherry is generously giving away a copy of her Feathered Christmas and her Feather Fancy pattern to two differ winners.  To clarify, winners will receive either a copy of Feathered Christmas or Feather Fancy.
This giveaway is also limited to those living in US or Canada.



To enter to win, followers simply need to leave a comment on this post.  Two winners will be randomly selected and announced next Friday.

Want an extra entry? Be a public follower of Cherry's delightful blog (Cherry Blossoms Quilting Studio) and leave an extra comment below to claim this extra entry.




I'm also happy to announce the winner from the giveaway last week, for a pattern from Cozy Quilt Designs. Congratulations to LisaMarie!


 

Barn Quilts - Vote for your Favorite entries in the Annual AccuQuilt Barn Quilt Challenge

The 3rd Annual Barn Quilt Design Contest is currently open for voting for your favorite entries.  All of the entries are beautiful and I hope you'll take time to cast your vote for your favorites.

The winners will be honored to have their design painted on a barn (aka AccuQuilt's new offices in Omaha, Nebraska).  They'll also get some other wonderful prizes donated by AccuQuilt.

Barn Quilts have become popular on old barns, and modern barns too!

But, to me, it is very exciting to see a quilting business with a barn quilt painted on it.  I'm familiar with AccuQuilt's offices having beautiful barn quilt designs displayed. Quilt in a Day/San Marcos, CA also paints barn quilts on their building.  If you know of any other quilting business that has barn quilts displayed, please let me know.  I'm trying to compile a list.

Again, I hope you'll take time to view all of the beautiful entries to AccuQuilts Barn Quilt Design Contest and vote for your favorite. 

And, if you are wondering, SewCalGal is entry #13.  But, I truly hope you vote for your favorite entries!


#13

Voting ends April 18th and your vote matters.  Please take time to vote for your favorites!

http://www.accuquilt.com/barnquilt/entry.html

AccuQuilt Barn Quilt Design Contest & 22 free quilt patterns

I have two insights on fun opportunities, sponsored by AccuQuilt that I think you may want to participate in:

First, AccuQuilt is hosting their 3rd Annual Barn Quilt Design Contest.  This is an excellent opportunity for those using EQ6/EQ7 and, of course, you could also hand draw your designn too.  I just find it a heck of a lot easier for me to use EQ software when designing and much more fun!

AccuQuilt will select one lucky Grand Prize winner to receive a prize package worth $3,450 which includes a $1,000 AccuQuilt Shopping Spree along with a trip for two to Omaha, NE to visit AccuQuilt’s new headquarters for the public unveiling of the winning barn quilt design. The Runner Up winner will receive a prize package worth $550, which includes a $250 AccuQuilt Shopping Spree. The winning designs will be proudly displayed on AccuQuilt’s new home office.

Key Dates to Remember:

•  Contest Entry Dates: March 16th – April 9th
• Winner Announcement: AQS Quilt Show & Contest in Paducah, KY (April 25-28) by quilting celebrity, Ricky Tims
•  Unveiling Date: June 22nd, with a special presentation by quilting icon and TV personality, Alex Anderson

How to Enter:

No purchase necessary to enter, entries submitted via the “Submit Your Entry” button on the AccuQuilt Barn Quilt page (lick this logo to go to that page).

Prizes:

One Grand Prize winner will receive a prize package consisting of:

• One (1) $1,000 AccuQuilt Shopping Spree ($1,000 value)
• Round trip airfare for themselves and a friend from winner’s home and transportation to Omaha, NE, for an unveiling ceremony for their design on the AccuQuilt offices
• Two (2) tickets to the 2nd Annual Let’s GO! Quilt Retreat in Fremont on June 20-21, 2012 for themselves and a friend
• Three (3) night hotel stay (one room for three nights)

One runner up prize winner will receive a prize package consisting of:

• One (1) $250 AccuQuilt Gift Certificate
• One (1) ticket to the 2nd Annual Let’s GO! Quilt Retreat in Fremont on June 20-21, 2012

The top one hundred (Top 100) quilt block designs will be selected by a panel of AccuQuilt’s management from among all eligible entries received. Each of the 100 winners will receive $25 in AccuQuilt Rewards Points.

For more information, as well as to see the photo gallery of the 2011 entries, click on this image:

AccuQuilt is also giving away 22 free quilt patterns for those that sign up for their newsletter. Simply click on the image below to sign up.

Updated Copyright Policy by AccuQuilt

For those that have an AccuQuilt, or are considering purchasing an AccuQuilt, I do recommend that you take time to read their Updated Copyright Policy.  Up until recently, AccuQuilt has not had a policy on copyright or licensed dies that was visible on their website or packaging.

When a quilter purchases a new cutting tool, such as a specialized quilting ruler, there is always the possibility that a new and unique design may spring from that tool, and the consumer may want to market THAT design. For many, questions have been raised as to what one can/can not do when you purchase an AccuQuilt product, with respect to commercial use.  As such, this post focuses on sharing insights on some of my investigation into this topic:

Many consumers of AccuQuilt products are able to design and/or digitize machine embroidery projects for their own use, but many prefer to purchase quilt patterns.  And, many that enjoy machine embroidery (ME)  want to be able to purchase a variety of ME designs that are all compatible with AccuQuilt shapes, including licensed shapes.

AccuQuilt has had  a policy to support quilt designers of their non-licensed dies, to encourage them to create quilt designs that are compatible with AccuQuilt products.  While the process was not always known, it has existed.  But, there were question as to what could or could not be done with licensed dies and many have felt that the licensed dies severely limited the possibilities of what somone could create with them.  Fortunately, AccuQuilt has addressed this subject and has officially updated their Copyright Policy and made it visible on their website, with plans to add it to packaging in the future.

AccuQuilt provided the following summary:

The policy states, "You may also reproduce the AccuQuilt proprietary or licensed die shapes (whether in original form or with your own modifications), as patterns or in digital format for embroidery projects, for any private, non-commercial purpose. However, before reproducing the licensed die shapes or the AccuQuilt proprietary die shapes (whether in original form or with your own modifications), for any other purpose, you must contact AccuQuilt to seek permission. Royalties to licensees may be required. AccuQuilt and its licensors reserve the right to refuse to consent to such reproduction in our sole discretion.

Seeking Permission to Use AccuQuilt Shapes for Commercial PurposesIf you are interested in using AccuQuilt proprietary or licensed die shapes for commercial purposes (e.g., to recreate the designs in patterns and books, digitize the shapes to resell for embroidery, etc.), please contact AccuQuilt Customer Service at info@accuquilt.com or 888.258.7913 for more information about our Copyright and Logo Guidelines for commercial purposes.


To reiterate, contrary to prior messaging, there is no need to contact licensed designers for additional permission to reproduce AccuQuilt shape designs for private or commercial purposes. There is only need to contact AccuQuilt directly by interested parties for commercial purposes so we can ensure the end product is properly branded as AccuQuilt."


After clarifying with AccuQuilt, their policy means that Quilt Designers and Machine Embroidery Digitizers can essentially register with AccuQuilt, whereby they are given information and instructions to use  'AccuQuilt-friendly' logos and copyright statements on their respective packaging.

And, while their are more quilt designer and embroidery digitizers that have created designs for AccuQuilt products, commercially available than I can list, I believe  that there are more consumers that want more AccuQuilt compatible quilt designs and machine embroidery designs. AccuQuilt's updated Copyright Policy opens up the door for creative minds to create and sell their designs, using the AccuQuilt GO! friendly logo and following AccuQuilt packaging guidelines. This is a win-win situation, providing more creative project ideas for those that buy AccuQuilt products, more reasons for consumers to buy AccuQuilt products, and more opportunities for those of you with creative talents to create designs for commercial purposes.

Just remember to contact AccuQuilt, by sending them an email (info@accuquilt.com) if you want to pursue a commercial effort for your quilt or machine embroidery designs for regular and/or licensed dies.

As a consumer, I'm certainly looking forward to seeing more quilt designs and machine embroidery designs, available for purchase, that are AccuQuilt compatible. And, I'm happy that AccuQuilt has worked to document their Copyright Policy and Process for Designers to use thei GO! friendly logo and packaging guidelines.

Ok Designers, get GO!ing.

Some examples of those that have pursued commercial designs, using AccuQuilt products, with AccuQuilts' approval are:

Linda (Machine Embroidery Design Cuts) is a machine embroidery digitizer that offers many designs for AccuQuilt dies, including the GO! Rose of Sharon and other licensed designs.  While AccuQuilt is working with Linda to get their GO! Friendly logo and copyright statements on Linda's packaging, they have approved her commercial use of AccuQuilt shapes in her machine embroidery designs.


Marjorie (Marjorie's Quilting Bee) is a machine embroidery digitizer that offers many designs for AccuQuilt dies  Marjorie is also working with AccuQuilt to incorporate their GO! Friendly logo and copyright statements on her packaging.

Ebony (Quilt Possible) has designed quilt patterns,  that are compatible with with the GO! and/or STUDIO, that are available for purchase at her online store, the AccuQuilt website and through PatternSpot.com.  Ebony is also the publisher and Editor of a popular e:zine called "Blocks to Die For". 

Many quilt designers have also created patterns, that use AccuQuilt dies, that are available for purchase via AccuQuilts' online store.

Terrie Sandelin (Bits and Pieces) has also designed many projects, compatible with AccuQuilt products, including this cute Kindle Touch Sleeve that is available for purchase on PatternSpot.com

Mock Needle Turn Applique' with AccuQuilt pre-cuts & Giveaway

Today I want to share some tips for a Mock Needle Turn Applique' technique that is very easy to use and also works well with many AccuQuilt shapes, especially the GO! Heart.

The raw edge applique technique is a common technique for many that use AccuQuilt, but a needle turn effect gives a more finished effect to your projects.  If you don't have the time or interest in needle turn applique', this mock applique technique is so easy and can work for many applique' shapes.

To create this effect you cut your fabrics as you would normally cut, using your AccuQuilt.  But, you also cut a layer of lightweight interfacing that has an adhesive on one side.  There are many brands of this type of interfacing on the market, but I personally enjoy using Pellon interfacing that is also easy to find at JoAnns and very reasonably priced. 

I place the adhesive side of the stablizer to the right side of the fabric for my pre-cut hearts and sew a 1/4" seam completely around these two layers.    I then take a sharp pair of small scissors and poke a small hole thru the cneter of the interfacing and cut a line to create an opening, approximately 1 to 1-1/2" long.  Also, be sure to clip the curves.

Using my finger I poke the fabric thru the hole in the interfacing to turn the heart.  Once turned, I use my finger to stick inside of the pocket and rub against the inside of the seam to ensure the heart pocket is fully opened.  Then, finger press the heart shape flat.  You now have a mock heart with the tacky side of the interfacing on the outside, ready to press this applique' shape to your project.

For this project, I created a very simple table runner.  It was fun & fast to make and consists of a design that I'm wanting to use to practice some free-motion quilting on too!

While I still need to sandwich and quilt this table runner, I hope these photos give you the general idea of how to do a mock needle turn applique and if you haven't yet used this technique', that you'll give it a try.  It works great for the AccuQuilt circles, round flower, Christmas Tree, Heart and many other shapes too.  But some AccuQuilt applique' shapes are not appropriate for a traditional needle turn, nor mock needle turn as they may loose their design shape in the process, or they are so small they may not support the 1/4" seam on a machine.  This technique also works with applique' shapes not cut with an AccuQuilt.  Play with it and see if you like this technique.  Again, it is easy, fast and fun.

Interested in winning some pre-cut hearts and interfacing to try this Mock Needle Turn Applique' technique?  I've cut 20 hearts and interfacing with fusible on one side and will gladly give these to a follower that is interested in winning them.  Simply leave a comment on this post and I'll randomly draw a name Fri., Feb 24th

Want an extra entry?  Visit all of the blogs in the GO! Ahead and Show Some Love Blog Hop and leave a comment on their blog post, for this hop and come back on this post  (no earlier than the 18th) letting me know you visited all of the blogs participating in this hop.  Of course, each of these participating blogs will be sharing inspirational projects, tips, tutorials and they'll be some fun giveaways too. 

Here is the line up for this blog hop:

February 13th

• Marjorie (Marjorie Busby, quilter)
• Ariane (Ariane's Crafts)

February 14th

• Connie (Quilting by the River)
• Linda (Living 4 Quilting)

February 15th

• Lisa Marie (Scraps of Life)
• Marilyn (North Hills Quilters)

February 16th

• Alicia (Heirloom Quilting)
• Marjorie (Marjorie's Busy Corner)

February 17th

• Sharon (Crazee Corners)
• Jacque (Lilypad Quilting)

February 18th

• Stacey (Driving Miss Stacey)
• Tracey (The Peony Teacup)
• Paulette (Sweet P Quilting and Creations)

AccuQuilt is also giving away 22 free quilt patterns for those that sign up for their newsletter. Simply click on the image below to sign up.

GO! Ahead and Show Some Love Blog Hop

Paulette  (Sweet P Quilting) has coordinated a fun blog hop that everyone is invited to.  There will be inspirational projects, tips, tutorials and a few giveaways too! 

While I've been unusually busy, I wanted to provide some treats for everyone.  I was inspired by an idea on Pinterest, and was easily able to create a version of it using the AccuQuilt and GO! Heart die.  You simply cut wax paper hearts and stitch them, leaving a partial opening.  Using a spoon, I filled them with M&Ms and then finished stitching them to seal the package. 

Later this week I'll share some tips on how to do a mock needle turn applique technique' that is also perfect for AccuQuilt designs.

I hope you will have fun visiting all the blogs in this blog hop. They'll be tutorials, tips, inspiration and a few giveaways too.    Here is the line up.

February 13th

• Marjorie (Marjorie Busby, quilter)
• Ariane (Ariane's Crafts) 

February 14th

• Connie (Quilting by the River)
• Linda (Living 4 Quilting)

February 15th

• Lisa Marie (Scraps of Life)
• Marilyn (North Hills Quilters)

February 16th

• Alicia (Heirloom Quilting)
• Marjorie (Marjorie's Busy Corner)

February 17th

• Sharon (Crazee Corners)
• Jacque (Lilypad Quilting)

February 18th

• Stacey (Driving Miss Stacey)
• Tracey (The Peony Teacup)
• Paulette (Sweet P Quilting and Creations)

All of the quilters in this blog hop are Quilters that enjoy using Modern Quilting Tools and definitely enjoy using AccuQuilt products. The quilters in this group share a number of tutorials, tips and inspirational articles on their blogs. You can search their blogs for "AccuQuilt", or the names of other modern quilting tools. They also have a badge on their blog to identify the Modern Quilting tools that they use.

AccuQuilt is also giving away 22 free quilt patterns for those that sign up for their newsletter. Simply click on the image below to sign up.

GO! Ahead and Show Some Love Blog Hop - Coming Soon

Thanks to Paulette (Sweet P Quilting) for coordinating an upcoming blog hop for those that enjoy creating with their AccuQuilt, as well as those interested in learning more about quilting using die cutting tools.  I also want to thank Jacque (Lilypad Quilting) for helping to create the very cute artwork for this blog hop.

We hope you will save the date and come visit all the blogs in this blog hop.  They'll be tutorials, tips, inspiration and a few giveaways too. 

February 13th

• Marjorie (Marjorie Busby, quilter)
• Ariane (Ariane's Crafts)  

February 14th

• Connie (Quilting by the River)
• Linda  (Living 4 Quilting)

February 15th

• Lisa Marie  (Scraps of Life)
• Marilyn  (North Hills Quilters)

February 16th

• Alicia (Heirloom Quilting)
•  Marjorie (Marjorie's Busy Corner)

February 17th

• Sharon (Crazee Corners) 
• Jacque (Lilypad Quilting)

February 18th

• Stacey (Driving Miss Stacey)
• Tracey (The Peony Teacup)
•  Paulette (Sweet P Quilting and Creations)

All of the quilters in this blog hop are Quilters that enjoy using Modern Quilting Tools and definitely enjoy using AccuQuilt products.  The quilters in this group share a number of tutorials, tips and inspirational articles on their blogs.  You can search their blogs for "AccuQuilt", or the names of other modern quilting tools.  They also have a badge on their blog to identify the Modern Quilting tools that they use.

Don't forget to come join the fun in our upcoming GO! Ahead and Show Some Love Blog Hop! I think you'll have fun and find some ideas to create some really sweet projects too.

Source: the-wilson-world.blogspot.com via Gini on Pinterest

<a href=" http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com/2012/01/go-ahead-and-show-some-love-blog-hop.html " target="_blank"><img src=" http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6743301603_119420c68a_m.jpg "/></a>

Merry Christmas and AccuQuilt plays Santa

The words "Be Merry" have special meaning in my life.  My mother always told us to be merry and to count our blessings.  As a child, those words were difficult to understand, especially when you wanted Santa to drop off a new toy, that was probably not in alignment with Santa's budget.  As I grew older, I began to understand why my mother valued those words, and why she emphasized their meaning to my sisters and me.    It is these words that I now find helpful to center my balance in  a world that can be easy to get caught up in thinking about what might be wrong, what may not be fair, and what I might want and can not have.  So, today, I wish for you to simply Be Merry.



Recently I hosted  the AccuQuilt Christmas theme blog hop.  While the hop is over, if you didn't get a chance to visit all of the blogs that participated in this hop, I encourage you to do so.  They shared some great tutorials and tips with fun projects for Christmas, and many are adaptable to projects throughout the year.  The participating blogs were:  Leona's Quilting Adventure, Cherry (Cherry Bossoms), Terrie (Bits & Pieces), Nancy (Tattered Garden), Katrina (Sunshower Quilts), Jacque (Lily Pad Quilting), Paulette (Sweet P Quilting and Creations) and, of course, SewCalGal.

AccuQuilt was the sponsor of this fun blog hop and they generously donated a GO! Baby.  As we had a Christmas theme for this blog hop, it just seemed appropriate for AccuQuilt to play Santa and the winner be announced today.

Santa (AccuQuilt) will be delivering a cute little GO! Baby to Hilachas very soon. 

Remember, Be Merry.  And, if you have an opportunity, pass on some Merry to others too!

Merry Christmas!

Day 5 of the AccuQuilt Christmas Theme Blog Hop & Giveaway(Final Day)

Sadly, this is the final day of our AccuQuilt Christmas theme blog hop.  We hope that we've inspired you with some fun projects.  My apologies for my post being released late today, but seems my original post disappeared.  As this also happened to Leona this week, I suspect those blogger mice may have had one too many eggnog at one of their computer Christmas parties this week!.

The blogs participating in this blog hop, are quilters that use Modern Quilting Tools and love their AccuQuilt products!  In addition to great insights, many will also be offering giveaways that they'll announce on their respective day of the hop.  Plus, our sponsor has a special giveaway opportunity for you too!


First, I'd like to recognize and thank those that have participated in this blog hop:

Leona (Leona's Quilting Adventure), Cherry (Cherry Bossoms), Terrie (Bits & Pieces), Nancy (Tattered Garden), Katrina (Sunshower Quilts), Jacque (Lily Pad Quilting), and Paulette (Sweet P Quilting and Creations).

I also want to recognize and thank AccuQuilt for being a sponsor for this blog hop and donating a special prize.

Time for me to share my project with you.  I wanted to make something crafty vs quilty and I loved the idea of a yo-yo Christmas tree with cute red buttons.  This project is very easy  to make, especially with the help of an AccuQuilt and a circle die!  When the lighting in my home is better, later today, I'll update this post with better photos.  So, for those of  you seeing not very inspiring photos of this tree, I hope you'll check back (or that you are good and imaging a beautiful table with this tree as a Christmas centerpiece).

To make this Christmas Tree, I started with the following supplies:

- green foam cone that you can easily find at Michaels, JoAnns, or another craft store

- small clay pot that fits underneath the tree (green foam)

- assorted collection of green fabrics (I used various Hoffman Christmas prints)

- red buttons

- fabric glue

- AccuQuilt and a circle die

After quickly cutting my circles, using the medium size circle on the GO! Circle die, I then made my yo-yo's.  You simply using a running stitch to turn down the outer 1/8" - 1/4" inch of the fabric.  The smaller the amount of fabric you can turn down the smaller the hole will be in your yo-yo, allowing you to use smaller buttons.

After stitching completely around the circle, pull the thread thru to draw it tight.  At first it looks like a little night cap, but you can lightly finger press it flat to form the yo-yo.

Add one red button to cover the center hole of the yo-yo and tie off your thread on the backside.

From the scraps of fabric left from cutting the circles, I glued these pieces to the green foam.  This step helps to cover the green foam, so that when you place your yo-yos on the foam tree, you see fabric in between the yo-yos vs  green foam.

Now you are ready to glue the yo-yos to the covered tree.

Next, I  placed the tree on top of the clay pot, but you could glue your tree to the clay pot if you wished.

Again, this is a very easy craft project.  I'd actually like to make a collection of these Christmas Trees, of various sizes. 

But this particular Christmas Tree is going to be a gift in a gift exchange at a quilty party on Monday.  Shhhh!  Please don't tell anyone this is what is in my bag!  LOL! 



Did I mention a giveaway?  Today, I have a simple giveaway that will help someone make one of these cute Christmas Trees.  The winner will get a bundle of circles, enough to make this tree (or another project).  To enter, simply be a follower and leave a comment to let me know you would like to win this bundle of Hoffman Fabrics pre-cut with an AccuQuilt.  I will randomly draw a winner and announce next Friday.  Just one comment entry, per person, please.

Don't forget to GO! enter to win the prize generously donated by our sponsor.  Yes, AccuQuilt is playing Santa and some lucky winner will be notifed on Christmas morning that they've won a GO! Baby.

Also, today is not just my day in this blog hop, but also the day for Paulette (Sweet P Quilting and Creations) so please be sure to pop on over and see her tutorial and insights today too.  And, if you haven't yet visited all of the other blogs in this hop, I hope you'll take time to visit them.  They have shared some excellent tutorials with inspirational projects, as well as many fun giveaways: Leona (Leona's Quilting Adventure), Cherry (Cherry Bossoms), Terrie (Bits & Pieces), Nancy (Tattered Garden), Katrina (Sunshower Quilts), and Jacque (Lily Pad Quilting).


Lastly, I want to announce the winner of last Friday's giveaway sponsored by the Electric Quilt Company, for a copy of EQ7.  The winner is:  VickiT

.

update:  Winner of the giveaway, for the Hoffman Christmas fabrics cut with the AccuQuilt circle die, to make a yo-yo Christmas tree is: #14 Josie McRazie (insanity defense)

note: I will not be responding to comments for entries in this giveaway, due to volume of emails I'm currently receiving.

AccuQuilt is also giving away 22 free quilt patterns for those that sign up for their newsletter. Simply click on the image below to sign up.