CCC Blog Hop: Day 1

Welcome to the Cross Country Christmas, Quilt Designer blog hop. For those of you that are new here, I should start by telling you a little bit about myself and what I have been up to lately as a designer. My name is Gudrun and I am born and raised in Iceland. The designers in the hop have come up with themes for every day of the hop so that we can tell you stories from the holidays, so you will be hearing a lot of stories from Iceland. Hey, not a bad way to learn a little about another country and it's traditions. I moved to Minnesota 6 years ago with my husband Torir and 3 kids; son Atli (now 16), son Gisli (9) and daughter Svana (8).

My pattern company GE Designs was started in Iceland with my pattern designs in Icelandic only and since being in the States I have written books and patterns in english. I also design fabrics for red rooster fabrics and we just introduced my line number 8, which is called Olivia. It won't be in stores until March 2010, but if you click on the photo, you can see a little preview of the line.  This is the first time that my fabric line includes a panel print so I published a pattern specifically to use panels to go with it called Quilts For Olivia. It has 4 projects, a bed quilt, lap quilt, wall quilt and a table runner.

I have been collecting strips for years (way before the "Jelly Roll" was born) and have an extensive line of strip patterns available. This fall I introduced a new book at quilt market, called Strip On. In the book are 10 quilts that are all made with 1-1/2" and 2-1/2" strips. This book was so much fun to work on because the quilts are all so different. It is one of my favorite challenges as a designer to figure out different ways of using strips, it's just so great to go straight to the sewing machine without having to do a lot of cutting first.

I am also known for my "Quilt As You Go" patterns. Since the free patterns in the blog hop should be projects that you could get done quickly in time for the holidays for gifts or yourself; I decided to give you a "Quilt As You Go" project. It can be done in an afternoon, easily....I promise!! If you have never tried one of my "Quilt As you go" patterns before, don't worry, you will be able to follow the tutorial easily with all the photos. If you get hooked on the method and need to make fast gifts for christmas, I recommend you check out my Fast & Furious book that came out earlier this year because it has 17 QAYG projects.  

PRIZES!!

I decided to use my Glow fabric line for this little Christmas wallhanging because I love how my Holiday Charm quilt turned out in Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting (It made the cover!!). Now I have a wall quilt to match! Be sure to tell me what you think of Sweet Trimmings in the comments to be able to win a kit to make your own!!  And if you visit all the other designers in the hop and post your comment, you will be eligible for the grand prize drawing. You don't have to comment on the exact day that their project is posted, just make sure you comment at least once on every blog in the 12 days that the Blog hop runs.  We would really like to hear from you every day, and you should visit all blogs each day because we are all sharing some good stories and who knows what else. You don't want to miss out on any extra prizes do you?

Here is Sweet Trimmings, I hope you enjoy!!

Fabric Requirements

Background fabric: 1/3 yard

Green fabrics: 4 different Fat Eights

Tree Trunk & Narrow Border: Fat Quarter

Prairie Points: Fat Quarter

Wide Border & Binding: 1/2 yard

Backing: 2/3 yard

Batting: At least a 22" x 30" rectangle

Cutting:

Background: Cut One 5-1/2" strip and Two 1-1/2" strips. From the 5-1/2" strip cut Two 5-1/2" squares, Two 4-1/2 x 4" rectangles and Six 3-1/2" squares.

Green fabrics: Cut One 5-1/2" x 10-1/2" rectangle from one of the fabrics and One 3-1/2" x 10-1/2" rectangle from each of the 3 remaining fabrics.

Tree Trunk and Narrow Border: Cut Four 1-1/4" strips (from the longer side of the fat quarter) and One 3-1/2" x 4-1/2" rectangle.

Prairie Points: Cut Ten 4" squares. 

Wide Border and Binding: Cut Two 3" strips and Three 2-1/2" strips.

Baste your backing and batting together using fusible batting or with a basting spray.

 Draw a horizontal line parallel to the shorter side of the batting, 6" from the edge of the batting with a pencil or erasable pen. Then draw a vertical line from the first line, exactly in the center of the batting and two short lines 1-3/4" from the center line on each side as shown.

Place the tree trunk rectangle exactly between the short lines as shown and aligned with the horizontal line, right side up and pin down. Lay a 4-1/2" x 4" background rectangle on top of the trunk piece, right sides together aligning raw edges.

 
 
Using a walking foot on your machine and bobbin thread that matches your backing, stitch through all layers with a 1/4" seam. When starting and ending each seam, sew a few stitches in the same place to secure threads. Press out.

Repeat on the other side of the trunk piece with another 4-1/2" x 4" background rectangle and press.

Now layer a green 3-1/2" x 10-1/2" rectangle on top of the sewn unit with right sides together, aligning raw edges.

Stitch through all layers as before and press.

 
 
 Draw a diagonal line on the back of all the background squares and place two 3-1/2" squares on each corner of the green unit, exactly as shown, right sides together. Sew exactly on the line.

Trim the seam allowance to a 1/4" and press.

Repeat the process with the remaining 3-1/2" x 10-1/2" green pieces and 3-1/2" background squares. to create the 2nd and 3rd level of the tree.

Sew the green 5-1/2" x 10-1/2" piece to the top of the tree and press. Place a 5-1/2" background square on one corner as shown and sew on the line. Trim the seam allowance and press.

Repeat on the other side with the last background square, trim and press.

 

Layer a 1-1/2" background strip on each side of the tree unit, trim them to the right length and stitch down with a 1/4" seam allowance. Press out.

Repeat with the top and bottom. Add the narrow border in the same way by first sewing them to the sides and then the top and bottom, pressing in between.

Fold the Prairie point squares in half with wrong sides together and press. Then fold them again so that all the raw edges are on the same side and press.

Place 3 prairie points on each side of the unit as shown and pin down. Make sure that the tips are overlapped by a 1/4 inch or so. Now place a border strip on top of the prairie points, aligning all raw edges, pin down and trim the strips to length. Sew through all layers with a 1/4" seam, catching all the prairie points in the border seams. Press both the borders and the points out.

 
 
 Place 2 prairie points on each short side as shown.

Make sure that the points are placed as shown, overlapping the edge of the narrow border a little bit. Then place the border strips on top and pin down. Sew through all layers and press.

Trim your backing and batting to the same size as the front of the quilt. Sew the 2-1/2" binding strips together into a long strip, press it in half lengthwise and finish the quilt with the binding.

I embellished my quilt with some buttons. That is of course optional but I put green buttons on the prairie points and then I put 24 red buttons on the tree. My idea is to hang little candies on the buttons and then use the quilt as an advent calendar. Each day of December I get to eat a piece of candy until Christmas!!

I hope you enjoyed the Sweet Trimmings wall quilt. Remember to comment to be able to win the prizes!! Also be sure to check in with the other designers and read their stories.

Comments

[Peggy]

I just wanted to thank you all for going the extra mile and doing this great blog hop. I enjoyed it very much. Thank You!

[kristen - gock's frocks]

just love this project! going to tackle it this week :) also LOVE your blog header photo! very cool!
thanks again

[Brenda]

I'm sure I commented before, but I wanted to come back aand make sure that I actually commented on the right posts of each of you and not one of your other posts.

Gudrun, I really like the tree just by itself and I especially like the idea of using it as an Advent calender. I am considering making one for each of my youngest sisters three little boys (just turned 3, almost 5 and 6). I'm not sure they could restrain themselves to one piece of candy per day off the tree, tho!!!

I've been wanting to make an Advent calendar for myself and so I think I'll use your idea for me for sure, if not for the boys.

Thank you so much.

B.

[pewa]

Just love the quilt as you go project! Enjoyed visiting your blog.

[Marcia]

Darling little tree! I'll be making one for my school library door. Need great Christmas design. Easy to follow directions will make this quick.

Marcia

[LaurieC]

What a cute project!
And thanks so much for organizing the blog hop. I have enjoyed every post and appreciate the time and effort put into this event. Happy Holidays to you & yours!

[Sandra]

I promised myself I wouldn't start any more projects before Christmas, but now I am sorely tempted!

[Cindy in TN]

great project!

[Jenice]

I've gotten most of my fabric together. Can't wait to start sewing on it.

[Barb C]

I love this little tree and can't wait to make one. I've enjoyed "meeting" all the designers on the hop; some are new to me. Merry Christmas Barb C

[Patchwitch]

Thank you for sharing this cute idea! I enjoyed the whole tour (I hopped backwards :D)
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy Advent!

[Suzanne Tracy]

Thanks for this wonderful and visual tutorial! I have never done "quilt as you go" and you made me believe I could do it.

[Ange Moore]

Thanks for sharing the Christmas tree and what a fbulous idea to have a 12 Days of Christmas blog hop - have loved it!!

[Alda, FL]

Thank you for this wonderful idea, Christmas blog hop. I have so enjoyed all the different patterns and recipes. Hope you will repeat this next year and maybe a Easter blog hop 
Alda, Fl

[Susan Brooks]

This tutorial is like having you sit with me and show me how to do it! Thanks

[Jane McCarthy]

Gudrun, I want to thank you for this wonderful blog hop. It has really jump started my season. The tree quilt is so cute and QUICK.

[Marcy]

I couldn't remember if I left a comment earlier or not. I do know I was thinking that I did like your project because it was quilt as you go project therefore quicker results for finished results. Thanks for your generosity.
Marcy

[Marilyn]

I really need to start my Christmas presents! this might just get me off the computer and into the sewing room :)
thanks for sharing your talents.

[Karen M]

Just love the prairie points on this little tree quilt. I'm off work next week and would really like to make this sweet tree. Thanks again for the wonderful pattern.
Karen M

[Glenda]

I love your pattern. Thanks for the wonderful idea.

[Sandi]

This blog hop has been a lot of fun! Thanks!

[Mary Jo Baird]

Love the pattern! Thank you for sharing! I'm making sure I left you a comment!

[Sandi]

Gudrun,
I decided to go back and visit every blog again just to say thanks! I thought this was so much fun and so creative. Some of my blogging friends e-mailed me to say thanks for sharing about it so that they could join in the fun! What a great idea. Said it before, will say it again......Thank you!

[stampinwithbeth]

Thanks for the cute pattern, and for being a part of the Blog Hop! It's been fun!
Beth (stampinwithbeth)

[lisa]

alright Iam 95% certain I left comments everywhere, but just incase, I am reposting a few =) I have cut out my farics to make 4, that's right, 4, of these. So excited. I am leaving out the points, not becauseI don't think they are the cutest thing EVER, but I am making this all from my stash and it's getting low. *ahem Honey, I need fabric for Chrismtas! no, I don't have "TONS" I am runnign low here sweetie. Sure I have two shelves fairly full but I don't have enough!" think he'll understand? I can't wait until Tuesday when I have a day off to get these projects going!

[Pat]

Love it. Thanks so much for sharing.

[conchia]

tenia mucho interes en ver sus diseños y no me ha decepcionado, espero poder hacerlo para este año, sencillamente genial

concha

[Cindi]

First of all, let me tell all of you how much I have enjoyed this blog hop. The stories and memories that you have shared and the projects that you gave to us. Thank you for your generosity. Thank you for reminding us of the simplicity of a child's gift and the love behind it and what the true meaning behind the holiday spirit is.

[Dana Bartlett]

I'm almost done with my version of this and I love it! Thank you for a great project!

[Phyllis S.]

Thanks. This has been a perfect "hop". Since I have never been able to do a traveling hop, this virtual hop has been the best.

[Maggie]

I love using the prairie points in the interior of the quilt!

[Alissa Slagle]

Thanks for your pattern:)

[Marianne]

Going through the posts again, the hop was so fun!

[Marsha]

This is so cute - I must make this soon. Thank you!

[Shirl]

Thanks for the cute project! I have really enjoyed your stories about your family and the traditions from your home country of Iceland.

[Paula W.]

Thanks for the cute tree pattern.

[SuzK]

What a great project! thank you for sharing it with us.

[Patti Trygg]

Thank you for the wicked cute pattern Gudrun!

[Christie]

I just had to stop back in and thank you again for the Sweet Trimmings pattern (don't tell the rest, but, this was my favorite) - I love trees and this project is so fun, fast and easy! And, thank you for participating in this CCCQD blog hop. What a great advent to the upcoming Advent season. And, what a wonderful way to meet so many wonderful designers and get to know them. And you all gave us early Christmas presents - your free patterns! THANKS A BUNCH!!!! HUGS...and stitches

[nicolette]

Thanks for organizing this wonderful event. I enjoyed reading the posts and looking at the gorgeous Christmas decorations and patterns!

[arlette]

I love your christmas tree, it's yummy!

[Marie Sagers]

Thank you for the beautiful little quilt. It is so great!

[Kelly Kreft]

Thank you for the Sweet Trimmings pattern! I love the placemats. I'm anxious to get one made. Quilty Hugs

[Donna Rae]

Forgot to leave a comment back when.....Or did I. So much fun reading everything I just plain forget. LOL
This sure is fun. Love the tute and all your patterns.
Donna Rae

[Mary Jo Larson]

I'm loving this blog hop and the stories and the great patterns. Thanks so much. Mary Jo

[Pauline]

This is so cute, Gudrun! Thank you.

[Sharon S]

Not sure if I commented yet or not. Oops if I did, Nice pattern & thanks if I didn't!

[Jill]

I apparently didn't comment on the day I first read this, so I will now. Thanks so much for the pattern. I love it!

[Roseanna J.]

You are such an inspiration. I love this project. This blog hop has been such a fun way to start the holiday season.

[Linda J]

Very cute, Gudrun! Looks to be a quick project for seasonal decorating or gift giving.

I do enjoy your designs. I have one of your magazine submissions ready to try and a pile of Strip Twist blocks bumped up to queen/full size!) ready to get to a flimsy. Keep those great ideas coming!

[Mandy]

I'm just making sure that I commented on everyone's project blog for the draw... I thought I had but I think I forgot some of the security words and they all didn't get posted :(

So if I'm a double please ignore this entry!

[Kim B.]

What a great project! I've never seen this "quilt as you go" technique before. I love how this turned out!

[Sally Keathley]

I love the quilt as you go process. I can't wait to try this out! It's a great size. My local shop has gotten your book so now I can try some other projects too.

[Margaret]

Way too late for the prize, but I do love the design! Thank you!

[Kitty]

Gudrun: I made your project the first day in an afternoon and love showing it to my quilting friends. Last Friday I was able to find your "Fast and Furious" at a show here in FL - I especially wanted it for my grandchildren who quilt with me every summer in MD. They make projects for our County Fair and since the quilting is the most difficult for them, I thought your flip and sew projects would be perfect for them. I'm so glad to have found you. Kitty

[QuiltSue]

I love it and can't wait to make one.

[Sharon]

I think this tree is great. Can't wait to make one.
Thanks for the pattern.

[Granny J]

How cute is this! Sweet Trimmings will loook great in my newly renovated sewing room. thanks so much.

[grace]

its beatiful ... thanks ... :)

[Laura]

Fabulous pattern and technique! Thanks for sharing!

[Patsy Hinchey]

Thank you for the pattern. This will be the first time I have tried this technique but with the photos and your instructions I think it will be a success.

[Kelli Kramer]

I love the prairie points on the Christmas Tree...

[Freda Henderson]

Love the pattern. Thanks so much for sharing.

[Susan Pletcher]

Today's the day! House is clean and I'm sure ready to sew. Thanks so much for the great patterns and all the memories on this blog.

[Sandy McCause]

This is a really cool project and I am thinking it will be good for a winter wall hanging, not just Christmas! So thanks a bunch!

[Eileen Kane]

I just bought your book on ebay! Fast and Furious ...

[Eileen Kane]

I love quilt as you go...fantastic! I'm just thrilled to be hopping with ya'll!

[Leslie]

love the detail of the project; very cool

[marcella]

Great pattern! I love the way you piece and quilt at the same time.

[Stephanie M]

Very cute pattern..
Thanks!

[Patty]

cut out a few to work on this weekend, thanks for the pattern!

[Elaine]

I will have to find your Quilt as you go book. Sounds very interesting. Love your Christmas tree pattern and plan to try it.

lsandes@comcast.net

[Maretta]

Wonderful project. Thanks for the blog hop!
Maretta

[Amy]

Thank you for the cute free pattern and for the blog hop. This has been so much fun!!

[Mary Meats]

I came to revisit your blog and couldn't remember if I commented earlier. So here goes. Love the design you came up with and I have enjoyed reading your traditions from Iceland. Thanks for sharing.
Mary

[Elizabeth]

Very cool pattern! I love that we make it and quilt it all at the same time. This idea is a keeper--thanks for sharing your talents. And. . .love the blog hop--it's very fun.

[Penny Fraley]

I'd really like to try this. I hope it stays up long enough for me to get to it. This hop looks to be a lot of fun.

[Valerie]

Thanks for the great pattern. I love how it is sewn and quilted at the same time, very clever. I'm really enjoying the blog hop.

[Carol]

Thanks for sharing the pattern. I am hoping to do a couple for gifts for Christmas.

[Kim Juilfs]

Love your "Sweet Trimmings", and i can't wait to make it. Thanks for sharing.

[Janet Kopecky]

Can't wait to make this. This is so much fun. A new pattern to look forward to every day!!! Thanks so much

[Jane]

Love the tree pattern. It is simple but sweet. I hope to whip one up for my daughter before Christmas.

[Kathy]

I love everything about this cute little wall hanging.Love the idea for the 24 buttons.My daughter just asked me if I had a pattern for an Advent calender to sew.
Now I do. thanks for the perfect pattern.

[Mary Ellen]

Great pattern.Will make a lovely gift Mary Ellen

[Anne]

I am making this for sure! Beautiful children!

[Diane Fields]

What a delightful project. No to go through my stash and see wha tI have, so I can get this one made!

[Martina]

What a lovely tree. Like it very much! Thank you so much for this blog hop and all your sharing!

[Pat Hall]

Hi!! Love the tree and am making it for a relative of mine for a gift! Thanks for sharing your talents and the time!!
Pat Hall in OHIO

[sharon]

I found your blog through the quilt hop
I love the little tree

[Susan Ikin]

Hi, Just came across this bloghop, and always looking for Christmas things. Thank you for sharing your tree.

[Mary Hickey]

This is so much fun. I love the tree. I can't wait to make it. The blog hop is a great idea. Thank you thank you.

[Susan]

I love this blog-I am going to make them all to decorate this year. Thank you so much

Susan

[Anna]

Gudrun,
This is a lovely little wall hanging that you have created- I love the embellished buttons.
The blog hop is always fun and I am trying to catch up as I have not been on line much lately.
Thanks for the great tutorial.
Warmest regards,
Anna

[AZJackie]

OK, so this is my second comment for this day. My first was under "Jackie." Then I noticed there is more than one of us. So from now on, I'm AZJackie!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for the blog hop!

[Kathleen Brown]

What a great wall hanging for the holidays! It is an honor to be able to visit the blogs of such talented quilters. Kathleen

[Cheryl K]

What a cute Christmas tree wall hanging.

[MandaPanda]

Very Pretty! I love how you've embellished the tree with buttons!

[Marilyn from Maryland]

I just discovered this blog hop and love it! I'm so new to blogging but can picture many hours of fun ahead. I have already thought of several people who will love the wall hanging, can hardly wait to get started!!! Thanks

[Nancy Lock]

What a great little Tree Thanks for the pattern
Iam just starting today
Nancy

[Junelle]

I love your tree pattern. I'm not sure if I left you a message earlier, so I'm leaving another one today. This has been a great blog hop so far. I love reading everyone's traditions etc.!!