christmas collage a’peel ~ and classes!

here’s the christmas version of it, seen below.  i’m really delving into using more “whites and blacks” for christmas, and it’s been an interesting contrast to explore.  

and ~ i like it very much!  

really never thought i would be saying that about black… but when i found this gorgeous black christmassy print at the quiltaway i just had to try it out, and then added assorted scraps in other christmas prints from my stash.  a simple layering of poinsettias with snowflakes on top and holly berries and leaves strewn about in outside perimeter! fun!!

this little table topper {or wall hanging} is on display at the quiltaway shop here in great falls {406-453-2788}.  we have another fun “create collage class” set at the quiltaway for october 9th and 10th friday and saturday, {10-4 each day for $65}.  i’ll help you make any pattern you like, including this one, or a tablerunner, or your own design!  i’ll be sharing my processes, and showing how i create a collage pattern, too!

i’m also teaching a “create collage” class in helena at the sewing palace, {406-443-5724} october 2nd, and 3rd, 10-4 {friday and saturday}.  they have a super web site, so if you have a minute, go visit it!  

and a great little class:  free motion basics is set at the quiltaway for tuesday, october 13th, 10-4.  i’m teaching all the basics, sharing my favorite tips, tension, needles, feet, threads and great resources, and will include a few surprises and demos of various quilting motifs we are all going to try!  

and… if you have a finished collage put together, but not sure how to quilt it?  i’m crazy excited to help you “quilt the collage,”  lots of hints and tips for quilting with a walking foot, or free motion style.  this class is set at the sewing palace in helena {click that link to go their class pages} — set for october 23rd 10-4. 

this is such a festive and easy project ~ easy to do in an afternoon’s time. the accuquilt Go! makes this so quick to accomplish, using the orange peel die, and a 5″ block die, too. i bet you have some poinsettia scraps, and they would be fun to fuse up and put to glory on this great project!

fyi ~ for the quilting, i decided to apply a black thread; either king tut 40 weight cotton, or the 40 weight magnifico, look really good here!  i also put 50 wt masterpiece cotton in the bobbin {all of these threads are from superior threads}. {they carry a great selection of these at the quiltaway and sewing palace, too!}

i accented the snowflakes with quilting in black thread, keeping it very sketchy-looking.  however, i kept the swirly motif in soft curves throughout the piece for additional contrast!

did you notice that just a few butterflies are thrown in for fun ~ heck they were in the christmas fabric, so why not?!

 what a charming nostalgic print for the back… and guess what?!  it has such cute images… perfect for {more} collage!  yes… fuse. fuse. fuse. cut. cut. cut!!  

i’ve got several more sweet little christmas projects to showcase, and i hope you’ll come back and see them! i hope you enjoyed this little ‘pre-season’ preview, and perhaps taken away some ideas for your own special creations! 

oh yes.  my little fingers, my lovely karen kay buckley {blue handled} serrated scissors go with me everywhere these days, with a great selection of fabrics pre-fused and ready to cut!

blessings ~
xo
leslie
soli deo gloria!