Well! It’s been nearly a month since I last posted. In that post I reflected on several years of developing my patchwork-quilting hobby into a business. My conclusion, based on an overwhelming weariness with marketing in particular, was to step back from ‘business’ in the hope of rediscovering a good balance between my hobby and the rest of everyday life. That was on Sunday 20th October. Little did I know that the following day God would call my sharp-minded 93 year old M-I-L home to him. The timing of her going to be with her Lord was unexpected, she had plenty of activities marked in her diary, but a blessing for her to pass quickly, finding rest from the physical trials of old age. The family will gather for her funeral later this week.
Of course planning the funeral has taken time and emotional energy but in the past four weeks life has gone on. Not feeling pressure to do business related tasks has been a great relief – God’s perfect timing – and I have been gripped by a desire to finish projects. In fact I’ve completed four, two UFOs and two start-to-finish projects. My most recent finish is a Christmas Tree Skirt commissioned by my D-I-L who will be gifting this. The piece measures 38″ (96cm) across. I quilted a spiral from the centre using a walking foot. I don’t have a spool of red thread in my collection but found Aurifil 2277, orange red, blended really well with the fabrics.
Thankfully I had done the design research two years ago when my son asked me to make a Tree Skirt for same D-I-L (then fiancée). That was a short notice request so I didn’t get round to posting a blog post about it until after 25th December!
The original Christmas Tree Skirt.
This year I am hoping, by sharing links to the blog tutorial with FREE pattern now, you will have plenty of time to investigate and maybe have a go at making one yourself. It’s a great design for using up left-over fabrics from previous festive projects.
Link to the Christmas Tree Skirt blog tutorial.
Link to the Christmas Tree Skirt pdf pattern download.
I’d love to know if you use my pattern and tutorial to make your own Christmas Tree Skirt.
Happy Stitching!
Allison
I am very sorry to hear about your mother-in-law, Allison! My Mom was also 93 when she passed in July. These wonderful women are very much missed, but perhaps have met each other in heaven by now and sharing stories together! 🙂
I have also been gripped by a desire to get things finished! It does feel good to finish some ufo’s, and to move projects forward! You certainly have been a very busy bee! Your Christmas tree skirt is quite festive!
Thank you Laura. It is a sad time for us but also a time for gratitude for long lives well lived and the sure hope of heaven.
I think the satisfaction of one finish is the spur to push on and get more projects finished. With Christmas round the corner I’m looking for quick finishes. Yesterday I found a festive looking table runner pinned and ready to quilt so I got on and did it – very satisfying! Now I just need to stitch down the binding and it’ll be another finish 🙂
Allison,
My deepest condolences to you and your family on the passing of your MIL. Bless you for taking time to post this. I’d been looking round about all week for a similar tutorial. Came upon post 1 , Both of yours are brilliant! Very easy to understand. And thanks for including the link to Jenny’ old video.
May you find a bit of calm respite in your projects.
Cheers
Thank you Mona.
I’m glad the tree skirt tutorial arrived in your inbox at just the right time 🙂
My sister-in-law has just asked me to make her a Christmas tree skirt (and it’s nearly November) so thank you for this lovely pattern. I’ve been sorting out my numerous oddments of Christmas material and this is an ideal way to make use of them all, at the same time creating a very festive present. I’m hoping to finish it in time so I’d better get started!
Hi! Jane Thanks so much for posting your message – it is a real encouragement to me. I’m glad the pattern fits the bill for using up some of your Christmas fabrics to make the tree skirt for your sister-in-law.