Sentimental Stitches

I truly admire those folks who are resting easy with all of their Christmas gifts purchased, wrapped and ready. I am not one of them! Every year I vow to do better but just never get the Christmas spirit until Thanksgiving. When my boys were young I would be driving (and waiting in line) for things like Power Rangers and Ninja Turtles then quickly wrapping them to tuck in a hiding place I hoped wouldn’t be discovered.


There are always some people I’d like to give a gift that I’ve made myself. I’m sure you have those folks on your list too. I’ve tried to find a few projects that I think you’ll like and best of all the patterns are FREE to download. Most of them aren’t too complicated so you can easily have them finished for that special gathering.

This is a great Christmas tree skirt. It’s a nice size, easy to put together and has some great places to show off that special fabric you’ve wanted to use or a holiday quilting design. It’s called Christmas Star.

Now to dress up your holiday table and carry you through the blustery days of winter are these classy pine tree placemats. Rotate the design and put them end-to-end for a table runner.
Forever Green

One thing you can never have too many of is table runners. I love to change the one on my dining room table monthly and this Christmas Table Runner would be beautiful in any style fabric and make a great gift.

If you have a new member in your family, take advantage of this Long John Stockings pattern from Debbie Mumm and create a personalized Christmas stocking just for them.

I remember making paper snowflakes as a child but they were nothing like these stunning flakes. There are several on the web site that you can download to cut. I’m going to sit down with my nephews and cut some to decorate my windows this winter. You could reduce the image size and use them as tree ornaments. Add some glitter and your tree will sparkle! Snowflake Designs

For those of you who love redwork embroidery I found some darling holiday angels. Use them individually on a smaller project or together for a little wall quilt. I think they’d look cute on a tote bag or use the pattern as a quilting design on a holiday project.

Christmas Angels.

Several years ago I discovered bead knitting and know there are lots of quilters who have taken to knitting scarves and hats. With these easy instructions for the Jabot Knitted Bead Purse you can try something a little different and make a beautiful gift. You wear this little bag like a necklace. Don’t let the needle size scare you, it’s great fun!

Purses are all the rage. There are patterns for every shape and style. Vintage Violets Handbags caught my eye because of it’s sweet scalloped flap and the button handle. You could dress this pattern up or down and it would be a great gift for any big or little girl on your Christmas list.