Christmas Keepsakes Blog Tour and a Giveaway!

Hi there! Today is my stop on Shabby Fabric's Christmas Keepsakes blog tour. Christmas Keepsakes is the newest Block of the Month quilt from Shabby Fabrics. The quilt measures 36" x 36" and features nine Christmas applique blocks. They offer a choice of traditional or laser cut and pre-fused applique kits with the border, backing and all of the embellishments are included for this 10 month program. Christmas Keepsakes begins in January 2015 and runs through October 2015, giving you time to complete it before Christmas!

Shabby Fabrics asked if I'd like to make a couple blocks from the quilt. I was more than willing when I saw the quilt! The blocks are adorable. I have made a few Christmas quilts over the years but they have always been gifts for someone. I think I'm going to make the whole BOM and have this as my family's Christmas quilt. Honestly, I was so excited when the package for the blocks came I didn't even snap a picture of all of the elements in the package. I opened mine up and started making them right away.

I love the swirly lollipop! Isn't it the cutest thing?!

And the candy cane is just as cute!
I've done a lot of applique but never with the pre fused laser cut pieces like this. I really loved using them. It was so nice to not have to trace and cut everything first. I had my blocks fused to the backgrounds in no time.

I taped my paper and block to my light box (a.k.a. my window) to trace the embroidery lines. Then I sat down to stitch everything.

I started by using my machine using a straight stitch. I think it looked good but after embroidering the little lines I wanted to hand stitch all of the block. I used 3 strands of embroidery floss for mine. I absolutely love them!!!

Make sure to stop by each of the blogs below for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Shabby Fabrics!!! Then stop by Shabby Fabrics blog tomorrow the 10th for a chance to win too! So leave a coment below for a chance to win!!! and visit the other too!!!

Here is a list of the other ladies on the blog tour:

Tuesday, October 7th

Paula @ The Sassy Quilter Erin @ Stay at Home Mummy Karin @ Leigh Laurel Studios
Wednesday, October 8th Melissa @ Happy Quilting Kristyne @ Pretty by Hand
Thursday, October 9th Erin @ Why Not Sew? Caroline @ SewCanShe


Happy Sewing!!
xo Erin