This is what's left of a quilt I started ages ago. I shared this photo last week, hinting that it is one of the projects that is moving forward bit by bit in my sewing studio.
Originally, it was going to be a queen sized quilt. Lots of piecing involved, but the colors are just not my cup of tea. Regardless, I persevered, finished the top, sandwiched it, and started free motion quilting on it. I got about 3/4 of it done. . . you can see a little of the free motion quilting pattern in the lower right corner in the picture below.
And then I decided I hated it.
The wheels of progress ground to a halt.
It sat for a while. A long while. Then I chunked off the quilted bits and made some bags for a book project.

About two weeks ago, I was scrolling through social media posts, only paying half attention, when a photo caught my eye, and I had to scroll back. An idea. The concept that emerged from the photo I saw looks nothing like what was happening in my head, but the spark, created an idea, which created action.
Those who have followed along with me for a while know that I make a crafty/quilty Christmas ornament for my holiday cards each year. A few years back I got motivated to start earlier to make the 'making' more enjoyable. April is about right. . .

I found the quarter quilt, then pin-basted it. That's how far I got for the picture from last week.
THIS week, I focused on quilting. Simple straight lines in a half-inch grid.
After several morning sessions with my walking foot, the quilting is complete.
Next, I pulled out a couple cookie cutters from my vast collection, and I selected two simple shapes, for now.
These few samples were cut from a sacrificial table topper, so you can see where I'm going with this.
Trace the shapes, cut them, then blanket stitch around the edge for a vintage-looking holiday ornament.
I still have a lot of tracing, cutting, and stitching to do, and thankfully, plenty of vintage-looking, quilted fabric to work with thanks to my quarter-quilt.

And most importantly, I still have plenty of time to work at a leisurely pace to make these up for holiday greeting cards.
I must admit, I'm feeling very accomplished and even a little bit festive. Might have to break out some hot chocolate and sugar cookie dough!
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