Hey Everyone, welcome back to Story Time Monday.

August has arrived and we all know what that means – time to get going on those Christmas projects.

Seasons Greetings was the first pattern I ever wrote and the first one to be published at Arbee Designs. Ruth took pity on me with this one and did the formatting and graphics for me but now several years later I have to do all of that myself. Maybe somehow I could convince her that I can’t remember how to format and make graphics – doubt she’ll buy it.

I had actually designed this quilt back in Yellowknife a few years before the pattern was written. The original was a bit different and my sewing skills were not quite up to snuff – especially that ¼″ seam and so not everything fit quite as evenly as I had wanted. Now though all is good and everything is square and fits – most of the time.

The original design was made with Laurel Birch Christmas fabrics – I love her fabrics, so bright and vibrant.

The original design

The version for the pattern was changed up a bit with some packages added under the trees and stars dancing around the trees. This version was done in a variety of red, green and gold fabrics with a cream background. This one has a bit more scrappy look with all the different fabrics used.

The pattern has two border options – checkered or plain. My personal favourite is the checkered border but then again depending on the fabric used a plain border can look great s well.

Checkered border

The single fabric border version I used a Northcott fabric for from a couple of years ago – quite stunning in the red, gold and black. This version is a bit more classy being all in one co-ordinating fabric line.

Single fabric border

This is a great pattern to practice your piecing and fusible web appliqué. Use the satin stitch, blanket stitch or another decorative stitch to stitch down the appliqué pieces.

The checkerboard border piece was quilted with free motion quilting in the background and the border. The background I used free motion stars and in the border plain stippling.

Close up of quilting

Use as a wall hanging or as a table runner on a large table as the finished piece is 24 ½″ x 51 ½″.

If I ever make another one I would like to make it in silver, white and blue. Blue is one of my favourite Christmas colours. What colour are you going to make yours?

Happy Quilting!