Christmas Tree Skirt

My sons Christmas list to Santa this year included one tree skirt.  They wanted it big, with a middle circumference of which would be large enough to fit over their stand for easy watering.  The middle opening was some 40 “, and the entire skirt measured 80” in diameter.  I made a pattern out of 5- 80+ inch sheets of freezer paper taped together. I moved all the furniture out of my living room and using a string marked at the correct radius marked the two circles, then cut it larger than needed, folded the paper to make the scallops for the edges, drew a cardboard template to better trace the edges evenly,   Divided the circle into the largest equilateral triangle possible, then center the three “Merry Christmas” to be stem stitched by hand.  Stippled quilted the entire thing, I used over 2,000 yards of thread.  On the paper pattern, I arranged trial holy leaves out of newspaper until I had the correct size and number to be appliqued after the quilting was complete.   After many headaches, I actually finished it.  Not bad if I do say so myself.  This is how it looked in my son’

s front room.

I must be related to Henry Ford

I can never just make one of anything....so now that I'm back to sewing after my brain tumor recovery I wanted to find a way to thank my other friends and family who really got me through some very hard times...Hence the seven quilts, ironically my machine broke as I was just finishing the last one so I'm off to Linda Z's to take it in for repairs.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!  I know I feel blessed.

Shortly after my June 2013 post I was diagnosed with a stage 4 GBM.  I had brain surgery one year ago yesterday and the only sewing I was able to do was finish two Christmas presents,an apron and this Hammy New Year is a pillow I made for my sister.  They always have ham on New Year’s and she drives her kids nuts by always wishing them a “Hammy New Year” After that I really have just spent a year coping with chemo every month  and radiation.  I’m finally strong enough to sew.  My friends have been incredible, I made this pastel quilt for a dear friend who planted and planned my garden last year and this year, and organized meals for us through the darkest days of  my recovery for her August Birthday.  I’m currently working on scrap lap quilts for all the other angels who were on my recovery team.  I hope I stay well enough to finish them by Christmas.  I am so happy to be back.