Preparing for Christmas: A Quilter’s Guide to a Joyful, Handmade Holiday

November 13, 2024

Hi!

As you know, I’ve been doing a lot of planning for Christmas already this year (Advent Calendar anyone 🙂 ), and it occurred to me that with some advance planning, we could all avoid those last minute stresses that seem to make Christmas a bit crazy-busy.  I can’t talk – I’m still making things for gifts for this year (and still planning others to make), but I think these are some great common-sense tips to help you when preparing for Christmas.

“The holiday season is the perfect time for quilters to shine, transforming fabric and thread into gifts filled with warmth and care. But with the long to-do lists and the push to make each gift special, it’s easy for the joy to turn into a bit of stress! Here’s a lighthearted, practical guide to keep your holiday quilting fun, focused, and festive.

 

1. Plan Early, Plan Small

As the holiday season approaches, get a head start by planning out your gift list. Pick a few people to make handmade items for, and keep the projects manageable. This could mean small but meaningful items like quilted coasters, pot holders, or mini wall hangings. These gifts are quick to make but still have that handmade charm that friends and family will adore! (This is true – not everyone needs a full size quilt for Christmas. Think bags as well – Even a simple handmade tote bag with something special tucked inside makes for a lovely gift.)

 

2. Batch Your Gifts

If you have several people on your list, consider a batch project. Pick a straightforward pattern, like a classic mug rug or placemat, and create multiple items at once. Adding different fabric choices or a bit of embroidery to each piece makes them feel personalized while keeping your sewing time efficient. You’ll feel like Santa’s little helper, delivering beautiful yet time-saving treasures! (Hint – there’s a few projects like these that will be perfect to batch for gifts in this year’s Quilter’s Advent Calendar….)

 

3. Try “Quilt-As-You-Go”

For quilters who get easily overwhelmed by large projects, the quilt-as-you-go method is a holiday lifesaver. Instead of finishing a whole quilt in one go, work in smaller sections and stitch them together as you go. This technique keeps things moving without the daunting task of quilting a large project at once. Plus, it’s an ideal way to use up festive fabric scraps! (Try the Stitch and Flip technique, or fusible applique that you then stitch (and quilt) through all layers. That saves heaps of time!)

 

4. Use Fabric Scraps for Quick, Thoughtful Gifts

Speaking of scraps, your leftover Christmas-themed fabric can work wonders! Scraps are perfect for creating little gifts that are quick, cute, and festive. Think bookmarks, key fobs, or handmade ornaments. These last-minute treasures are ideal for neighbors, coworkers, and friends who will appreciate the handmade touch. (Don’t forget handmade fussy cut gift tags! Scroll back a few posts if you missed that tutorial.)

 

5. Organize a Quilting Gift Swap

This one’s a fun way of preparing for Christmas – If you’re part of a quilting group or have quilting friends, why not arrange a gift swap? Each person can make one small item—like a mug rug, potholder, or mini quilt—and exchange with one another. It’s a wonderful way to spread cheer, spark new ideas, and enjoy handmade gifts without taking on every project yourself.

 

6. Create a Festive Quilting Playlist or Movie Marathon

Make your sewing time festive with a holiday playlist or a Christmas movie marathon! Playing your favorite holiday songs or cozying up to Christmas classics adds extra joy to your work time. With holiday tunes or movies in the background, even the most tedious quilting tasks feel more cheerful. (And chocolate… don’t forget chocolate!  We all know you sew faster with a mouthful of M&M’s!)

 

7. Set a Deadline (and Stick to It!)

Set a personal goal to wrap up your quilting projects a week before Christmas. Not only will this help you avoid last-minute stress, but it will also allow you some breathing room for any finishing touches. Plus, having an end in sight keeps the excitement going without burning you out. (I do this all the time with deadlines – pretend it’s sooner than it is, and then you have a bonus day or so just in case you really need it.)

 

8. Enjoy the Process

Finally, remember that quilting is a labor of love. Every stitch you add is a little piece of joy and care you’re sharing with those you love. Even if your gifts aren’t huge, they’re treasures because they’re handmade. Enjoy the moments spent quilting too, whether you’re cozied up with a hot cocoa, a holiday movie, or a friend nearby. After all, the memories you create while sewing are just as important as the gifts themselves!

With these tips, you’re ready to tackle holiday quilting and preparing for Christmas with ease and a sense of fun! Enjoy every moment of the process, knowing that your handmade creations will bring warmth and happiness to everyone on your list.”

So write your naughty and nice lists and sort your Christmas fabric stash, and you’ll be ready to start sewing soon! (Of course, you may want to wait and see what’s in this year’s Quilter’s Advent Calendar too…just sayin’… 🙂 !)

Enjoy!

Regards,

 

 

 

2 responses to “Preparing for Christmas: A Quilter’s Guide to a Joyful, Handmade Holiday”

1. Judy says:

   November 13, 2024 at 8:03 pm

   Love your thinking in this post. I don’t have many to create for but there are many ideas for gifts at any time. At the moment, I’m thinking of book cushions for some of my grandchildren, with either a suitable book or book gift certificate tucked in the pocket

   Reply
   • Jody Admin says:

     November 14, 2024 at 10:08 am

     Thanks Judy! Your book cushion idea sounds great too!

     Reply