I made good progress on the Christmas projects this week, so I think we are good to go for a Christmas in July sew along starting on Tuesday, July 16th and running on Tuesdays for three weeks. I’ll also have some additional Christmas theme posts from Sunday the 14th through the end of the month including a special tour of a local landmark. So, pull out those Christmas prints, find some green tone on tone scraps and some background fabrics, and let’s have some holiday fun while thinking about winter during these hot summer days.
The sew day was canceled, so I began working on completing the pillowcase sets I had cut. I brought a bunch up to the den, and rolled them while I watched TV.
Then, I took them back down to the basement and sewed 10 of them. I use my serger for the final seams, and bury the threads in the stitches. Then I cut the excess thread and put a dot of Fray Block on the stitches to lock them down.
I finished ten this week. I have 28 more cut and ready to go, so I’ll get those done over the next few weeks and have them ready for our September meeting. Finishing them early means I can count them out on Stashbusters next month. I used some masculine prints for a few too, as sometimes there are men at the shelter.
I found the bag of Christmas prints, and there is a lot here to play with.
Then I found the fat quarters that came with the potholder project. Some of them look good here with the embroidery. Now I have to figure out the final size and configure the prints into some kind of design. I only have a few strips of the black background with the peppermints, but it will probably be just enough for some contrast.
I chose the colors for the embroidery from a different print, but now that it is stitched out, this print seems too elegant for the whimsical sentiment.
Retreat is coming, and I may take a few of these projects along to finish there. The main project for the quilt along is almost done, just the handwork remains. In addition to that I have the bird quilt project.
I need to figure out a pattern for these fabrics, get the cutting done, and take it with me as well. I just love that mason jar fabric so I want the pattern to showcase this larger design.
I have an idea for a sashiko handwork project for the CIJ event too. But I have to get going finding the proper fabric for it, and completing the design. Much to do!!
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From My Carolina Home 
As always, your post is inspiring me to dig into my many Christmas and winter fabrics. I’d love to make some gifts fir Christmas and will be with a small group of relatives in August. Maybe (?) I can get some done with your posts. Have a great time at your retreat. Charlie in Lillington
The Christmas in July Sew Along is sounding so exciting. I have some Christmas fat quarters that I hope will work. Enjoy your retreat. Love getting together with other sewists. Always much fun and laughter.
You’re so industrious! Do you make holiday pillowcases for the shelter residents each year? How many do you plan to do? What a blessing you are!
Oh, no, I don’t do holiday pillowcases for the shelter. These pillowcases are everyday fabrics. It is a fun idea though. If readers want to jump on board with that idea, I would certainly give it consideration. We’d need about 50 total to do all the beds in the shelter. That is too much for me to do myself, but what a great project it would make.
I would do more if you’re starting a request. I wouldn’t think that would be too hard to gather, but what do I know? Put it out to your readers and see if you get a response. I would gladly make ten or so. I think I even have a few lying around that I used as samples when I taught sewing at a local elementary school. Let’s see if you get some other offers. Let me know.
Great work on the pillowcases! You continue to work on and inspire!
I pulled out all my Christmas Fabric – bigger pile than I thought I had – but always open for NEW fabric! Love the birds! Another sewing day as it’s “swimmy” in Chicago – steamy and hot – perfect weather to QUILT!
I am interested in your bird blocks. What’s your plan for them? I have a similar pattern.
Congratulations on the pillowcases. I do not enjoy making them for some reason but yours are really pretty!
Good luck with the Chrismas in July sewalong!
I always use them too, saved a lot of heartache.
Looking forward to seeing what you share for Christmas in July, Carole! The pillowcases are coming right along, too. They will be so appreciated! Have fun at your retreat!
You made good use of a canceled sewing day!
I love seeing your beautiful fabrics and your ideas for them. Although I have not been sewing, I enjoy reading your information. I don’t think the ‘Have yourself a merry little Christmas’ is too much – I think it is very sweet. A good friend made me beautiful pillowcases as a Christmas gift a few years ago and I love them. I think of her fondly any time I use those pillowcases. I know whoever receives your pillowcases at the shelter will be blessed by your kindness. I enjoy reading your info about your car trips and your NC activities. I’m native of Upstate SC but live in Ohio now. One of my brothers lives in Saluda, NC (he’s an attorney in Asheville)… anyway, just thought to say I enjoy your writings and stories of your activities. Jan LehmanBeavercreek, Ohio
I was on your page this morning looking at the Autumn Jubilee quilt which I have always loved and want to make this fall. I just stumbled on the new Christmas sew along coming on Tuesday and excited to start and Christmas in July project. Thank you for all the inspiration on these hot and humid summer days.
What a lovely and kind note, thank you!
Well done on all your projects! Well done and beautiful. Love those pillowcases!
You do have a lot to do and I am sure you will be well prepared for Christmas in July and your retreat! I have a sewing day on Thursday with friends. Need to come up with a solid plan for that…so I, too, will be doing some prepping.