For the first batch, I started with a mini-charm pack of Basic Grey’s Juniper Berry, sewed up some four patches, and trimmed them down to 3½-inch squares. I decapitated some deer in the process (some squirrels did survive the trimming), but the results are still pretty sweet.
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| No decapitated deer (or surviving squirrels) pictured here. |
Next up: the bonus half-square triangles from this 2015 project. (If you haven’t read the corresponding cautionary tale about bleeding fabrics and how I fixed them in that finished quilt, I recommend reading the story.)
These blocks started out as 2-inch HSTs. Once I sewed them up in four patches, they finished at 3½-inch squares, just like batch 1.
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| Notice the stack of ornaments waiting to be bound! |
The funny thing about this process has been the binding. I was adamant about finishing the binding by machine, as I do for my regular quilt projects. After three ugly attempts, I gave up and opted to tack down the binding by hand. Not only does that technique look better at this scale, but I’m also enjoying the process. Go figure. I don’t foresee changing my approach to binding full-size quilts; I like the durability and look of a machine-attached binding on the throws I make. However, it’s nice to curl up on the couch at the end of the day and work on a project I can hold in my hands.
As with my pin cushions, I made a small project big by planning to sew up a bunch. So far I have finished five and have two dozen more to go!
I am not wedded to the baker’s twine I’ve used to hang the three Juniper Berry ornaments; it’s so twisty that I couldn’t get the ornaments facing the same way for a picture. With another 20-plus to make, though, I figure I have plenty of opportunities to test-drive other options. Maybe gross-grain ribbon next? If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them in the comments. : )
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| This ornament decided to cooperate for a quick picture. |
Linking up to Finish It Up Friday, the Precut Linky Party, Oh Scrap!, Let’s Bee Social, and Needle and Thread Thursday ...
That is a great way to use some of those smaller bits of leftover Christmas fabric. I think bits of twine or rolled-edge burlap ribbon would be fun. The kind you would find in the gift wrapping section.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great use for those little leftovers (and you are getting such a great head start on next Christmas!)
ReplyDeleteGreat way to use up your leftovers and scraps. How about braiding the twine so it has less twist and more stability?
ReplyDeleteNo little HST's going to waste in your house! Impressed with that little, tiny binding by hand no less!
ReplyDeleteYes, I love the Juniper Berry ornaments, so pretty and cute! I love the instant gratification projects. There's a product called Bold Silky Cord, which comes in red, black and off-white that might work with these ornaments. I've used it for drawstring bags and it has a pretty sheen to it.
ReplyDeleteI never thought to make minis as ornaments. Great idea.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! I will need to remember this if I ever have scraps from Christmas fabric. Thanks for sharing with Oh Scrap!
ReplyDeleteYour ornaments are so sweet, and a great way to use up those leftover HSTs! Beautiful jelly quilt by the way! Thank you for linking up with my first Pre-cut Linky Party!
ReplyDeleteLoving this small sewing! Looks like someone will be ready to go next holiday. I would try a thin grosgrain ribbon next :)
ReplyDeleteVery pretty ornaments. What a great way to use up left overs.
ReplyDeleteWell, next Christmas should be pretty simple for you with all this sewing done ahead of time :) The ornaments are beautiful. I use ribbon to hang my ornaments.
ReplyDeleteThese are so cute! Like you I have been doing some handstitching on binding on smaller projects which I have really enjoyed again.
ReplyDeleteThese are so cute! What about trying jute to hang them? Great job! You have a great head start on the holidays for next year -- er, THIS year!
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