Tuesday, 18 July 2017

'Joy' it's Christmas in July

I now have a pillow for my Christmas decorating, I know shocking right. It took this blog hop to accomplish something I've been meaning to do for the past few years...ugh yes I said years. But it is done and best of  all you can add some 'Joy' to your holidays too as the pattern is free. Thanks to Sarah of Confessions of a Fabric Addict for hosting the '12 Days of Christmas in July' blog hop and giving me the push to finally make a Christmas pillow or maybe it's a wall hanging.

'Joy' wall hanging

pillow cover nice and crinkly after a wash 

The hop runs from July 14th to the 25th. Make sure to visit all the blogs participating the schedule is at the end of this post. Make sure to leave a comment as Sarah is counting them for an extra special giveaway, you can read more about it on her blog Confessions of a Fabric Addict.

The pattern is for the pillow front or a wall hanging if you prefer. Either way have fun and add a little 'Joy' to your Christmas decorating. As you can see in the above photo I used three different greys for the background.

pillow front

Makes an 18'' x 18'' finished pillow front or wall hanging.

Fabric Requirements

Chevrons:
1/4 yard of each a light, light medium and medium grey.

Snowman:
A variety of larger scrap pieces work well.
The snowman can be made from a 10'' square, the letters from (2) 8'' squares.

Cutting for the chevrons/ flying geese:
Traditional Method:
A(light) cut (3) - 5 1/8'' x 5 1/8'' cut diagonally once
B( lt medium) cut (3) - 5 1/8'' x 5 1/8'' cut diagonally once
C(medium) cut (3) - 5 1/8'' x 5 1/8'' cut diagonally once

A(light)  cut (6) - 3 7/8'' x 3 7/8'' cut diagonally once
B( lt. medium)  cut (6) - 3 7/8'' x 3 7/8'' cut diagonally once
C(medium)  cut (6) - 3 7/8'' x 3 7/8'' cut diagonally once

The Snowman Applique pieces are cut using the templates supplied. If you are doing turned edge applique remember to add a 1/4'' to the template pieces before cutting them out. The pieces are reversed and can be downloaded in the PDF on Craftsy

Background:

Use a 1/4'' seam allowance.

Traditional Method
Step 1:



Sew one small triangle (B) to one diagonal edge of the large triangle (A); press toward the small triangle. See diagram 1.

diagram 1
 Sew the second small triangle (B) to the other diagonal edge of the large triangle (A) to make a flying-goose unit; press toward the small triangle. See diagram 1.
This makes one 3 1/2'' x 6 1/2'' goose. Make (6) BA units.

Step 2:
Repeat using small triangle (C) and large triangle (B). Make (6) CB units.
Repeat using small triangle (A) and large triangle (C). Make (6) AC units.

Step 3:
Join 3 BA units, see diagram 2. Make 2.

diagram 2

 Repeat using 3 CB units. Make 2.
Repeat using 3 AC units. Make 2.

Step 4:
Join as per diagram 3.

diagram 3

This completes the background.

Applique Snowman:

Use your favourite method for applique. Instructions follow for fused machine stitched applique.

Fusible Applique Method:

Step 1:
I like Lite Steam-A-Seam 2 because it leaves less weight in the finished product and it's a double sided fusible. Trace your pattern on the side of the paper where the fusible adheres to the paper more strongly (usually one side of the paper releases more easily than the other - trace on the side that does not release easily).
On the larger pieces, less fusible is needed making the finished center more pliable.
To do this, take your original tracing, and cut from the inside, approx 1/4" inside the traced line. Rough cut beyond the traced line on the outside of the fusible. See diagram 4 as an example of the letter 'J'.

diagram 4

Step 2:
Adhere to fabric as per package directions.
Cut on the traced lines.

Step 3:
Align the pieces using the placement guide. A light box or window help for proper placement.
Press to fuse as per your package instructions.

Step 4:
Machine stitch using your preferred stitch and settings. I like the buttonhole stitch myself.

I quilted a 1/4'' on each side of the chevrons and around all the elements in the snowman. 



Here are the blogs participating in the 12 Days of Christmas in July blog hop!

Friday, July 14th


Saturday, July 15th


Sunday, July 16th


Monday, July 17th


Tuesday, July 18th


Wednesday, July 19th


Thursday, July 20th


Friday, July 21st


Saturday, July 22nd













173 comments :

  1. Love this idea. I find too that unless I set deadlines, I don't get things done. I made a holiday pillow cover last year because I was doing a demo for a LQS and needed a project. I have 6 pillows on my couch, so I'm going to add this project for another cover. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  2. The hop has given me a much needed boost to get an early start on Christmas too. Great snowman cushion, I love snowmen. Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  3. Frosty is so cute, and to use him in the centre of JOY, beautiful, the chevrons add so much to each part of the sewing. I am on day 9, and have it almost all done, Whew, a deadline makes me work harder too.

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a cute pillow! I'm going to look up some fabrics to make this one for sure!
    ekmvalencia@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. ABSOLUTELY loving geese right now... what a great idea to applique over the top! Thank you for the inspiration. xo

    ReplyDelete
  6. Your snowman is so cute! Everybody loves Frosty!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank you for being part of the blog hop. I look forward to being a subscriber to your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I've never made a flying 'goose' and keep meaning to have a go as it doesn't appear to be difficult to sew - thanks for the tutorial - love visiting all these new blogs daily :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Adorable pillow - the grays are just perfect - who doesn't love snowmen!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love the snowman and how his scarf is blowing in the breeze! Great tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love snowmen and your pillow is just adorable! Thanks so much for the tutorial.

    ReplyDelete
  12. What a cute pattern! Glad that you were able to get a UFO done.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Adorable snowman! Thank you for the excellent tutorial. I find My writing / teaching technique must improve after finding all of these excellent tutorials in the hop!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Your creative and cute pattern will be a great addition to all holiday decorations. I am thinking that it would also be a great panel for a bag. Thanks for sharing. D. Weeks (aka Momma Llama)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Cute pillow--thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  16. What a darling pillow! I love snowman for Christmas because I can leave them out for the month of January. Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Great pillow, I like snowmen at Christmas because they can hang out in January also.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Oooh! That is so adorable!!! Thanks for sharing a great tutorial too!!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love snowmen. Thanks for the pattern and tutorial

    ReplyDelete
  20. Your snowman pillow is adorable. Thanks for the tutorial. mfhagopian@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. Karb328@aol.com18 July 2017 at 04:44

    Cuteness unlimited. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Thank you for a cute pattern!
    I really like the flying geese/chevron background!
    (When I downloaded the pattern, I found all the other wonderful patterns you offer!!... *Thank you!*. I've wanted to make a star in a star medallion, and your directions are great!)
    I'm following you now!
    Thank you, again!
    Pat T.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I love it!! I would make a wall hanging--good for the winter season, no just Christmas!
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Cindy, I adore this snowman. I already downloaded it. Thanks for sharing your talents with us blog hoppers.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Joyful! Thanks. Janice.snell@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. You can't go wrong with a snowman! Thanks for sharing such a cute pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  27. The pillow is adorable. I love snowmen.

    ReplyDelete
  28. That pillow is so cute! I love how the snowman becomes the letter O!!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I love snowmen and your pillow is really cute!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Nancy! Did you know you are a no-reply blogger?

      Delete
  30. Great pillows...it's now on my list! Thanx

    ReplyDelete
  31. Very fun, creative, and cute project! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Congratulations on the finish. Great job. Thanks for sharing the pattern with us for this terrific pillow.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Glad this project got you started on something you wanted to do. Thank you for sharing each step so it's easy to follow. momoftana at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  34. thanks for sharing , so many things to try for xmas gift giving . hjrogers@sympatico.ca

    ReplyDelete
  35. Love the idea. Thanks for posting.

    ReplyDelete
  36. I tested this project, but I'm not finished with the stitching of the applique yet. I thought it was perfect for my Mom - Joy. It will hang on her door at the nursing home come Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Oh...what a cute snowman (can they really be called cute?)! Thank you so much for the pattern.
    Debbie
    ollieami@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. This is adorable! I love the snowman, and the chevron background is perfect! Love the "Joy". Thanks for sharing a wonderful pattern!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Great pattern. I have a friend, who's family motto is 'Joy'. This will be perfect! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  40. I love your design and it is so sweet of you to have it as a free pattern on Craftsy.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Thanks for sharing your very cute pillow.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Such an adorable project, and I especially like that gray background.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Beautiful pillow! It is so festive! Perfect for the Christmas season.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Snowmen are my favorites and this is an adorable project. I would make it into a pillow...can't have too many pillows.

    ReplyDelete
  45. A special touch for the holidays

    ReplyDelete
  46. I have been meaning to make a pillow for the holiday also. Now I have the pattern, so I will get one done this year. Thanks for the cute pillow.

    ReplyDelete
  47. What a fun pillow - I love that idea

    ReplyDelete
  48. The pillow is adorable. Nicely done.

    ReplyDelete
  49. I love your pillow! It's darling. Thank you for the pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I just love snowmen and your pattern is too clever, using the little guy as the "O" in JOY. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  51. I like the snowman on the zigzag background.

    ReplyDelete
  52. This is so cute! Thank you for the pattern and the tute and the inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  53. very cute and a great idea for gifts.

    ReplyDelete
  54. This looks like a fun way to spread a little joy around the house. And one can leave them lying around longer than just Christmas time. kthurn(at)bektel(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  55. Really such a cute design! I don't do pillows but this will make an awesome wall hanging!

    ReplyDelete
  56. So sweet-wouldn't he be pretty in Christmas blues! Thank you for sharing, Susan

    ReplyDelete
  57. Oh I love the way his tummy makes the "O"

    ReplyDelete
  58. Thank you for the cute pattern. I hope it doesn't take me years to make...but it may not get done this year.

    ReplyDelete
  59. This pillow is adorable! Thank you for the pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Who can resist a snowman? Pillows are so much fun to whip up.
    tvonzalez at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  61. Cute idea. Lots of possibilities there!

    ReplyDelete
  62. He is so cute! Thanks for the tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
  63. Great idea and finishes to a lovely pillow,, or a bag or a table topper , etc.....
    Thanks for sharing.
    ejaneemerson@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  64. Thanks for the great tutorial. These will be on my bed this Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Beautiful pillow! I'm tagging this to come back to soon!

    ReplyDelete
  66. Great pattern, I'd like to do a wall hanging!

    ReplyDelete
  67. That is really cute. Thanks for sharing the pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  68. That is such a cute pillow!! Definitely on my 'to do' list.

    ReplyDelete
  69. your pillow is so wonderful. thank you for sharing the pattern and tutorial. guess what will be on our couch this Christmas?
    quilting dash lady at Comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  70. The snowman is lovely! Now let's see, a pillow or a wallhanging? Both so cute. Would make a great gift too.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Being a snowman lover I fell in love with him! Thanks for the pattern and tute on it, pinning for later on.

    ReplyDelete
  72. What a cute Snowman.
    Thanks,
    Peggy
    peggy_verdongibbs@att.net

    ReplyDelete
  73. I love how the word "JOY" envelopes the snowman!

    ReplyDelete
  74. Darling pillow, thanks for sharing with us.
    Swoot@att.net

    ReplyDelete
  75. Very cute pattern--and will last past Christmas!
    barbkaup(at)(yahoo)(dot)(com)

    ReplyDelete
  76. What a great pattern. I think I would use it as a wall hanging

    ReplyDelete
  77. Love the expression on that snowman's face. Very cute project. Now on my todo list!

    ReplyDelete
  78. Love this! Snowmen are a favorite of mine. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  79. Love the Snowman! Thanks for sharing!
    msstitcher1214@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  80. Very cute pillow and wall hanging. Thank you for the tutorial. On my blog left sidebar is an Email image link to my contact form.

    ReplyDelete
  81. Love snowmen, thanks for the tutorial!
    patsystitch@gvtc.com

    ReplyDelete
  82. Nice snowman! I particularly like the cushion - spmehow a snowman needs to be plump not flat.

    ReplyDelete
  83. Always like making pillow covers. One pillow many covers but I especially love snowmen.

    ReplyDelete
  84. Love the chevron with the Joy snowman pillow - thank you for the tutorial and pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  85. Love those chevrons. Subtle, but effective. Nice work.

    ReplyDelete
  86. Great tutorial. Anything with snowmen is right up my alley. Thank you and I love the chevrons.

    ReplyDelete
  87. I love your snowman pillow. I'm working on making a wall hanging every month for my mom's room in the nursing home. I think that will be my January block. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  88. What an adorable snowman....Thank you for the pattern. I could make something for the grands with this!

    ReplyDelete
  89. What a wonderful snowman and joy is one of my favorite Christmas word. Thanks so much.

    ReplyDelete
  90. What a darling pillow! I love snowmen, so this is right up my alley! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  91. Very cute pillow! I know just what you mean when you kind of plan something but don't get it done. Like my 4 th of July project and some of those ideas for Christmas...... have the patterns, fabric but it just doesn't get done....

    ReplyDelete
  92. I want to make this pillow. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  93. Your beautiful appliqué never fails to wow me Cindy. Your chevrons make me think of mountains behind the snowman. Beautiful double dose of inspiration you have today!

    ReplyDelete
  94. Love the joy overlay on this pillow. Great tutorial as well - thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  95. That's great, as a pillow or as a little wallhanging. Thank you so much for the pattern and the directions. dezertsuz at gmail

    ReplyDelete
  96. This is so cute! maryc76904 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  97. I haven't make pillow for several years. Thanks for the inspiration. I think it is high time to make some,

    ReplyDelete
  98. Love snowmen. Will do this for my daughter!

    ReplyDelete
  99. Cute pillow. I would like this as a mini for my sewing room wall.

    ReplyDelete
  100. Very cute snowman - thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  101. I can totally relate - it usually takes my guild's quilt show to get me to completely finish my quilts! Love the little snowman - thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  102. This is adorable! I'm so glad you were given the push and you accepted it. Thanks for sharing this!

    ReplyDelete
  103. Nice had to save this one love snow men tyty for the fun idea. . happyness04431@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  104. That's a cute idea - using the snowman's belly for the O in JOY!

    ReplyDelete
  105. An absolutely adorable pillow. So cute.

    ReplyDelete
  106. What a great design! So glad you decided to join the blog hop.

    ReplyDelete
  107. I love using the word "JOY" when decorating for Christmas, so this pillow is a definite to do (and I think I will make a couple of extras for gifts). I just love it. thank you so much for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  108. Nancy A: rangerer@sbcglobal.net18 July 2017 at 19:09

    that is so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  109. Snowmen are a favorite of mine and living in Iowa, we have many of them in the neighborhood! I would enjoy this as a wall-hanging in my home to bring joy all season long!

    ReplyDelete
  110. Thanks for making a project just for me!! I'm really enjoying the 12 Days of Christmas in July Blog Hop. Off to the next stop!

    ReplyDelete
  111. How can anyone not like a snowman who's full of JOY! So creative!

    ReplyDelete
  112. Your pillow is so cute! Thanks for the tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
  113. Love the snowman wall hanging! So cute!
    nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  114. That is so cute! Love the shadowing on the letters.

    ReplyDelete
  115. Awe. What a darling, joyful snowman. Thanks for the instructions.

    ReplyDelete
  116. Way cool design. Thanks for sharing it.

    ReplyDelete
  117. Love the snowman, and it's beautifully done. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  118. Congratulations on getting the pillow done, it looks great!

    ReplyDelete
  119. Your snowman looks so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  120. Thanks for this tutorial. Your pillow is darling. And it's funny how it sometimes takes an outside event (blog hop, the arrival of company, etc.) to get us to do something you'd think we would have done a long time ago.

    ReplyDelete
  121. A very neat pattern!!! Thank you.
    kcummings71@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  122. I love snowmen, just made 6 sets of 4 to sell at our quilt show. Thanks for the pattern. Jmikebalou(at) aol (dot)c0m

    ReplyDelete
  123. This pillow is perfect. Love the colors and the snowman.

    ReplyDelete
  124. I would love to make this for my granddaughter. Her middle name is Joy. I'm not very well versed in applique. How did you get the J and the Y to have that shadow look?

    ReplyDelete
  125. I love the zig zag background--fun!

    ReplyDelete
  126. Wonderful little snowman, but the zigzag background is brilliant! thanks! Cotten.gloria@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  127. Your snowman is a real joy. Nicely done and better late than never. :) Thank you for the tutorial.

    ReplyDelete
  128. Thank you for the wonderful snowman pattern -- especially for the wonderful directions available as a PDF. He is a great snowman and I especially like his grey background zigzags.

    ReplyDelete
  129. This is really fun , I love having special Christmas cushions. x

    ReplyDelete
  130. such an adorable snowman- great tute

    ReplyDelete
  131. What a cute pillow! Thanks for the tutorial. I find that I always accomplish more when I have a deadline, even though I don't like deadlines.

    ReplyDelete
  132. I LOVE YOUR PILLOW IT IS VERY FESTIVE. READINGTIRZAH AT YAHOO.COM

    ReplyDelete
  133. What an adorable pillow. A great addition to everyone's Christmas and winter decorations.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Snowmen are my favorite. This is a really cute idea. Thanks for participating.
      Pat

      Delete
  134. Love the chevrons in the background! I also really like the shadowed effect on your lettering, it adds so much to the design.

    ReplyDelete
  135. Love the gray fabric choices, what a great background for a snowman. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  136. I love this pillow! Snowmen are one of my favorite Christmas things. Thanks!

    Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

    ReplyDelete
  137. Your snowman is the cutest!
    Jeri Oldtisme@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  138. Love snowman what an awesome pattern🎄

    ReplyDelete
  139. I enjoy making pillows as gifts for Christmas and this will be one I add to my list. The snowman is so cute! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  140. Adorable!!! The tutorial is clear and easy to follow. Thank you, Cindy!!!

    ReplyDelete
  141. Thank you for such a cute idea! I love snowmen! This is definitely on my "Must Make" list!

    ReplyDelete
  142. What a great pillow idea - and great that you got that idea out of your head and into the real world. You'll enjoy it for Christmases to come!

    ReplyDelete
  143. This pillow is just adorable - so JOYful!!! Thanks for helping make the hop a success!!!

    ReplyDelete
  144. What a cute design!! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  145. Great work. The pillow is to cute for words! Thanks for the tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
  146. Great work. The pillow is to cute for words! Thanks for the tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
  147. I love it! The snowman is so adorable :)

    ReplyDelete
  148. I'm late to the party but just wanted to let you know that I LOVE this pillow pattern. It is absolutely wonderful! Thank you so much.

    ReplyDelete
  149. very nice Cindy. I love the zig zag background, and the snowman joy made me smile

    ReplyDelete
  150. I like the flying geese background!
    Shahann@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  151. What a c.u.t.e. pillow! I have to make this for my niece - she collects all things snowman. ~smile~ Roseanne

    ReplyDelete
  152. Your snowman is too cute! Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  153. Very cute! Thanks for the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  154. I love decorating with snowmen because I can leave them out a bit longer than Christmas decorations, and they're cute :)

    ReplyDelete
  155. A cute idea for a pillow! Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  156. So cute--I love anything with a snowman on it!!

    ReplyDelete
  157. Wow! Your snowman cushion is super cute. You sure came up with a great idea! So generous of you to share this beautiful tutorial!

    ReplyDelete

I love comments, however if you don't get a reply back from me it is because you may be a no-reply blogger. Hope you have a great day!