It is time to reveal the new “Follow Along with Phyllis” for 2018 and here it is! I have recently
been fascinated with two color quilts (especially red and white) so I decided it might be fun to make a medallion on that theme. This quilt is called “Twinkle Twinkle Many Stars”. The first Saturday in January (Jan. 6, 2018) we will start with the center Star of the East block and triple border. Then there will be four more months to complete each border of stars around it. I hope to have my quilt hanging in Wooden Spools by the end of next week (I’m just finishing the binding this weekend). Please stop in the shop to see it in person. I hope you will be inspired to join me in making your own Star quilt next year. I would also be happy to have you join me from other areas outside Denver and follow along through email and Wooden Spools Facebook page as some of you did last year. Here’s the link to sign up!
Now I want to share a few quick last-minute ideas for little Christmas quilts. Either of these would make a lovely hostess gift if you are attending a Holiday luncheon or dinner, or they would look great displayed in your home. The best part is that they are quick to make. These two ornament quilts to the left are each made from just one block and here are the simplified directions for the 8” block:
The center measures 6” x 6” finished and is made of 3 – 2.5” x 6.5” strips. From the cream cut 4 – 2.5” squares and sew them on the diagonal line and fold back to create the “corners” on the ornament. Also from the cream, cut 2-1.5” x 6.5” for side borders, 1-1.5” x 8.5” for the 
bottom and 2-1.5” x 3.5” pieces for the sides of the top and one 1” x 1.5” piece of cream and one of gold to make the top of the ornament. The drawing to the right may help you in putting it together. Now just quilt and bind it. I’m pretty sure that your Christmas fabric stash has plenty in it to make several of these. If not, you can always stop by your favorite quilt shop and pick up a little more.
Just to show you how a single block makes an adorable little quilt, here is a 12” Honeybee block made into a little quilt. It would look nice hung on the wall or placed on a table under a candle. I think this one is even faster and simpler. For the center, cut 6.5” x 6.5” from Christmas fabric. The cream borders are 2-3.5” x 6.5” and 2-3.5” x 12.5”. The green melons are appliqued any method you like, and you can draw your own that measure approximately 3” long x 1.25” wide.
Enjoy making these little gems.
Just for You – Quilt Quote “Friends are like threads of gold in the quilt of life.”
If you have any comments or questions, please contact Phyllis at: MtnQltr@aol.com