Happy Little Things Border & Finishing Instructions
Well guys, we’ve made it to December and the Happy Little Things Border & Finishing Instructions from Jacquelynne Steves are here! If you’ve been following along, you should have four blocks made and ready to be assembled into a quilt top. You can find out more details about this free block of the month by visiting Jacquelynne’s blog here, and you can still sign up here. This month we have another terrific giveaway, so keep reading to the end!
I’d like to thank Jacquelynne for another fabulous block of the month program. I know it takes a lot of work coordinating everything and everybody, and I appreciate it so much! It’s been a privilege being a participating blogger again this year.
Happy Little Things Border & Finishing
I have finished my mini version of Happy Little Things and renamed it “Winter Friends”. My quilt blocks finish at 6″ square and the quilt top measures approximately 23″ x 30″. It’s the perfect size for a wall hanging!
For my quilt, I’m using an older fabric collection titled Jingle Birds by Keiki for Moda Fabrics along with some of my own blenders. The main print is perfect for fussy cutting those little birds. I ran out of that fabric for the borders, so I had to substitute another. I ended up using cornerstones that I fussy cut from the main print.
FABRIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MINI VERSION. I was recently made aware that I never gave fabric requirements for the mini quilt. You’ll need 1/8 yard (or large scraps) of most fabrics except: black (1/4 yard), white (1/4 yard) and border (3/8 – 1/2 yard if fussy cutting).
I used machine applique with Heat ‘n Bond Lite (fusible web) for the letters. You can find a complete tutorial on my machine applique techniques here. I am providing the applique letter templates in my mini version cutting instructions (farther below in next section).
I always use a stabilizer on the back of my applique while stitching around the shapes. My favorite stabilizer is one that you can leave behind your applique shape such as Ricky Tims’ Stable Stuff or Quilter’s Select Print n Piece Fuse Lite. This makes your stitches even and gives your applique a slight lift. After you’re done stitching, you tear the stabilizer away from the outside of the applique only.
Mini version cutting instructions & applique templates
All of the assembly instructions are the same as the original, except I have substituted appliqued letters for the top and bottom pieced borders. Remember, you still need to sign up for Jacquelynne Steves’ block of the month here to get the complete directions.
You can download the finishing instructions and Winter Friends Applique templates here:
December Giveaway
This month’s giveaway is generously sponsored by Thermoweb. I love using their Heat’nBond Lite for all of my applique projects. I used it for my Winter Friends letters and it worked perfectly as always. This giveaway will remain open until Sunday, December 8, at midnight (PST).
To enter the giveaway, please leave a comment telling me anything you’d like!
NOTE: To leave a comment, make sure to scroll down to the bottom of this blog post (not from my home page), and look for the rectangle that says “Enter your comment here”. Please be sure that I can contact you immediately through your email. If I choose your name but cannot contact you immediately, I will choose another winner.
Here are the giveaway rules:
- To enter, leave a comment telling me anything you’d like.
- You must comment by 11:59 pm PST on Sunday, December 8, 2019.
- There is ONE prize per person per month (in other words, the same person cannot win two prizes within the same month.)
- Giveaway is open to ALL.
- Winner will be chosen at random.
Due to the high volume of comments, I won’t be able to reply to you (unless there is a direct question), but I will read each and every one. Thank you in advance for your participation and for leaving a comment.
Participating Bloggers
Make sure to visit all of the participating bloggers to see their version of Happy Little Things! You can also enter the giveaway on each respective blog so you have more chances to win.
- A Quilting Life https://www.aquiltinglife.com/
- Podunk Pretties http://podunkpretties.blogspot.com/
- The Crafty Quilter http://thecraftyquilter.com/ (you’re here)
- Flamingo Toes https://flamingotoes.com/
- Allie-Oops Sweet Happy Life http://allie-oopssweethappylife.blogspot.com/
- Happy Quilting Melissa http://www.happyquiltingmelissa.com/
- The Quilting Nook https://thequiltingnook.wordpress.com/
- Kathy’s Quilts https://kathysquilts.blogspot.com/
There is also a Facebook group where you can stay up to date and post photos:https://www.facebook.com/groups/SewQuiltyFriends.JacquelynneSteves/
If you use social media, please use the hashtags #HappyLittleThingsBOM and #HappyLittleThingsQuilt .
I love anything that reminds me of giving during this season. Thank you for this BOM
I just recently started using Sulky stabilizers when doing embroidery and applique and am amazed at the difference! I’ll have to check out the Ricky Tim’s and Quilter’s Select. The fussy cut, pudgy little birds in your mini version are so darn cute! Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
LOVE your wallhanging. Merry Christmas and a big THANK YOU for all you do on this blog. Wishing you many blessings in the New Year.
Wasn’t able to do the project upload thing, but was able to finish my goal of sewing 100 dresses for Dress A Girl around the World. Merry Christmas!
I’ve never made a seasonal quilt. This one is lovely
Thank you Julie for your beautiful inspiration your quilts are a beauty of art! Cherie
Your quilt is so cute, I really like the little size. I have enjoyed a lot of your activities this year, the disappearing 9 patch QAL, your UFO finishing challenge each month, all the cute photos, your busy book, and of course your sew thankful Sundays. Thanks for all of these things, I know a lot of effort goes into blogging and the events. Happy Holidays!
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing! Happy holidays
I thought I commented but I don’t see it, sorry if this is a duplicate! I love the little hanging and your fussy cutting just makes it perfect!
Thanks for all the wonderful giveaways! I do love this little quilt and the fussy cutting just makes it that much better!
Thank you for sharing your mini quilt instructions.
Birds
Love the way you finished your quilt.
I love how you used the bird fabrics because I feel like birds are my winter friends too. Thank you for the idea for another way to use fun fabrics!
Thank you for the chance to win!
I love your quilt border with the little birds in the corner!
I love your version of the quilt wall hanging, you are so crafty!
The wall hanging is adorable. Love the birdies!! I enjoy reading your blog. Thanks for sharing your creativity. It gives me so much motivation.
Love those sweet little birds.
Love it! Such a sweet holiday quilt.
So cute, those birds are really wonderful!
Your birdies in your quilt are so cute! Good job. It turned out great!
A lovely finish:)
Julie, Winter Friends is a precious reminder of an appliqué bird quilt nine of us quilters made in 1995!
It hangs in my family room and is a treasured reminder of Winter Friends of mine who have passed. Love your blocks and the birdie cornerstones are perfect touch! Happy Winter and Happy Holidays!
You’re winter friends quilt is so adorable–I love it! The cardinals have special meaning for me, as I recently lost my Father. A visiting cardinal on Thanksgiving morning reminded us that he is still with us in heart 🙂
Very nice Winter Friends quilt! We love watching the birds, and this quilt is a great keepsake!
I have never appliqued–I especially like your red letters for winter and friends. I would like to do my grand children’s names.
Your appliqué is so precise! You are a master of it. I will refer to your tips when my next appliqué comes around.
I haven’t done much in the way of fussy cut yet but I’m itching to. Your version is pretty.
shades000 at gmail dot com
I love the idea of using fussy cut prints for a quick quilt.
Happy Little Things has made me happy indeed! Thanks for your inspiration! I am just about to do my first machine applique and greatly appreciate the guidance you have given.
Julie, what a great interpretation. Love your use of the birds and the colors.
Your quilt is so so attractive! Your changes made a darling quilt into a unique and stunning one!
I love your theme and those adorable birds!
Thank-you Julie. I love your mini version. It is sweet!
I’m inspired to start doing more applique!
Your version is delightful! You’re so sweet to take the time to share your modifications. I wish life was less complicated and more people could find happiness.
I love your fussy cut birds. You made the quilt your own and it’s unique. Just lovely.
It’s been so fun seeing all the creativeness in this blog hop!
I love your mini quilt and plan to make it with snowman/penguin fabric! It’ll match my summer quilt!
I have to go back and find instructions for block 4–I must not have saved it!!
Lovely winter wall hanging.
Thank you so much for the tutorial on how to machine applique letters onto a quilt.
Thanks for sharing this fantastic BOM with us. I have so enjoyed watching you and all the others work.
Thanks for sharing this fantastic BOM experience with us. Have loved watching all the sites do their blocks – all so beautiful.
Thank you so much for the tutorial on how you machine applique letters on a quilt
I love that you added the words!
Your letters are perfect. Great color choices. Jmikebalou(at) aol (dot) com
Love your “Winter Friends” wall hanging.
Thanks for sharing your cute wall hanging. I really like the colorway you chose.
Love your “Winter Friends!” So cute!
I love your fussy cut bird centers! Those sweet birds really are winter friends that we look forward to seeing all season long. The colors are just perfect!
duchick at gmail dot com
I love your quilt and that it is not just for Christmas but all winter long.
Your version looks wonderful! I like quilts with a bird theme.
I do some applique — use the fusible and machine finishing.
Julie, I so love your works, so pretty and neat. I would love to have a longarm that really works, my is on the fritz. Merry Christmas
Good morning Julie, I love reading your emails so many wonderful projects.
I love your new one Winter Friends as I am a Winter….lol….have a wonderful day.
A lovely mini quilt!
Ooooh my goodness!! Your Quilt is soooo AWESOME!! (Thank you for showing how to applique letters!) LOVE your quilt..Beautiful!! Thank you too, for chance to win your Give-a-way 😀
The wall hanging is charming! I like how the black/white polka dot fabric sets off the other colors. But my favorite piece (don’t laugh) is that beautiful white-berries-on-red pillow! Red with white is one of my favorite color combos, and I’d really love to see what fabric you used on the opposite side.
I loved posting finished projects here during the year! Hope you do it again!
Love your variation of Jacqelyn’s pattern
Thanks for mentioning that you use a stabilizer behind. It really does work. I use a sulky product, just can’t remember the name.
Thank you for sharing your mini version of this. I love following your blog.
I enjoy doing fusible applique projects and heat n bond lite works great! [email protected]
Such a cute version of Happy Little Things!
Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family!
Love your patterns and instructions that are easy to follow!
A day to sew all alone
Great job putting together your latest project. Love it. Look foward to your messages. Merry Christmas, Karen ting
Love all your work. Would love to win the package. Thank you and God bless all your endeavors.
I would like to say THANK YOU to all you wonderful people that help us learn to quilt better. I am sure it must take a lot of time and effort and I want you to know how much I appreciate it. I love your stuff the best though 🙂
I enjoy receiving your posts and have gotten many ideas from them. Now to just find the time to make all those great projects.
I like the birds in the center of each block.
I love your mini version of Happy Things! Winter Friends is just perfect for this time of year!
Love your mini bird wall hanging. Just makes me smile. This BOM by Jacqueline has been fun.
Do you have fabric requirement page for your mini version of “Happy Little Things”? I can’t seem to find it anywhere.
Hi Vickie,
I did not provide fabric requirements, but here is a guideline: 1/8 yard of all fabrics, except black (1/4 yard), white (1/4 yard) and the border print (3/8 – 1/2 yard if fussy cutting).
Winter Friends. What a great idea. I have been trying to put an idea together for a small wall quilt for a friend. I was not able to decide how to put it together until I saw this cute design. Thank you so much.
I love the fussy cut birds as the cornerstones! A lovely wallhanging. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
I wish everyone could enjoy the beautiful fall day we’re having today. The air is cool, not cold, the sky is a beautiful blue with no clouds, the sun is shining brightly, and it’s only supposed be in the lower 60s today. An absolutely glorious day in southeast Texas. Wishing all a happy, safe holiday season with family and friends!
I would like to try the lite heat and bond. I usually use steam a seam with is more expensive.
I love the little jingle birdies on your winter friends quilt ! So cute.
Your quilt is lovely…
Love all the new blog listings!!
you did say anything well I wish for a new sewing machine mine has 9 million stiches on it and I would love the new Brother sewing machine even though it costs as much as a car