Giveaway & tutorial coming soon
It’s a busy time of year, and I feel like I’ve been neglecting my blog followers. I am working on some fun things for you, though! I’m going to have a holiday giveaway and a new tutorial coming soon. I’m excited for both of these!
The giveaway will include some fun things that I’ve been stowing away all year and there will be two winners chosen. This is NOT happening today, but later next week. I’ll have all the details in the holiday giveaway blog post.
The tutorial I’m working on is SO perfect for the Winter season. But, I do need your help with one thing. I’m not sure what size to make it. I started this project with a long pillow in mind, similar to a bench pillow that would fit a 16″ x 26″ pillow form. It will look like the image below.
I feel like that size is very limiting. Would it be helpful to make a quilt block that is square? The size I have in mind for that is 16″ (finished). It would make a nice pillow or just a block that you could repeat in a quilt. It would look like this:
I might be opening a can of worms by asking what size you prefer – square or rectangle. I could also do both, but it will take a little longer to write up the instructions. That’s my conundrum for today! Feel free to leave a comment below and share your thoughts on that one.
Besides all that, I hope you’re having a good December so far. I’m getting ready for a house full of kids and grandkids beginning on December 22nd. They trickle in and they trickle out, but we’ll all overlap for a few days between Christmas and New Years. My oldest granddaughter asked if I would have a hot chocolate bar set up when they get here. Of course, I said! So, I purchased these adorable Snowman Shaped Kid Mugs from Pottery Barn Kids (on sale, no affiliation) which work just fine for adults, too. I found a tiered stand at Home Goods that fits the mugs and the hot chocolate fixings perfectly. Such a small addition to the kitchen that will put a big smile on the littles.
Make sure to check out my Spicy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe for an adult twist, and you can’t go wrong with the Pinwheel Star Placemats (pictured above). Also pictured above is my favorite breakfast of yogurt, fruit, and my homemade Maple Pecan Granola (the best!).
Thanks for reading! I’ll be back later this week with that new tutorial!
Hi Julie – I love your Blog! Though both cute, my vote would be for the 16″ square. I wish you and your family the blessings of the Season – Merry Christmas!
Hello Julie, I can honestly say that I have sewn both sizes of the pillows that you mentioned. I probably would prefer the 16″ square, though, because I could just put a couple together or just use one for a mini. The tree block is very cute! Have fun with your Hot Chocolate Bar and your grandkids!
I like the square block. I think it will allow for more and easier versatility to make all kinds of quilty things. Thank you!
I do love them both, but prefer the rectangle with 3 trees. Love your hot cocoa bar…adorable mugs too!
I think bench pillows are cute but have never had an interest in them (because of size/shape/storage capabilities). I vote for the 16” (or 18”). Looking forward to what you come up with. Haven’t made all your items but have enjoyed the ones I have made! (And thank you for them, BTW!)
I got interested in the bench pillows this year and made three so far for holidays. I vote for the bench pillows, the trees would look perfect for Christmas, and I’m thinking January too.
I like the three trees best. Thank you for doing this. I know that if you do both options I will too.
A very merry Christmas to you all!
I’d go with the square shape. Thanks for asking!
Kim
I am always drawn to tree blocks and quilts, the simplicity and color motivates me to seek creative presentations.
I think a bench pillow with 3 trees would be lovely.
Thank you.
Both options are great, but I usually prefer a square – more versatile. And 16” is a good size. Thanks
Hi Julie. I love the rectangle shape, but as soon as you said the square would make a nice pillow, my wheels started turning! I love the design!!
I like the rectangle shape! However, if you give instructions for the square, we could always add another tree to make the rectangle 🙂
Now I absolutely must have a hot cocoa bar for Christmas Eve! What an adorable set-up!
Julie,
Love your blog and your projects. You asked—–how about both? It would be great to have the flexibility to make this cute pillow a rectangle or square. Whatever you decide, it’s on my project 2024 list.
XOXO
Square blocks with Christmas trees would be really different and beautiful.
That would be my number one choice.
Can not wait to see what you come up with. Your color sense is
outstanding.
Happy Holidays
Antje Landanno
square=pillow
rectangle=quilt
Hi Julie, I think a 16″ block would be best for most people. They can always enlarge if needed or add an additional motif. I appreciate all your tutorials. The “cocoa bar” is very cute! You have some sophisticated grands! Merry Christmas!
I love the design, period. But I do prefer the bench size, since I need to choose
I love this pillow design, but have no bench or place fro a large bench pillow. What about a smaller rectangle size, say about 16” long and 10 or 12” high, a size to fit in a chair?
Square please! Thanks for sharing your many preparations. It was delightful to read. You have convinced me that I should get some granola for the first time in my life. I’ve been making yogurt in my Instant Pot for years. You might want to check that out, search for “cold start yogurt Frieda”. It’s easy, the only kind of “cooking” I do anymore. Merry Christmas to you and you family. I’ve enjoyed reading about your growing family over the past few years. My oldest grandchild came along at about the same time as yours. We are blessed, God bless you and your family.
I like the square pattern. Extra trees could be added to the side of the block to form the rectangle as well as a table runner. It’s a lovely design!
Both pillows are cute but I like the one with three trees best. Love your hot chocolate bar-such a great idea! I also really like your pinwheel placemat. Looking forward to the upcoming tutorial and giveaway.
Love, love, love the new design!! I like the 3 tree design, but I’d definitely do both. Perfect for the couch on one side & the loveseat on the other.
Enjoy your holidays,Julie.
Renee
I think the 12″ square would be great. I can see a quilt or table runner made up of these blocks. They are both adorable though and I would welcome whichever you choose to design for us.
BTW, your maple pecan granola is the BEST. It’s a favourite in my home as well as my son’s. Always some in the cupboard.
Definitely the rectangle. I like the balance of the three trees and I like that shape on a bed or as a support on a deep chair. Thanks for asking!
I like the square. Easy to add more trees on if we’d like a different shape. Have a lovely holiday Julie! Thanks for all your wonderful ideas!
I love the project. Like also having the 16 inch to use for a pillow or quilt. Enjoy your family and have a joyful holiday season.
A tough decision. I think both would be great. The square would be more versatile, but you can always make a square pillow using a quilt block. The rectangle would be something more unique.
I think I would prefer the 16 inch block! It will make a nice pillow. Thanks you.
Perhaps the 16” block would be more versatile. One could always find borders or other pieced blocks to make a long pillow style. I’m sure either way you decide will be enjoyed by so many.
Think the square pillow would be used more.
Cocoa bar so darn CUTE! Best wishes for your fun family time!
This block would make a terrific quilt!! I like the idea of a square block and maybe you could include the lengths for both trunks. That way we could group and vary the trees to make a quilt more interesting. Just a thought.
I have to admit that I like the rectangle the best….altho a square pillow form might be easier to find if you have to shop on the internet like I do from Alaska. I guess the only firm comment is that I like your winter trees.
I prefer the bench pillow design. And THANKS, for whichever tutorial you opt to offer!
I spent the afternoon making your terrific origami drawstring bags from last year. They are perfect for special hand wash I’m giving to my besties. Thanks for such clear instructions.
I prefer three trees, so the rectangle.
I like the block Julie. I think if offers more flexibility. You could do pillows, table runner, quilt or even a wall hanger. I like it.. :-))
I like the idea of a square block and maybe 3 of them would make a little longer bench pillow?
I like the square block — always love tree quilts!
Hi Julie! Love your great ideas. I would prefer a square version for pillows, thanks! All your ideas, recipes, etc are awesome, thank you for everything. You are very much appreciated!