Holiday Quilts are so much fun! A few years back I joined the Holiday Patchwork Trees Quilt Along. This is a free pattern by Amy Smart of Diary of a Quilter. The trees are an easy introduction to improv piecing. You have a basic guideline that you are working within for the size & shape of the trees but there’s enough freedom to not be terribly concerned about a cut that goes a stray. It was so much fun! The trees are intentionally wonky and all different shapes & sizes. My quilt turned out nicely and it gets a lot of cuddle action on my couch.
Then one day last year I saw a gorgeous Bonnie and Camille version with white sashing between the blocks and I fell in love. This Spring I sat down with my basket of Bonnie and Camille fabrics sorted the low volumes, greens and reds and even ordered a few extra fat quarters to mix in.
It was the first time I re-made a quilt pattern. I did change it up quite a bit. Instead of wonky trees I decided to make myself a template and cut all the trees the same shape and size. I used a narrow sashing and gave the quilt a generous border in this great ornament fabric.
When it came time to quilt it I wanted to try wool batting. It looks so puffy and really shows off the Christmas lights edge to edge design that I chose. This is going to be even more snuggly than my first version! I used a flannel stripe for the binding, it’s so soft, I just love it!
This was my first time choosing wool batting. It adds loft without being heavy, breathes and wicks moisture away and gives the quilt a wonderful softness. It can be machine washed but this blend needs to avoid heat, so an air only cycle in the dryer, wool naturally dries quickly. I really am happy with how this one turned out.
Have you ever re-made a pattern in a different way? Do you have a Holiday quilt that would benefit from this cute Christmas Lights quilting design? I’d be happy to help you get your tops finished!