To-Do for the week of Dec 7th-13th:
- Make progress on my Cardinal mini quilt. √Done
- Start working on a simple pink tote bag with a not-so-simple paper-pieced star on one side. √Done
- Start working on a Sew Tiny Christmas ornament. √Done
To-Do #1
I did finish my Cardinal block (pattern by DuringQuietTime on Etsy) and rather than turning it into a mini quilt this year (because I just don’t have time!), I sewed side and top/bottom borders on it and decided to wrap it around an 11″ by 14″ piece of art canvas using duct tape to secure it to the back. Lee Heinrich wrote a great post awhile back called How to Wrap Fabric Around a Frame. I opted not to use staples because I don’t want to put holes in the border fabric around the cardinal. Down the road, I will either make it into a mini quilt or I will pay to have it professionally stretched around canvas by my local art store, but for now I have a temporary solution that I will be able to enjoy this holiday season. I ended up using both the new Kona Cardinal fabric I ordered online as well as the Kona Chinese Red fabric in my stash. I love the background fabric, but I don’t remember any info about it. I’ve named this cardinal, Jackie’s Cardinal, in honor of my sister, who loved watching cardinals out her kitchen window.
![IMG_0760[1348]](https://quiltingisinmyblood.files.wordpress.com/2021/12/img_07601348.jpg)
To-Do #2
I made a VERY pink tote bag for Tasia at work who loves the color pink (much more than me, LOL). I drew her name for our gift exchange and thought it would be fun to make a tote to hold the little gifts I got for Tasia. I really like the Elemental Tote pattern by Jeni Baker but decided to make it a little more interesting by paper-piecing an inset star. I used the 8″ Shining Star pattern by JoeJuneandMae. Even though I’m generally not a big fan of the color pink, I do like how this tote bag turned out. I got the lovely print fabric from Bernie@NeedleandFoot’s Etsy shop. It is Clothworks Romance by Sue Zipkin. This print has a little red in with all the pink which adds some much needed visual complexity.
![IMG_0761[1350]](https://quiltingisinmyblood.files.wordpress.com/2021/12/img_07611350.jpg)
To-Do #3
I did the very tiny paper piecing for one pine tree ornament. The block measures 1.25″ square and will be 2.75″ with borders sewn on the block. All the inspiration and instructions come from the free Sew Tiny Ornament Sew-Along hosted by Kitty@nightquilter on Instagram. I pinned my teeny tiny pine tree block on a small design board with several cute felt ornaments–none made by me, but I may try making some felt ornaments next year.
![IMG_0766[1354]](https://quiltingisinmyblood.files.wordpress.com/2021/12/img_07661354.jpg)
To-Do for the week of Dec 14th-20th:
- Finish my Sew Tiny Pine Tree ornament.
- Make another pine tree block for a Sew Tiny Christmas ornament and add a little embroidery embellishment.
- Work on my 2022 Planning Party post.
Linking up with Texas Quilt Gal: To-Do Tuesday.
Quilting is in my Blood 
Your cardinal “art” is beautiful. Did you just glue it?
That tote is adorable, and such a great idea to make instead of wrapping gifts! The inset star makes it so special.
I’m looking forward to seeing your cute little pine tree ornament finished.
Thank you for linking to To Do Tuesday!
LikeLike
Beautiful cardinal and tote bag. Those tree ornaments are so cute.
LikeLike
What a great idea, wrapping the cardinal block around the canvas. I staple mine when I do them, but I understand about holes in the fabric. The ones I do have extra fabric that is intended for wrapping, if that makes sense. That bag is so pretty with that star center! Your little tree is darling, and I love all the other ornaments too!
LikeLike
The ornaments are adorable! Enjoyed seeing all your fun projects!
LikeLike
Hi Mary! That collection of ornaments is so fun. I had to do a double-take to look for your PP tree. It is so tiny and sweet. At its finished size it will look fab on your tree. That pink bag is PINK and so darling. I am 100% certain your coworker will just adore this bag, and it’s something that can be used and enjoyed over and over all year. Perfect gift, I think! Finally, that cardinal is just gorgeous. A perfectly fitting reminder of your sister, Jackie. I know she’s sending you lots of love over the pretty piece. Good luck with this week’s list! {{Hugs}} ~smile~ Roseanne
LikeLike
The cardinal looks great stretched across the frame, that’s a perfect solution so you can enjoy it now. And I’m not a huge fan of pink either but have learned to embrace it because of my nieces. I think your coworker is going to really appreciate the bag, it looks like it is a great size and will come in super handy for her.
LikeLike
Hi Mary — beautiful cardinal and totebag! I love paper piecing projects, I’ll have to check out Amy’s site and purchase the cardinal. Merry Christmas!
LikeLike
Your cardinal mini is beautiful, Mary, and that’s a great way to finish it, even if just temporary. I’m not really a pink person either, but what a great gift that tote bag will be – sounds perfect for your workmate! Have fun finishing off the tiny tree ornament, too!
LikeLike
Those ornaments are delightful! Thanks for linking up with Elm Street Quilts One Monthly Goal and Happy New Year!
LikeLike