It is July and the dog days of summer are upon us.
Paul: Christmas? In July?
Me: Christmas in July. It is a statement, not a question.
Paul: Christmas in July is a thing?
Me: For quilters, yes it is. This is when we start our Christmas projects to have them completed by the holiday.
Meet Joyful.
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| Joyful |
This pattern was published in the Special Christmas Publication by Annie's Attic Quilting.
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| Published |
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| Special Publication |
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| Nine Festive Projects |
Originally designed with black accents, Joyful finishes at 51" by 53". Bright yellow replaced black in the actual quilt.
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| The Mock-Up in EQ8 |
I used leftover fabrics from Island Batik collections and Foundations. The background as well as the binding is Solid White. The batting for Joyful was provided (so very generously) by Hobbs. I used Thermore - it is my favorite, light batting.
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| Red and Green Island Batik Fabrics |
The stars are slightly improv resulting in uneven points for a twinkling effect. Do you see it?
It wouldn't be Christmas without a twinkle.
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| Work in progress |
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| Setting Triangles |
I completed, photographed and sent Joyful to Annie's last year. It was published recently but it is only now that the publication is available online. It is a good thing I am a patient person (AHEM)!
Honestly, there is so much going on at any time that there is no time to dwell upon any one thing. And if I must dwell upon anything (or anyone), it would be my model :-)
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| Beautiful Day, on the banks of Potomac |
It is not a surprise that he does the same, sometimes catching me mid-shot.
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| Seriously, Paul? |
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| I am Joyful |
Do you have any holiday projects in the works? Do let me know.
In other news (and there is plenty), I completed my Orange RSC blocks for June. Here they are in their juicy goodness.
Angela has announced that the color for July is Purple. I have gathered my Island Batik Purple scraps.
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| Purple for July - Island Batik Scraps |
We have received our Island Batik Ambassador boxes, the goodies and supplies for the second half of the year. I will be showing off those beauties soon in both still and video format. That blogpost is next. Stay tuned.
I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties, including Angela's. See full list on the sidebar.
Joyful is very pretty! I am working on a red & white wallhanging but it's not necessarily for Christmas. Happy stitching!
ReplyDeleteThe dog days are a month away yet, so it looks like a long summer! Joyful is indeed very joyful, and I can see that your model is very helpful. Congratulations on yet another great publication triumph! :)
ReplyDeleteJoyful is such a beauty!
ReplyDeleteJoyful is such a fresh, fun take on a holiday quilt! I think it’s very timely to be sharing that pattern this week because it would be perfect for Independence Day in red, white and blues.
ReplyDeleteJoyful is gorgeous (and so are you! ) The chrome yellow, which I usually find out of place in Christmas quilts, just lights this one up! You are a master of color, girl!
ReplyDeleteI like the twinkle in Joyful!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how long it takes for some quilts/patterns to be ready for their debut. Joyful is delightful and I really like the twinkle!
ReplyDeleteOhhh, I can see Joyful in your favorite colors for the Holiday of Light(s) and those oranges ... so tasty and refreshing looking.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the publication.
"Joyful" is a wonderful holiday design which could also be used any time of year with different fabrics. Fabulous
ReplyDeleteThe yellow accent makes Joyful truly "shine!" What a great array of fabrics and how wonderful we now get to see her!--TerryK@OnGoingProjects
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your publication. Love your orange blocks and of course the purples will make gorgeous ones too.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quilt!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous!! I think switching out the gold for those black squares was a great choice. It changes the whole thing. Congratulations on another publication!!
ReplyDeleteJoyful is a lovely pattern. I just bought the book. Thanks for sharing it through Annie's Attic. I think their publications are some of the best values in quilting, and I know you're definitely not getting rich there! It's an act of generosity to publish your excellent patterns there.
ReplyDeleteWe need some joy this July, and Joyful will help with that. Such a pretty design - and I do like your yellow cornerstones better than the black. Pretty oranges and purples for your RSC blocks, too!
ReplyDeletesuper nice quilt!
ReplyDeleteChristmas in July is much less stressful than closer to Christmas. Great Christmas quilt.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Christmas quilt!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great quilt. Well done.
ReplyDeletea beauty!! that is a great Christmas quilt!!!
ReplyDeleteI love Christmas in July! It is not just for quilters. This is when I work on the ornaments that I make for my grandchildren each year. I will be making a stocking this year too for the newest grandchild. I love that quilts. Your orange blocks are pretty and the purple fabrics are fantastic!
ReplyDeleteNo Christmas projects to share. There was a time, when I first started quilting, I thought it would be fun to make a new Christmas quilt each year. I think I managed two. :) Both are long gone.
ReplyDeleteJoyful is - well joyful. I love the how the yellow gives a sense of candles glowing in the window.
Hi Preeti, Joyful really lives up to its name :-) I have one panel quilt to make by Christmas - it was one of my SAHRR. I'm hoping to make the Cowboy one first and learn from it to finish the holiday one! Thanks for linking up to FM Mavericks! Take care.
ReplyDeleteLovely and fun quilt, I love the sparkling stars! Fun photo shoots, you are both great models ;)) Thank you for sharing this new pattern and linking up!
ReplyDeleteJoyful is eye-catching. Love the twinkles. I'm happy to hear you've been published again. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful, delightful quilt!
ReplyDeleteJoyful is a great name for that quilt,it just screams Christmas! Im in the process of tackling my scraps & there will be holiday quilts born amongst them soon 🤣
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the newly published pattern. It's very pretty, with lots of holiday charm. Love the pictures of your quilt holders. Happy stitching this summer.
ReplyDeletePretty quilt and so joyful! Thanks for sharing on my weekly show and tell, Wednesday Wait Loss.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.inquiringquilter.com/questions/2025/07/09/wednesday-wait-loss-440