For the last couple of years I have been thinking about changing up our Christmas tree decor. We've had the same red, gold and white star-themed tree for the past 17 years and I am ready for a change! I actually can't believe it's been that long! So this year I decided to take the plunge and give our tree the little makeover it deserves. It was all inspired by this darling wrapping paper I found on a late night grocery run. I bought a few other ornaments, as well, and figured I'd try to re-use some of the other things I have.
Some of my favorite ornaments from our last tree were these red and white star ornaments. I bought them many years ago and always really liked them. They kind of suit me, don't you think?
But this year I want to use neutral colors so I remade them using some Essex Linen and solid cream fabric I had in my stash. Also, it looks like the edges of the red were appliqued on and if you're a quilter, you know there's no need for applique here! So today I have a tutorial on how to make similar ornaments (with no applique, these are traditionally pieced! :)
MATERIALS NEEDED:
yield: 1 ornament
2" x 14" cream strip of fabric
2-1/2" x 42" tan strip of fabric
5-1/4" x 5-1/4" square of batting
10" silk cording (1/8" diameter)
Note: RST = right sides together
CUT:
(1) 1-3/4" x 1-3/4" cream square
(8) 1-3/8" x 1-3/8" cream squares
(2) 2" x 2" tan squares (cut in half once on the diagonal)
(4) 1-3/8" x 2-1/4" tan rectangles
(4) 1-3/8" x 1-3/8" tan squares
(2) 1-1/4" x 4" tan rectangles
(2) 1-1/4" x 5-1/2" tan rectangles
ASSEMBLY:
1. Fold the 1-3/4" x 1-3/4" cream square in half both directions to mark the center of each side. Fold the tan triangles in half to mark the center of the long sides.
2. With RST, line up the center mark of a triangle with the center mark on the square. Sew together. Repeat on the opposite side. Press the seam allowances toward the triangles. Trim excess. Repeat on the remaining two sides of the square. Trim the block to 2-1/4" x 2-1/4". (This should leave 1/4" between the points of the cream square and the raw edge of the block. See photo below.) Set center block aside.
3. Place a 1-3/8" x 1-3/8" cream square on the left end of a 1-3/8" x 2-1/4" tan rectangle with RST. Sew on the square diagonally, as shown below. Trim 1/4" from the stitching line. Press the seam allowance toward the triangle. Repeat on the other end of the rectangle. Make 4 Flying Geese units.
4. Sew a Flying Geese unit onto opposite sides of the center block. Press the seam allowances open.
5. Sew a 1-3/8" x 1-3/8" tan square onto each end of the remaining 2 Flying Geese units. Press the seam allowances toward the squares.
6. Sew the units from step 5 onto the block. Press the seam allowances open.
7. Sew a 1-1/4" x 4" tan rectangle onto opposite sides of the star block. Press the seam allowances toward the rectangles. Sew a 1-1/4" x 5-1/2" tan rectangle to each of the other two sides of the block. Press the seam allowances toward the rectangles.
8. Place the 10" silk cording on top of the block as shown below (about 1/4" outside each seam on the border). Stitch ends in place.
9. Place the 5-1/2" x 5 1/2" tan square right side up on a table. Then place the star block on top of the tan square, right side down (make sure the stitches that secured down the cording are at the top edge). Then center the 5-1/4" x 5-1/4" batting on top of the block. Pin the 3 pieces together. Sew around the pieces leaving a small opening at the bottom.
10. Clip the corners to reduce bulk. Turn the ornament right side out. Use a dull instrument to poke out the corners. Press the edges. Stitch the opening shut with coordinating thread.
I can't wait to put up our Christmas tree this year to see my Farmhouse Christmas tree vision come together! Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you enjoy this tutorial. Please tag me on Instagram @gigis_thimble if you make some of these Quilty Farmhouse Ornaments!
I'd love to see them in your home!
~ Amber
