Merry Mix

In addition to the Oh Christmas Tree Advent embroidery project, I also joined in the Merry Mix mystery quilt-along with Melanie Meyer @mellmeyer, a quilt-loving friend in Germany. My goal is a throw-sized quilt top (54″ x 66″) that coordinates with our other Christmas decor. Hubby and I worked together to choose fabrics, finally selecting these five (l-r): Kona Pewter and Quicksilver, Kona Emerald, Bella Solids Scuba, and Kona Wine.

I don't remember ever doing a quilt-along this quickly, so I'm excited for it and concerned just a bit about keeping up. But, the more community the better, right?  That said, I've successfully completed our assignments for Day 1 - some fabric cutting....

and Day 2, our first blocks!

I just received Day 3's task, and I see that quarter circles are involved. Uh-oh!

Oh Christmas Tree Advent

Though I know I'll be a little jealous as I see folks opening and sharing their sewing-related advent calendars, I decided that I'd instead, join in an advent stitch-along, and chose the design by Stitchdoodles. 

Based in Gloucester, UK, I went ahead and ordered the printed 100% ivory cotton fabric panel, which came backed with a calico fabric stabilizer. Each day, directions will be released for stitching one particular tree. 

I'm going to use my own thread stash, so I'll figure that out as we go. I'm thinking mostly greens and teals, and maybe a variety of threads - perle cotton, Aurifil 12wt and embroidery floss. But then again, we'll just see.

I did stitch tree #1 right on schedule using Aurifil 12wt for the tree and floss for the trunk. I'll be back periodically with status updates!