Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Christmas Keepsakes Blog Tour and Giveaway!!!

Today is my stop on the Christmas Keepsakes Blog Tour hosted by Shabby Fabrics.  This is their very first blog tour and I am so excited to be able to be a part of it!!  




Christmas Keepsakes is the new Block of the Month exclusive to Shabby Fabrics.  It is a 10 month program offered in both Laser Cut and Traditional Applique.    This  quilt measures 36" x 36" featuring 9 adorable eight inch appliqued blocks.   


As part of the hop, we were asked to play with a block or two and share our experiences of using Laser Cut Applique.   And let's just say, I love it!!!!   I got to work on the Bell and Gingerbread House blocks.  And didn't they turn out so cute!!!


So let me share with you a bit about my experience with Laser Cut Applique!!!   To start, I received two lovely packages in the mail.  Each package had a wonderful set of instructions, and when I turned them over, I shrieked!!!  Oh yes, those are all of the applique pieces already cut!!!   


I opened the package to find that not only are the pieces already perfectly cut out for you, they also have fusible web on the back of them.   So basically, I had to trim my block background to 8 1/2" square and head over to the ironing board.   So easy!!!



Using the position guide sent with the packet, I placed all of my applique onto the block.  



And then simply pressed and fused the applique in place.   So my applique was ready to stitch about 5 minutes after opening the package.   I am so loving Laser Cut Applique!!!



The Gingerbread House had a few more pieces to place so it took me maybe 8 minutes from the time I opened the packages.   I found it helpful to use a ruler to make sure my windows and doors were all aligned nice and straight.  



So with that, 15 minutes later I was ready to stitch, which is my favorite part of applique!!!  I decided to add my batting before secure stitching all my applique so that each piece would really pop.   



I opted for a blanket stitch in black.  I think the black really complemented all of these beautiful Christmas Fabrics ;)  I find secure stitching applique to be so relaxing.



And the gingerbread house was so much fun to stitch.   So many fun little pieces!!



After everything was stitched in place it was time to quilt the background.  I did a micro stipple to add lots of fun texture.  It's been a bit since I quilted something on my home machine, I was a little rusty ;)  



Then just trim the excess batting and add on all the perfect little finishes.   Buttons, ribbons, and stitching, oh my!!!   



Then a quick binding (using some of my leftover scrappy bindings :) and in a hour and a half  from start to finish, I had two adorable Christmas mini's!!!!    


The Bell!!



And the Gingerbread House!!


So ya, pretty safe to say that I am hooked on Laser-Cut Applique!!!  It takes out all of the not so fun part of applique and leaves you with the totally fun part!!!    I can't wait to do more!!


So if you want to give the Laser-Cut Applique a try, or if you want to do the Traditional Applique, here are a few more details on the quilt.  
size: 36” x 36”
sign-up cost: $10
Traditional: $14/month
Laser-cut: $17/month
US shipping: $3/month
International shipping: $7/month
10-month program
starts in January 2015
runs through October 2015

Be sure to follow along with all of the other stops along the blog hops way.   (There will be a giveaway at each stop!!!)

Monday, October 6th

Tuesday, October 7th
Wednesday, October 8th
Melissa @ Happy Quilting You are Here
Thursday, October 9th
And let's get to that Giveaway here!!!   Shabby Fabrics is giving away a $25.00 Gift Certificate to one lucky Happy Quilting Reader!!! 


To be entered to win, Simply leave me a comment telling me what your favorite block in this adorable Christmas Keepsakes Quilt is ;)    

That's it, super easy!!  One entry per person and international entries are welcome.  The giveaway will be open until October 15th, and I will announce a winner the morning of the 16th ;)

Thanks for stopping by and have a very Happy (and Merry) Quilting Day!!

Pin It!

231 comments:

  1. my fave block is the gingerbread house.

    ReplyDelete
  2. It's hard to choose a favorite block since they are all so pretty! I think the peppermint lollipop draws my eye more than any other block, though, so that's my pick!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hard to choose! I love the tree and lollipop blocks-think the lollipop is my favorite! This is an adorable quilt and looks fun to do.

    ReplyDelete
  4. They are all beautiful but my fav is the lollipop!

    ReplyDelete
  5. My favorite is the gingerbread house! Brings back memories of my childhood!
    emily@reznechek.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh gosh, I love them all. But since I have to choose just one .... the tree.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Gingerbread houses have always been a favorite. Thank you for your informative blog.

    ReplyDelete
  8. My favorite is the one with the tree in the sleigh. :) Your blocks turned out gorgeous. The black with the blanket stitching was the way to go!

    ReplyDelete
  9. That gingerbread house is beautiful! I've used laser cut applique on three projects and just love it!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I think I like the stocking the best. Very cute project. mcdowallrc@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. I really love this whole quilt - I don't think I can a favorite block! Your blocks are adorable. Thanks so much for the chance to win - and what a nice birthday present it would be for me (10/16)! ;-)
    Debby E
    samtaylorcjsmimi@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. I live the sleigh. I never really tried applique. but I will have to. ;)
    Thanks a lot!
    Greetings, Rike

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love the bell!
    doyleajackie at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  14. The gingerbread house is the cutest! Thanks for the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  15. It's really a toss up for me, I like the stocking, candy cane, and the wreath all equally! I love the entire collection though, especially that white scalloped inner border, what a great touch.
    ~Brandy
    pamperedpettit.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. I love the lollipop. Must be my sweet tooth talking.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I thought it was the candy cane or stocking until I saw your finished house! Love them all really.

    ReplyDelete
  18. From the picture of the entire project, it's a toss-up between the stocking and the gingerbread house, but once I see the blocks up close from each of the participants, whichever one they feature is my favorite. These are all really cute. Thanks for the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  19. My favorite is that lollipop block.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Lovin' that lollipop! It's so sweet ;)

    ReplyDelete
  21. I love the entire quilt, but the sleigh and the gingerbread house are my favorite blocks!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I love the red lollypop. So cute! peterstankovich@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  23. I love the gingerbread house! Ya know, I never make holiday things because by the time I think about it, it's too late, and if I think of it ahead of time, I put it off until it IS too late. This is a fabulous thing to do in one sitting. I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Someone asked this earlier, but I think that I've changed my mind. The gingerbread house is my new favorite now that I can see it up close. I love the roof!

    jhunsberger (at) gmail (d0t) c0m

    ReplyDelete
  25. All the blocks are so darn cute! I can't decide if I like the gingerbread house or sleigh more. You make laser-cut applique look so easy....I have never tried it. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  26. HI, all are so neat>I'll select the little Stocking!
    Thanks for your Blog+giveaway!

    msstitcher1214@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. My favorite is the house. Cozy and tasty!

    ReplyDelete
  28. It's so hard to choose but I think I like the gingerbread house the best. Gingerbread houses are one of most favorite parts of the Christmas holiday! You did such a beautiful job on both your blocks!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I love them all but the Candy Cane block is my favorite!

    ReplyDelete
  30. The blocks are all so cute but the lollipop is my favorite....

    ReplyDelete
  31. I love the gingerbread house!! I have all boys and over the years, it just seemed that gingerbread decorations (and cookies) fit our family better than anything else. So, we have gingerbread dishes, gingerbread ornaments, we always make gingerbread houses and gingerbread boy cookies. I would love to make this quilt, just for that gingerbread house block!

    ReplyDelete
  32. I love all of the blocks! I can't wait to make my own. I guess if I had to choose one, it would be the lollipop. Or the candy cane. Or the sleigh. I don't know! They're all just too darn cute! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  33. What a sweet group of blocks! The Gingerbread House is my favorite. Next in line is the Sleigh...

    ReplyDelete
  34. Thay are all so cute, but I have to say my favorite would be the adorable little Stocking. The candy cane is a close second. So cute!
    dragonfly9716 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  35. My favorite are the lollipop and the gingerbread house!! But all of them are very cute!

    ReplyDelete
  36. I think the bell is adorable. I like the idea of using one square as a mug rug to leave out treats for Santa.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Favorite block? Could be the candy cane ... or the stocking .... or the wreath .... or ... or ... or

    ReplyDelete
  38. oooo hard to answer as they are all super cute but the sleigh would be my personal fav! Awesomely nice quilt! mumbird3atgmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. The Gingerbread House is adorable but so is the Lollipop block!! (sandybailey55@hotmail.com)

    ReplyDelete
  40. I like all the blocks, but the sleigh and the lollipop are my favorites.

    ReplyDelete
  41. I love this quilt and my favorite blocks are the bell and the sleigh. Thanks!

    Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

    ReplyDelete
  42. The gingerbread house is my favorite. Just darling! Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  43. The Gingerbread House is my favorite, but each Block just warms my heart! Thank You for this Giveaway chance.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Love this and I've been trying to decide if I should sign up or not...thinking I have to, just wasn't sure about the laser applique. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  45. My favorite is the stocking. Laser cut applique sounds great!

    ReplyDelete
  46. The Gingerbread House is my favorite. Would love to do a wall hanging for my granddaughter, she would love each block. Thank you fro the generous giveaway.
    akk_nana@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. My favorite is the sleigh with the Christmas tree.
    thanks for the giveaway

    ReplyDelete
  48. It's a toss up for me between the gingerbread house and the lolipop. How fun!

    ReplyDelete
  49. They're all so cute, it's hard to decide. I definitely like the gingerbread house, the candy cane and the stocking the very best! Thanks for the chance at the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  50. The gingerbread house is my favorite.

    ReplyDelete
  51. How does one select only 1 favorite? They are all so darn cute and I'm having trouble doing that, so I have decided to assign each one as my favorite, depending on which one the individual bloggers are featuring that day. Since you have 2, my favorites for today are the Gingerbread House and the Bell, and that way I'm not limited to just one. Thank you so much for the giveaway opportunity. lv2bquilting2@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  52. the lollipop is so sweet,,, and the stocking.. oh and the house............too.. lol

    ReplyDelete
  53. My favorite is the Gingerbread House!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Love the bell. Thanks for the chance.

    ReplyDelete
  55. My favorite is the candy cane. Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  56. i love the sled and tree, thanks for the chance

    ReplyDelete
  57. The gingerbread house block is wonderful. Probably because for years, I've made and helped others make gingerbread houses out of dough and frosting where every piece of trim (candy) is edible. Would you believe I use fruit stripe gum for the shutters around the windows and make fences out of pretzels? I look at candy very differently when I shop at Christmas. I made a church one year that took me 2 weeks to decorate and I took lots of pics only to discover that none turned out (in the days before I had a digital camera). kthurn@bektel.com

    ReplyDelete
  58. All the blocks are adorable. My favorite is the Gingerbread House! I would love to try the laser cut/fusible kit. It looks like a whole lot of fun to make!

    ReplyDelete
  59. All the blocks are sooo cute, and your right, doesn't get much easier. Guess my favorite would be the Christmas ornament.

    ReplyDelete
  60. I'm waiting to see what the candy cane looks like up close. I love candy canes at Christmas. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Only one??? That is so hard! The sleigh is adorable, but so is the peppermint lolly...but the gingerbread house is too cute too!!! They are all wonderful! Fusible, my favorite way to applique!!!

    ReplyDelete
  62. I love the tree block. It will be fun to embellish with some fun buttons and decorative stitches.

    ReplyDelete
  63. The Gingerbread House is my favorite.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Such a pretty kit. My favorite (right now) is the sleigh.

    ReplyDelete
  65. My favorite block would have to be the sleigh. Great giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  66. So difficult to decide but if I have to pick just one, it would be the Christmas ornament :)

    ReplyDelete
  67. HI Cutie!! I especially love the black stitching on the gingerbread house: it adds such a homespun feel to it that is just perfect!! Hugs, H

    ReplyDelete
  68. The gingerbread house is adorable.

    ReplyDelete
  69. I love that lollipop What a beautiful quilt this will make

    ReplyDelete
  70. I have been so tempted to sign up for this one. My favourite block would have to be the sleigh.

    ReplyDelete
  71. This quilt is just gorgeous. My favourite block is the Gingerbread House.

    ReplyDelete
  72. Gingerbread house is totally it! My favorite:)
    Thank you Melissa for sharing, and for starting up Terrific Tuesday.

    ReplyDelete
  73. what a CUTE CUTE set, I like the gingerbread house is my favorite, they are all cute though.

    ReplyDelete
  74. So sweet!! I love the sleigh with the tree in it! thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  75. I think the gingerbread house - so many possibilities to play with. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  76. The whole quilt is adorable...my favorite is the lollipop.

    ReplyDelete
  77. it is gorgeous!!!!! but I am really drawn to the lollipop block

    ReplyDelete
  78. I would have to pick the lollipop block. It is just so cute. Thanks for sharing about this BOM.

    ReplyDelete
  79. My favorite block is the Christmas stocking...no, wait--the gingerbread house--and the lollipop...I can't decide! Love the details you show; this looks very do-able for me!

    ReplyDelete
  80. I love them all, but especially the ornament block.

    ReplyDelete
  81. I would choose the sleigh as my favorite block but they are all so pretty! Thanks for the giveaway and the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  82. I love the sleigh. Just needs santa siting atop the presents to make it perfect. (I have a tendency to alter designs)

    ReplyDelete
  83. They are all wonderful, if I'm forced to choose I would go with the ornament block!

    ReplyDelete
  84. I love the Gingerbread House the most!

    ReplyDelete
  85. I think the gingerbread house is my favorite.

    ReplyDelete
  86. Well now... the Christmas tree reminds me of years of picking out a tree in the forest and coming home to discover it looked like a Charlie Brown tree. The Gingerbread house reminds me of decorating gingerbread men and women with our families. The Sleigh reminds me of my Dad hitching up the horse and sleigh and bells and off we'd go for a ride!

    ReplyDelete
  87. Love the lollipop. I'm really thinking I need to sign up for this. Machine applique is my favorite thing to do.

    ReplyDelete
  88. that is a hard decision. I like the house, lollipop and the bell is cute too.

    ReplyDelete
  89. Those are so cute. The block that really grabbed my attention was the lolipop.

    ReplyDelete
  90. That gingerbread house is the cutest and my favorite!

    ReplyDelete
  91. Love the whole quilt, but my favorite is the gingerbread house.

    ReplyDelete
  92. I love the gingerbread house, with the lollypop coming in second.

    ReplyDelete
  93. I love the gingerbread house too. So pretty and you always quilt and sew so beautifully. Thank you for always sharing so freely of your talents. Thanks for a chance to win. I've also listed your giveaway on my giveaway list for sewers & quilters @ wowilikethat.com. Thanks again.

    ReplyDelete
  94. I like the sleigh the best. Really cute quilt!

    ReplyDelete
  95. I've always loved gingerbread men - so the gingerbread house is my pick for favorite

    ReplyDelete
  96. Christmas lollipop is the best but the sleigh is a close second. Thank you for hosting such a nice give away.

    ReplyDelete
  97. Your blocks turned out beautifully. You are inspiring me to machine applique (I have never done that) the kit I got from Shabby Fabrics -- the Little Blessings Pink Ribbon kit. I love the laser cut fusible applique -- that part is done as are the pinwheels, but I haven't done the applique. I really like the sweet candy cane in the Christmas BOM.

    ReplyDelete
  98. I can't decide whether I like the sleigh or the big lollipop better. It is a fun Christmas quilt.

    ReplyDelete
  99. I love the lollipop block. Can't wait to try the laser cut applique pieces.

    ReplyDelete
  100. My favorite block is the red bell with green ribbon...it's precious! I'm anxious to try laser cut applique!

    ReplyDelete
  101. I like them all and especially like the scallop edge. My favorite block is the sleigh with the tree.

    ReplyDelete
  102. My favorite block is the lollipop!

    ReplyDelete
  103. I love this quilt and the two beautiful blocks you made. My favorite is the stocking.

    ReplyDelete
  104. That quilt is beautiful. It's hard to pick a favorite, I like them all.

    ReplyDelete
  105. There isn't a block in this quilt that I don't like! You made my favorite - the gingerbread house - though the sleigh and the Christmas lollipop come in at second!

    ReplyDelete
  106. The entire quilt is adorable, but my favorite block is the candy cane.

    ReplyDelete
  107. Love alll the blocks really! :) But the Gingerbread House is definitely my very Favorite!

    ReplyDelete
  108. I love the tree block the best. I think that second best is the stocking. They are all so cute though.

    ReplyDelete
  109. I like them all but my favorite is the red & white lollipop.

    ReplyDelete
  110. The bell... the tree... the bell, the tree, ok ok The BELL is my favorite

    ReplyDelete
  111. They are all so cute! What's not to love?

    ReplyDelete
  112. It's hard to choose a favorite but I'll say the Candy Cane.

    ReplyDelete
  113. I love the candy cane block. I have a HUGE sweet tooth! :)

    Sandy A

    ReplyDelete
  114. I do like the candy cane block! thks pjrquilter@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  115. The blocks are all lovely but my favourite is the Gingerbread house.
    Pauline

    perry94022 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  116. Love the Gingerbread house. I love all things called house.

    ReplyDelete
  117. I am partial to the sleigh with the presents and tree.

    ReplyDelete
  118. I love the sleigh block the most!

    ReplyDelete
  119. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  120. I like the lollipop and the candy cane the best.

    ReplyDelete
  121. I really like the gingerbread house.

    ReplyDelete
  122. I like the lollipop block, but your gingerbread house is a close second.

    ReplyDelete
  123. Hard to choose just one. I like both the sled and gingerbread house.

    ReplyDelete
  124. My favorite block is the sleigh - it's so nostalgic. Thanks for the chance to win, and for sharing your delightful bock and your thoughts on laser-cut applique!

    ReplyDelete
  125. The complete quilt is so lovely, but my favorite block is Santas Sleigh.

    ReplyDelete
  126. Hello Melissa,

    I wish I had time to make this lovely applique wall hanging before christmas this year. I have decided to save the email in my safe keeping folder until I get a break so that I can make it for a friend for next years christmas. Normally I'm not into your hanging but for some strange reason it is speaking to me to make it. Thank you so much for sharing your lovely wall hanging. When I get around to making it I will send you a finished picture of it!.

    ReplyDelete
  127. I like the stocking the most! :)

    ReplyDelete
  128. I had already been thinking that the gingerbread house was the cutest of all those darling blocks, and your post absolutely confirmed it. Thanks for walking us through the process. I can't wait to try some laser cut applique--with every stop on this blog tour I am more tempted to sign up!

    ReplyDelete
  129. Hard to choose a favorite, I like the lollipop block.

    ReplyDelete
  130. This is such a darling BOM! Hard to pick a favorite! Maybe the lollipop!

    ReplyDelete
  131. It is a beautiful quilt, and your blocks are lovely. I think the gingerbreadhouse is my favorite.

    ReplyDelete
  132. I have to pick the lollipop; that swirl is irresistible!

    ReplyDelete
  133. My favorite block is the lollipop block.

    ReplyDelete
  134. My favorite is either the lollipop or the sleigh. Can't make up my mind...LOL.

    Thanks for the chance to win!!

    ReplyDelete
  135. Looks like a fun quilt! I really like the sleigh! Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  136. That is a darling quilt. I really like the lollipop! And the ball ornament, and the stocking.... LOL :)

    ReplyDelete
  137. It has to be the gingerbread house!

    ReplyDelete
  138. I really like the gingerbread house! I love all the cute little details on these blocks.

    ReplyDelete
  139. I "sew" agree with you laser cut are super and your gingerbread house is my favorite by far!

    ReplyDelete
  140. Oh that Gingerbread block is so sweet!!!

    ReplyDelete
  141. I love the Stocking block! and the Bell is a close second!

    ReplyDelete
  142. Call me traditional.... I think the candy cane block is adorable!!!
    Maxwell0521@yahoo.com
    Thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
  143. I love the swirly lollipop! Thanks for the chance!

    ReplyDelete
  144. I love the gingerbread house! Totes Adorbs :)

    ReplyDelete
  145. They are all so cute! And all work so well together! If I had to pick one though, I'd be the lollipop!

    ReplyDelete
  146. My favorite is the Christmas Sleigh! Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  147. My favourite (Canadian spelling) is the Christmas tree.

    ReplyDelete
  148. I like the gingerbread house. Its too cute. I haven't tried appliqué yet but this looks like something I can do. :). Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  149. I love the stocking! (But they are all crazy cute!!)

    ReplyDelete
  150. They are all so cute and i'm having a hard time choosing. My favorite is the sleigh, then the gingerbread house. Thanks for the chance on your wonderful giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  151. The candy cane is really cute and has a spiritual meaning. Thank you or participating in the tour for all of us to get acquainted with new quilters/sewers.

    ReplyDelete
  152. I think they are all cute! I love the stocking and the sleigh blocks the best.

    ReplyDelete
  153. Love the lolly and candy cane! I love the whole quilt…but really like the each one on their own.

    ReplyDelete
  154. I think my favorite block is the lollipop.

    ReplyDelete
  155. My favorite block is definitely the gingerbread house, it is too cute. All the blocks are darling, though!
    My email is: bestbelle2010@aol.com
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  156. I love them all but I would have to say the gingerbread house is my favorite.

    ReplyDelete
  157. Thank you...I love the gingerbread house!

    ReplyDelete
  158. I like the candy cane block
    cooladam1 at live dot com

    ReplyDelete
  159. All the blocks are adorable, my favorite is the gingerbread house

    ReplyDelete
  160. Your little blocks turned out adorable! Kind of hard to pick a favorite--- May have to just order the kit :-). The sleigh is pretty sweet looking

    ReplyDelete
  161. Adorable blocks! I like the sleigh the best :-)

    ReplyDelete
  162. I like your blocks but my favorite is the sleigh block.

    ReplyDelete
  163. My favorite is the ball ornament. Great job on getting it done so fast and machine quilting it!

    ReplyDelete
  164. I think my favorite would have to be the sleigh. Thanks so much for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  165. I like the gingerbread house the best, then the Christmas tree. I love them all.
    mtmom57@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  166. I love the tree and the candy cane!
    My appliqué experience is growing, and I can definitely see the ease of pre-fused appliqué for the quilter!
    reillyr2(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  167. Who doesn't adore a Christmas bauble x

    ReplyDelete
  168. The gingerbread house is my favorite.
    Thanks,
    Peggy
    peggy_verdongibbs@att.net

    ReplyDelete
  169. They are all lovely, but I think the sleigh is my favorite.

    ReplyDelete
  170. I think the Lollipop is just precious. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com

    ReplyDelete
  171. I like the candy cane a lot. thks pjrquilter@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  172. I really like the sleigh and the gingerbread house is adorable!

    ReplyDelete
  173. Lovely easy quilt to make. I like the sleigh block best.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for your sweet comments. I just love hearing from you!!
Have a Happy Quilting Day :)

Melissa