The advent of a quilt - part one.....

I have talked a little about my quilt group's project for 2012. Every January, I pick a new theme project and everyone makes one of their own. I choose the theme of an advent quilt. First, I designed the quilt itself using the simple Attic Window block. The focus on this quilt is not the actual quilt but instead the little mini quilts that will hang from each window.

Here is the quilt which is hanging in my quilt studio as I finish my mini quilts...

I have stitched all the numbers and am embellishing each one with various trims, laces and buttons. Each mini quilt will hang from a button sewn above each Attic Window block. As each date of December arrives, you simply turn the correct number around to show a picture on the other side just like opening a window on an advent calendar. I am sharing the first ten blocks so far...

I had been wanting to add some touches of myself to the quilt. My mother nicknamed me Miss Pickles the Elf. So I decided that Miss Pickles will be helping out to count down the days until Christmas.

When Miss Pickles was a tiny elf going to elf school, she used to stop at each garden on the way to leave a little gift behind...a snow angel...

Miss Pickles is always willing to help out at Christmas. She will help you write a letter to Santa and send it on its way to the North Pole...

Here are the mini quilts from one through ten. The other blocks I have made following patterns various members submitted for the theme. There will be a mix of applique, patchwork and stitchery blocks...

Come by again soon for more of the advent mini quilts...

Heidi