Merry July…and Sue, too!

Sweet Sue Tops The Tree, free on Craftsy

Recently, my 15-year-old commented on the absurdly early signs of Christmas shopping that are popping up here and there. It’s usually fantastically hot here in Texas and Christmas is a long, long way from most people’s minds. I’ve come to think of these uber-early retail nudges as Christmas leakage, which in my mind is any Christmas showing up pre-Thanksgiving!

The only exception for me is, of course, crafting! I explained to him that for crafters, Christmas in July is about giving yourself enough time to finish projects that you want to give as gifts. Some of us start long, long before July, but I think the countdown to completed projects starts about now! That, he agreed, makes much more sense than red & green twinkle lights at the mall when it’s over 100 degrees outside!

So, we have this conversation, and then I find out Craftsy is having a Christmas in July event…and that one of my free patterns, Sweet Sue Tops the Tree (seen at the top of this post), is featured…well, how fun is that!?

Sweet Sue’s new-found fame inspired me to do my own BIG Christmas in July post and share some Christmas & winter-themed patterns that I myself have designed.

Hey, well, they’re doing it, so why not me, right? 😉

Holly Jolly (Paper Pieced Pattern Set), $6.50 on Craftsy

Holly Jolly is part of Sunbonnet Sue’s Magical Friends. If you’re new around here, I’m somewhat Sue obsessed. Just recently, I’ve been updating my older Sue patterns as part of the Summer Sue Makeover.

Holly Jolly was in the update queue. No time like the present!

Here they are, updated for 2013 and ready for Christmas in July! Each of these patterns is now also available individually. This update includes not one, but two bonuses! Wee Lil’ Penguin now includes two sizes when purchased separately and there’s a new pattern not included with the set, Santa & His Bag.

Wee Lil’ Penguin, now in two sizes! $2 on Craftsy

It all started with a penguin! He was the very first pattern designed for Holly Jolly all those years ago. I always imagined that this little guy was on the ground, motioning Santa’s sleigh in for a safe landing.

Lil’ St. Nick (paper pieced), $2 on Craftsy

Here he is, St. Nick, ready to climb in his sleigh and deliver presents all over the world!

Lil’ Mrs. Claus, $2 on Craftsy

Where would Santa be without the Mrs. keeping him on his toes?

Santa’s Helper (paper pieced), $2 on Craftsy

I tried to come up with a sweet name for this little guy, but imagination failed me. In the end, he (or she, it’s hard to tell with the present blocking the view!) became Santa’s Little Helper.

Wonky Lil’ Christmas Tree, $2 on Craftsy

Where would Santa be without a Christmas tree?

Bonus Pattern: Santa & His Bag (Paper Pieced), $2 on Craftsy

Santa & His bag are a bonus pattern designed at the same time as Holly Jolly. He’s not included in the original set and is available only as an individual pattern.

Holiday House (paper pieced), free on Craftsy

I always imagined Holiday House as a supplement to Holly Jolly! I can just see Santa’s Little Helper standing next to the tree ready to deposit his gift! This wee house was designed for a Quilting Gallery event.

Sweet Skating Sue (paper pieced), free on Craftsy

Sweet Skating Sue was designed for an event over on Quilting Gallery for 2012. Not only is she a free pattern (and one I’m very fond of!), but I wrote a full, detailed paper piecing tutorial to go along with the pattern. See it here!

Topsy-Turvy Trees! (Paper Pieced), $9 on Craftsy

Topsy Turvy Trees was one of those doodles that insisted on being in fabric. It was fun digging out every bright green in my stash for this project. I love the lightning shapes between the trees. Hmm, I think I want to make another in batiks…

Tree Trimming, $8 on Craftsy

Tree Trimming is the gift that keeps on giving. I share it last for two reasons. One, it one of the earliest patterns I made available for sale and two, it has been a joy to teach. It’s an excellent beginner project for a class for both free-form and pre-cut paper piecing. I’ve seen this sweet wall hanging in every variety of fabrics you can imagine and many, many of my students have grown their very own “happy little trees!”

Happy, happy July! I hope you enjoyed this very unseasonable post. Be sure to visit Craftsy and see my pattern featured for their event!

And, because I just can’t help myself, a giveaway! Win a free signed copy of Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks, Vol 7. My very own design, Lemons Into Lemonade appears page 33. You can also see the quilt I designed around this block on page 10! To win, leave a comment and let me know know if you’re currently crafting for a holiday!

Gotta have a copy? I have a limited number available in my Etsy shop.

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Next Class:

Friday, August 2 –Beginning Paper Piecing @ The Stitching Studio; 9 am – 12 pm

$35 per person online or RSVP to pay cash at the door (cash or check only)

You will receive handout and pattern upon registration.

29 thoughts on “Merry July…and Sue, too!”

Darlington Delights July 22, 2013 at 12:06

I love Santa’s Helper. He is adorable! All of them are adorable, really! Thanks for sharing them with us!

Reply ↓

Laura July 22, 2013 at 12:25

No holiday crafting here yet. I have to get done with birthday season first!

Reply ↓

Deborah French July 22, 2013 at 15:27

Yes – I have started my Christmas crafting! As usual, I think my list of “to do” items is more than I can ever complete! I have been spending a lot of time getting ideas and inspiration from all the blogs / post that are available. I learn so much from others!
Well . . .Christmas is coming . . . I must go sew!!

Reply ↓

rosa July 22, 2013 at 15:57

Any of your pattern is just beautiful!My to do list is very big and I`d love to do a king size quilt.Thanks for the parrern

Reply ↓

Kathy A July 22, 2013 at 16:34

love your patterns. Santa’s helper is really cute. No start here for Christmas yet, but I better get started. lol

Reply ↓

craftytokyomama July 22, 2013 at 20:08

I’ve finished a couple of things for Christmas already, but am taking a break while traveling home for the summer. Sometimes it’s just nice to relax and not do anything. My batteries are always recharged and I am raring to go when I return home.

Reply ↓

barbara woods July 22, 2013 at 20:22

Love Christmas and ready to start

Reply ↓

susie q July 22, 2013 at 22:21

No Christmas crafting yet. Finishing up wedding presents as well as baby gifts.

Reply ↓

Nancy of IN July 23, 2013 at 08:26

I keep thinking I must start my youngest granddaughter’s needlepoint Christmas sock. I keep busy getting quilts and clothes.
Love the patterns

Reply ↓

Shawn July 23, 2013 at 09:56

Not right now, I am waiting for a book to come in the mail. Thanks for the giveaway.

(smjohns63 at yahoo dot com)

Reply ↓

Johanna Lovering July 23, 2013 at 16:45

No, I am not sewing for a holiday. It is so nice and hot outside and I don’t want to think about the holidays when it is cold and snowy! I have been working on fun small projects that I can complete quickly since I tend to be super busy driving my teenagers places during vacation.

Reply ↓

Robin B July 23, 2013 at 17:03

Love the tiny penguin 🙂 We made some polymer clay Halloween necklaces yesterday so I guess I have started (a little).

Reply ↓

Beth T. July 23, 2013 at 17:15

Yes, I’m working my way through my Christmas list, with an eye also on the February wedding of one of my dearest friends–when she’ll become step-mom to six boys/young men. Lots of welcome-to-the-family quilts to make. 🙂

Reply ↓

Margaret Parks July 23, 2013 at 17:18

Yes, I am sewing whenever I can , making Christmas gifts. Never enough time.
Love you designs.
Cheers
maggie

maggiemine42@gmail.com

Reply ↓

Julie McCluney July 23, 2013 at 17:24

I wish I were so organized and starting on holiday gifts but alas I am a PROcrastinator! I do Pintrest many ideas and dream a lot about all the hand made items I will be gifting at Christmas time … this year they will get done

Reply ↓

Sue July 23, 2013 at 18:59

My daughters keep signing me up to make baby shower gifts, so no chance to get at Christmas gifts yet. Soon, though, because I need lots of time! I love your Christmas patterns!

Reply ↓

Jan July 23, 2013 at 19:22

Actually, I am working on a 4th of July quilt but do have Christmas fabric ready to go.

Reply ↓

Dawn July 23, 2013 at 22:20

No Christmas gifts made yet, too busy with Dr Who and Harry Quilts , Love your patterns and Thankyou so much for sharing them with us

Reply ↓

Karrie Smith July 23, 2013 at 23:21

I’m making new stockings for my family 🙂 Thanks for the chance to win!

Reply ↓

usairdoll July 24, 2013 at 00:36

What super cute designs! You are so talented! Love all your designs!

Thank you for a super giveaway and a chance to win.

usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

Reply ↓

DebV July 24, 2013 at 05:42

I love the penguin – he just seems so happy. I have been making some QAL blocks in hopes of having them finished for both kids by Christmas. Thinking of the Dr. Who patterns, but have not done much embroidery. Thanks for the giveaway.

Reply ↓

Lori Smanski July 24, 2013 at 08:30

Yes I’d love to win. Your blocks are all so adorable, especially the penguin. I love them. I am not sewing yet for Christmas, that will come next month. Right now I am sewing for our vacation and a baby quilt for a new great nephew.

Reply ↓

Jennifer Ofenstein Post authorJuly 30, 2013 at 13:16

Hi Lori! You’re my winner for the signed copy of Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks! If you can drop me an email at sewhooked@gmail.com with your mailing address, I will get that in the mail to you. Congrats!

Reply ↓

Laura G July 25, 2013 at 02:57

I’m thinking very hard about my Christmas crafts. That is about as far as I will get fot a while; work gets in the way. I made sure to follow you on Craftsy since I saw the Project of Doom pattern. I know a few people who would love to get that under the tree.

Reply ↓

Pat V. July 25, 2013 at 12:22

I haven’t yet begun my holiday quilting. I do hope to finish some quilts in time for gift giving…

Reply ↓

Gwen Fisher July 25, 2013 at 14:22

Crocheting at this time..had 3 baby showers within weeks of each other. Love your designs an inspiration to paper piecing. Need to start quilting..miss it…should start Christmas stuff soon,however never do..work best under pressure

Reply ↓

Gail July 27, 2013 at 12:29

Love the Holiday house and Santa’s Helper!!!! I’m always looking for Christmas crafts but I haven’t started any yet. I’ve got valances to make for my sister that are WAY overdue, a Harry Potter purse to make for my granddaughter and several other things before Christmas crafts start!!!!

Reply ↓

Kelly July 27, 2013 at 19:27

Wow, thanks for the chance to win! Sadly I have been taking care of my husband (he is 35 and at stage 5 kidney failure), everything took a bad turn on June 11th, so since the he has had 6 surgeries and now we are taking a class so I can take care of his hemodialysis at home, so I haven’t done a thing for the holidays. I love the Christmas Sue and the evergreens!!! Thanks again for the chance.

Reply ↓

Nancy of IN July 28, 2013 at 07:20

If crafting means, sewing, knitting, needle pointing, and embroidery are crafting, then I do almost daily. Love the Sue’s. Do you have Harry Potter stuff?

Reply ↓

Darlington Delights July 22, 2013 at 12:06

I love Santa’s Helper. He is adorable! All of them are adorable, really! Thanks for sharing them with us!

Reply ↓
Laura July 22, 2013 at 12:25

No holiday crafting here yet. I have to get done with birthday season first!

Reply ↓
Deborah French July 22, 2013 at 15:27

Yes – I have started my Christmas crafting! As usual, I think my list of “to do” items is more than I can ever complete! I have been spending a lot of time getting ideas and inspiration from all the blogs / post that are available. I learn so much from others!
Well . . .Christmas is coming . . . I must go sew!!

Reply ↓
rosa July 22, 2013 at 15:57

Any of your pattern is just beautiful!My to do list is very big and I`d love to do a king size quilt.Thanks for the parrern

Reply ↓
Kathy A July 22, 2013 at 16:34

love your patterns. Santa’s helper is really cute. No start here for Christmas yet, but I better get started. lol

Reply ↓
craftytokyomama July 22, 2013 at 20:08

I’ve finished a couple of things for Christmas already, but am taking a break while traveling home for the summer. Sometimes it’s just nice to relax and not do anything. My batteries are always recharged and I am raring to go when I return home.

Reply ↓
barbara woods July 22, 2013 at 20:22

Love Christmas and ready to start

Reply ↓
susie q July 22, 2013 at 22:21

No Christmas crafting yet. Finishing up wedding presents as well as baby gifts.

Reply ↓
Nancy of IN July 23, 2013 at 08:26

I keep thinking I must start my youngest granddaughter’s needlepoint Christmas sock. I keep busy getting quilts and clothes.
Love the patterns

Reply ↓
Shawn July 23, 2013 at 09:56

Not right now, I am waiting for a book to come in the mail. Thanks for the giveaway.

(smjohns63 at yahoo dot com)

Reply ↓
Johanna Lovering July 23, 2013 at 16:45

No, I am not sewing for a holiday. It is so nice and hot outside and I don’t want to think about the holidays when it is cold and snowy! I have been working on fun small projects that I can complete quickly since I tend to be super busy driving my teenagers places during vacation.

Reply ↓
Robin B July 23, 2013 at 17:03

Love the tiny penguin 🙂 We made some polymer clay Halloween necklaces yesterday so I guess I have started (a little).

Reply ↓
Beth T. July 23, 2013 at 17:15

Yes, I’m working my way through my Christmas list, with an eye also on the February wedding of one of my dearest friends–when she’ll become step-mom to six boys/young men. Lots of welcome-to-the-family quilts to make. 🙂

Reply ↓
Margaret Parks July 23, 2013 at 17:18

Yes, I am sewing whenever I can , making Christmas gifts. Never enough time.
Love you designs.
Cheers
maggie

maggiemine42@gmail.com

Reply ↓
Julie McCluney July 23, 2013 at 17:24

I wish I were so organized and starting on holiday gifts but alas I am a PROcrastinator! I do Pintrest many ideas and dream a lot about all the hand made items I will be gifting at Christmas time … this year they will get done

Reply ↓
Sue July 23, 2013 at 18:59

My daughters keep signing me up to make baby shower gifts, so no chance to get at Christmas gifts yet. Soon, though, because I need lots of time! I love your Christmas patterns!

Reply ↓
Jan July 23, 2013 at 19:22

Actually, I am working on a 4th of July quilt but do have Christmas fabric ready to go.

Reply ↓
Dawn July 23, 2013 at 22:20

No Christmas gifts made yet, too busy with Dr Who and Harry Quilts , Love your patterns and Thankyou so much for sharing them with us

Reply ↓
Karrie Smith July 23, 2013 at 23:21

I’m making new stockings for my family 🙂 Thanks for the chance to win!

Reply ↓
usairdoll July 24, 2013 at 00:36

What super cute designs! You are so talented! Love all your designs!

Thank you for a super giveaway and a chance to win.

usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

Reply ↓
DebV July 24, 2013 at 05:42

I love the penguin – he just seems so happy. I have been making some QAL blocks in hopes of having them finished for both kids by Christmas. Thinking of the Dr. Who patterns, but have not done much embroidery. Thanks for the giveaway.

Reply ↓
Lori Smanski July 24, 2013 at 08:30

Yes I’d love to win. Your blocks are all so adorable, especially the penguin. I love them. I am not sewing yet for Christmas, that will come next month. Right now I am sewing for our vacation and a baby quilt for a new great nephew.

Reply ↓
1. Jennifer Ofenstein Post authorJuly 30, 2013 at 13:16
  
  Hi Lori! You’re my winner for the signed copy of Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks! If you can drop me an email at sewhooked@gmail.com with your mailing address, I will get that in the mail to you. Congrats!
  
  Reply ↓
Laura G July 25, 2013 at 02:57

I’m thinking very hard about my Christmas crafts. That is about as far as I will get fot a while; work gets in the way. I made sure to follow you on Craftsy since I saw the Project of Doom pattern. I know a few people who would love to get that under the tree.

Reply ↓
Pat V. July 25, 2013 at 12:22

I haven’t yet begun my holiday quilting. I do hope to finish some quilts in time for gift giving…

Reply ↓
Gwen Fisher July 25, 2013 at 14:22

Crocheting at this time..had 3 baby showers within weeks of each other. Love your designs an inspiration to paper piecing. Need to start quilting..miss it…should start Christmas stuff soon,however never do..work best under pressure

Reply ↓
Gail July 27, 2013 at 12:29

Love the Holiday house and Santa’s Helper!!!! I’m always looking for Christmas crafts but I haven’t started any yet. I’ve got valances to make for my sister that are WAY overdue, a Harry Potter purse to make for my granddaughter and several other things before Christmas crafts start!!!!

Reply ↓
Kelly July 27, 2013 at 19:27

Wow, thanks for the chance to win! Sadly I have been taking care of my husband (he is 35 and at stage 5 kidney failure), everything took a bad turn on June 11th, so since the he has had 6 surgeries and now we are taking a class so I can take care of his hemodialysis at home, so I haven’t done a thing for the holidays. I love the Christmas Sue and the evergreens!!! Thanks again for the chance.

Reply ↓
Nancy of IN July 28, 2013 at 07:20

If crafting means, sewing, knitting, needle pointing, and embroidery are crafting, then I do almost daily. Love the Sue’s. Do you have Harry Potter stuff?

Reply ↓