Mini Quilt: Teddy Bear Advent Calendar

 

When I was in and about this Wednesday.  I finally finished bound off this mini quilt. ( Sorry, the image is off the level). The little teddy bears were hand-embroidered about 3 years ago when I was still lived in Iowa. I had most of free time to do the hand-embroidery and was learning  to quilt at that time as well.  During that time, my budget was very limited to purchase good quality fabric, so the fabric for the teddy bears was the most inexpensive bleached muslin. It has a lot more texture and the weight is thin compared to the Kona fabric that I use now.  I have been saving this piece for all these time, but actually almost donate it to the thrift store when we moved to North Dakota last year, but I packed it with other unfinished piles and moved. 

I didn't start quilting to began with because a quilt lady back in Iowa told me that I couldn't afford to purchase all the materials that I need for quilting. So,  I learned to embroidery before I learn how to quilt.  I didn't take any sewing lessons, but I read many blogs and tutorials on how to embroider and how to quilt for many years. Later on, I start received quilting and embroidery books as birthday presents . I am a lucky person who gets books that I enjoy and love!

So, here we go! We finally have an advent calendar of our own! I am pleased with the modern and cheerful look of the fabric that going around with the teddy bears. Part of the challenge for me was the layout of the quilt. After some arrangements, I decided to go simple squares from my scrap bin. 

The new free motion quilting that I have been trying is looping.  I am still very elementary on the machine quilting part, since I do most of my quilting by hands and Yes! If I have all the time I need I would hand-quilt this piece as well. 

It took me two days to decided on the binding fabric. I though something "Christmasy" would be great! I used Denyse Schmidt's FMF that I found awhile ago. It is the right colors and fits well with this piece.

 For the backing, I though of log cabin idea, but in an improvisation approach! My intention was  used scraps from the scrap bin. It is full and needs a good attention.

The little Teddy Bear is measure 2"x2". Yes! They are tiny, but adorable.! I remember I embroidered this piece during the holiday season as well. It was hung in the old apartment for months, but "decoration", but went down and put in the unfinished pile.  The scale of this mini quilt is 15"x18".

 With this finished calendar we are able to count down the merry holiday here!

This is the look of the backing! Very clean, but I though enough negative space and colors are fun together! Did you happen to see the Christmas tree?  That's my favorite part of this backing actually!

I came cross to this pattern from Pattern Bee about 3 years ago.  I used to order all my embroidery patterns from Pattern Bee . I cannot stop to tell you how much I love and wish that I could have all the mother goose patterns from that shop. Before finishing this mini quilt I went back and try to relocated this pattern, but I couldn't find it.  Last night, I email Vicki {the shop owner} with this mini quilt images and asked her if she could offer the pattern to the readers who stopped by my blog. Vicki replied that if you are interest in Teddy Bear Advent Calendar you can email her and she will send you a FREE PDF pattern.  Her email address is located on the left side of her blog bar.  If you ever make one Teddy Bear Advent Calendar, I love to see it as well!

Lately, it has been greatly accomplishments around here! Thanks to Amanda Jean { crazy mom quilts}for hosting the {finish it up Friday}. Although I am super behind my school works and my paper still isn't complete! but then .. I must do something crafty to relax! Sometimes, I really think my mind is set on the other side! I anticipate spend all my day in school studio today and listen to the merry music while I work. I knew it is going to be a quiet and productive day again!
On the side note, I will be participating SewMamaSew holiday giveaway  this coming Monday. I shall start my day here!  Have a great day on your side of the world!

xxC