Well, this is it. My day to post a project!
Many of you visiting today probably know nothing about me, so let me introduce myself....
I am Terri Degenkolb, and this is my husband, Tom. I have been designing quilt patterns and books for almost 13 years, and quilting fabric for the past 9 years. Currently, I am starting work on fabric line number 12 with Red Rooster Fabrics. I've always been fascinated with the old crafts and have tried just about every type of project you can imagine, but my passion and style really falls somewhere between the traditional and the folk art.
My newest line of fabric, called Heart and Soul will be available in quilt shops in February. I called this line Heart and Soul because I felt like I put so much of myself into it. I had fun finding and coming up with the little quips about life and just love the way that the colors mix so well with all those Japanese prints that I like so much!
And my newest book is called If Quilt Could Talk. You can check this out on my website....
In addition to the one shown on the cover, these are just a few of the projects in the book...
I am actually excited today, because instead of sharing memories with you, I get to share a project! I'm calling this one Jolly Holly Placemats. I am including yardages for making either two or four placemats, so if you want to make only one, you'll have to do a little math. Same goes if you want to make eight, or ten.
These go together really quick, especially if you do your applique with fusible web. I like to have hand work ready to go, so I don't mind doing the applique by hand, but I know it's not for everyone. As another option, felted wool works great too!
I've used a mixture of fabrics from my fabric lines. The red is from Snow Wonderland, the beige is from Vintage Homestead, and the green dot fabric is from Heart and Soul.
Click the link for a printable pdf of Jolly Holly Placemats
I hope that you enjoy them! Please feel free to post pictures of your projects from the Cross Country Christmas Blog Hop on our Flickr page.... http://www.flickr.com/groups/1256651@N20/.
Oh, and everyone who leaves a comment for me will be entered into a drawing to win a fabric kit (including the rick rack and backing) for making 2 of the Jolly Holly Placemats! So be sure to let me know what you think!
Now, on to the topic of the day.... the first Christmas on my own.
I've covered a little of this in my post from Day 4 of the Blog Hop. Remember, the cats in the Christmas tree? That was my first Christmas in my own apartment away from my parents, and it was the first Christmas that Tom and I spent together as a married couple. Yes, those are the two rowdy kitties, Spatz and Whiskey!
All I have to say is that it was a great Christmas, the first of many that we've shared together!
'Nuff said! I'm done for the day! Don't forget to check out the rest of the blogs to see what they have to say about their first Christmas!
Happy Sewing!!!
I'm excited to try the Christmas placemat! Thanks so much. Your fabric is beautiful!
Posted by: Eileen Kane | November 16, 2009 at 06:12 AM
Thank you for the Christmas placemat pattern. I can't wait to make them.
I also use to have 3 cats and one of them every year use to go after one particular ornament.
Posted by: Sandi | November 16, 2009 at 06:15 AM
Love the placemats! This is just what I need to make for the table! Love your fabric too! Thanks so much! :0)
Posted by: Terry | November 16, 2009 at 06:17 AM
Love the placemats. Can always use them. Thanks. Cathy
Posted by: Cathy | November 16, 2009 at 06:22 AM
Hi Terri
Well it is 12.16am Tuesday 17/11/2009 we are a day ahead of you here in New Zealand or "downunder" as it is known.....and I should really be in bed asleep.
Thank you so much for sharing such a lovely project for the blog hop...it is much appreciated also looking forward to seeing your new book and fabric here in NZ.....
Many thanks
Chris...Wellington NZ
Posted by: Chris | November 16, 2009 at 06:22 AM
Awesome placemats! I love them! THank you!
And now to go sew . . .
Posted by: Quinta da Quilter | November 16, 2009 at 06:26 AM
I love these placemats! Thank you so much for a great pattern! I absolutely love your newest line of fabric, I hope it comes out in early February! I have to see your new book also; I have the other two and absolutely love them. I purchased the cat with sunflower panels and am working on a project with them! I love all of your creations--you are great!
Posted by: Barb | November 16, 2009 at 06:30 AM
I love that you can mix and match from your fabric lines. It looks like a fun project. Thanks. Kathie L.
Posted by: Kathryn Laposata | November 16, 2009 at 06:34 AM
Wow, everyday I am amazed at the projects you all are giving the rest of us. Your placements are so pretty. I don't think I would ever cover them up with plates.
Posted by: Carol T | November 16, 2009 at 06:35 AM
These are wonderful!
Posted by: Linda Lum DeBono | November 16, 2009 at 06:35 AM
lovely placemats. I am thinking of making just two of them, and use them as middles on the table, we will be a party of 7 or 8 on Christmas Eve, I will not have time to do one for everyone... :-) Thank you, Terri!
Kristina
Posted by: Kristina | November 16, 2009 at 06:37 AM
I think your placemats are very clever, love the rickrack!
Posted by: Thelma | November 16, 2009 at 06:38 AM
Terri,
Thank you for you beautiful Christmas placemats patterns. I was so excited to see
someone from Indy in this. I will have to start watching for your line in the quilt shop I go to.
Thanks
Posted by: Patti Fletcher | November 16, 2009 at 06:40 AM
Thanks for giving us a peek inside your newest book. Love it!
Posted by: Marty Mason | November 16, 2009 at 06:40 AM
OH THANK YOU!!!! I can get quite a few of these done in time for THIS Christmas!
Posted by: Jill | November 16, 2009 at 06:49 AM
I think this my favorite of the projects so far! I love your patterns...and have several of your books. Thank you for being involved in this!
Posted by: Pat Sajovie | November 16, 2009 at 06:51 AM
Love the placemat pattern and the fabric. Thanks so much for sharing your talent. It has been so much fun reading about each designer in the Christmas Blog Hop. I marked your blog in my favorites. Great way to keep up with what is new.
Posted by: cjknight_1@yahoo.com | November 16, 2009 at 06:52 AM
Great project, Terri. The placemats have that perfect bit of whimsy and are still traditional. Would love to win the kit. I think I have to go on a quest for some giant rick rack! Thanks for sharing with us.
Posted by: Sarah Vee | November 16, 2009 at 06:53 AM
Darling placemats...Great fabric choices.
Posted by: Covered Porches | November 16, 2009 at 06:53 AM
Really adorable placemats, thanks so much for the pattern.
Congratulations on the new book! I'm really liking your new fabric line and can't wait til February. Just Wonderful!
Posted by: Wendy | November 16, 2009 at 06:53 AM
Really like the new book from what I've seen, and the placemats with my favorite Jumbo Rick Rack are awesome!
Posted by: Sandie | November 16, 2009 at 06:54 AM
Thanks for the placemat pattern! I really like your new fabric and book, too!
Posted by: Kathy J | November 16, 2009 at 06:54 AM
I love this placemats. It's beautiful. I love that you added some hand embroidery. It really adds a lot to the placemats. I'm definitely going to make one of these.
Posted by: Ariane | November 16, 2009 at 06:55 AM
I adore your project!! But I really adore your Christmas card with your boys on the "path"....that is inspired ..and inspiring!
Posted by: eileen | November 16, 2009 at 06:56 AM
I love the placemat and since I enjoy working with wool felt, I may do mine in that (and have them just for "show" on the table.....will be too pretty to use....LOL) Thanks for this pattern...it's a nice one!
Posted by: Pat | November 16, 2009 at 06:57 AM
what a great project. Thanks!
Posted by: Jenny | November 16, 2009 at 06:58 AM
Your placemat is so sweet...I really like your designs.
Posted by: Carlie | November 16, 2009 at 07:01 AM
I like your new fabric line. The placemat is so sweet! Worth the math.
Posted by: Jean Etheridge | November 16, 2009 at 07:02 AM
Hi Terri! I love the placemats and I have made several quilts from your Pumpkin Spice book....thanks for the great designs!
Posted by: kathy | November 16, 2009 at 07:06 AM
Absolutely love the placemats - and such beautiful fabrics. I'm printing the instructions now! Thanks for being part of the blog hop!
Posted by: LaurieC | November 16, 2009 at 07:07 AM
great placemants...thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Kelly Ann | November 16, 2009 at 07:12 AM
Whimsical and Fun, just what I expected, and you didnt disappoint!! Placemats are adorable - I do have some of your fabrics I can use, but will have to pick up red for sure. Cute pic!!
Posted by: lovetostitch | November 16, 2009 at 07:12 AM
Love the placemats! And your fabrics are divine. These will be just the thing for the Christmas table, so thank you for the great pattern!
Posted by: Meredith | November 16, 2009 at 07:12 AM
CUTE!! I can't wait to make them. Thanks for sharing.
Cindi
Posted by: Cindi | November 16, 2009 at 07:14 AM
Great project! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Becky Gooch | November 16, 2009 at 07:14 AM
I love the placemats. A perfect quick project for the holidays! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Lynn Osborne | November 16, 2009 at 07:14 AM
Love the placemats! And your fabrics are divine!
Thanks for sharing.
Hugs
Posted by: Denyse Carvalho | November 16, 2009 at 07:17 AM
Very Whimsical! I love the look that you always seem to achieve. Thanks for all of your efforts.
Posted by: Pam | November 16, 2009 at 07:17 AM
Adorable placemats, a perfect gift! Thank You
Posted by: Kaye Bartolotti | November 16, 2009 at 07:18 AM
Very cute placements. Thanks for the PDF format...
Posted by: Michele | November 16, 2009 at 07:20 AM
Thank you. I can't wait to try these placemats! They are beautiful!
Posted by: Patricia | November 16, 2009 at 07:21 AM
Super project, thank you for sharing. All these Christmas projects are making me panic, haven't started my shopping yet!!
Posted by: Pam | November 16, 2009 at 07:22 AM
Hi, i love the patterns, beautiful. Thanks you i love the giveaway too.
javasa4@hotmail.com
Posted by: Maria Isabel | November 16, 2009 at 07:23 AM
Thanks for the wonderful holly placemat design/pattern! It's so festive and fun. : )
Posted by: Piecefully, Pam | November 16, 2009 at 07:23 AM
Love your pattern, I reall like it and the book too, my first christmas on my own was the time I live in the USA not with my family, I was working and I was alone at all, :( but it was fun!
Posted by: arlette | November 16, 2009 at 07:24 AM
I love the placemats and will definately put them on my to do list.
Pat
Posted by: Pat | November 16, 2009 at 07:26 AM
I just love using Rick Rack in projects. I have a huge roll of jumbo sized white. Maybe I'll tea dye some to make it khaki. Thanks for the cute placemats.
Posted by: Kitty | November 16, 2009 at 07:27 AM
Love the placemats. Can't wait to get started making them. Thanks for the PDF file.
Posted by: Nancy E | November 16, 2009 at 07:27 AM
What a great project. Thanks so much for sharing.
Posted by: Michelle R | November 16, 2009 at 07:28 AM
Oh--I just love holly at the holidays! Way to go Terri, you've outdone yourself. The fabric line is gorgeous, too...what a great combination.
Posted by: K Brown | November 16, 2009 at 07:29 AM