I'm Just Sayin

Joyeaux Noel by Ricky Tims  
Click on quilt for full view.

It seems Christmas/holiday wall quilt patterns abound, but not so many patterns are available for full-sized bed quilts. In this case, the pattern is for a queen size bed. When I designed this, I wanted to focus on small pieces - not large length or pieces (like borders), but a quilt the could be made with scraps if desired and the border is built into the piecing design.

This one, the original, was made using my hand-dyed fabrics and I created a kit for it. However, for the time being, there are no hand-dyed fabrics. Still, the log cabin aspect lends itself to using all those wonderful fabrics in your own stash. In addition, the simple bow tie blocks for decoration add a nice bit of whimsy.

Sometimes people are surprised when I create something using traditional elements. But the more you follow me, the more you will know that I am inspired by quilting traditions and then… I just take a turn and put my own spin on them. While it’s far too late to do this quilt for 2020, you might consider grabbing the pattern and making it a project for 2021. If you only enjoy it for the eye-candy and something to brighten your days, I’ll be thankful. Be sure to give the jigsaw a try - I’m betting it will be harder than usual. Game on!

 TRY THE JIGSAW PUZZLE

Choose your own difficulty. Click the 9-patch grid to change number of pieces. Click the circle arrow to make the puzzle pieces rotating instead of stable orientation. Also, there are tips under the "?" on the upper right of the puzzle. If you'd like a full screen version, click the button below. Have fun!

Baby It's Cold Outside by Ricky Tims  
Click on quilt for full view.

The year 1991 was life-changing for me. I started quilting on my own little island, not really knowing any quilters, quilt shops, or quilt guilds. By that Fall I had met a quilter and was invited to a guild. I was absorbing as much as I could and I had learned foundation piecing - and crazy quilting. Early in December, I sketched (not a pattern) out this quilt thinking I could create a Santa, and to keep things not so complex, put him in the attic window setting so it would keep the paper piecing contained. As you see, he is looking inside to where it is cozy and warm...and yes, the title of the quilt is a nod to the song. 

Using scraps from my small meager stash (remember I was a newbie), I worked freely (no pattern) to create the the top. The four windows came together fairly easily because they were each separate self-contained units. It was the rest where things got a bit insane.The striped bulky thing is meant to be Sant's toy sack. I just keep going and sewing. I dyed the white fabric on the snowy hills with blueberries to create the effect I wanted.

I wanted to include Rudolf and as you see - I did. But looking back, the funny thing is… if I could, at random, by stewing and studying...figure out all this crazy patchwork…why couldn’t I figure out how to give Rudolf hind legs? I hope you get a kick out of that - no pun intended.

Have fun studying one of my first original quilt creations. In 2019, I finally released this as a pattern. It’s not as hard as it looks - but does take a bit of time.

 TRY THE JIGSAW PUZZLE

Choose your own difficulty. Click the 9-patch grid to change number of pieces. Click the circle arrow to make the puzzle pieces rotating instead of stable orientation. Also, there are tips under the "?" on the upper right of the puzzle. If you'd like a full screen version, click the button below. Have fun!

O Tannenbaum by Ricky Tims

In 2001 I was hankering to create a large wall quilt that had a seasonal feel to it. My criteria revolved around simplicity and speed. The idea of using large long strips came to mind - as well as my love for slicing and dicing - rearranging. O Tannenaum was the result. I also thought about the option that this could be THE tree for the home, in spaces where a tree might take up too much floor space. I can see it now…the quilt hung on the wall and a little hoard of gifts tucked along the bottom.

Don’t you just love finding hidden surprises in quilts? This quilt has a couple of fun secrets that will make you smile. Quilted under the tree are Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls left of the trunk, and a toy train is quilted to the right side of the trunk. Be sure to take a look at the close ups.

O Tannenbaum was my first holiday pattern. It is currently under revision and should be a hit for the 2021 season.

Click on any image to view detail. 

TRY THE JIGSAW PUZZLE

Choose your own difficulty. Click the 9-patch grid to change number of pieces. Click the circle arrow to make the puzzle pieces rotating instead of stable orientation. Also, there are tips under the "?" on the upper right of the puzzle. If you'd like a full screen version, click the button below. Have fun!

Holiday Charm Wreath by Ricky Tims  
Click on quilt for full view.

 TRY THE JIGSAW PUZZLE

Choose your own difficulty. Click the 9-patch grid to change number of pieces. Click the circle arrow to make the puzzle pieces rotating instead of stable orientation. Also, there are tips under the "?" on the upper right of the puzzle. If you'd like a full screen version, click the button below. Have fun!

Do you sing in a choir? Do you like to sing?

On my upcoming Christmas concert there is a brand new song on the program and I need singers to create a virtual sing-a-long!

If you can sing a melody, if you can carry a tune in a bucket, then you are wanted to submit your contribution.

Leave a comment below and I will send you the video link for rehearsal video along with instructions on how to record and submit. Deadline to submit is December 10, 2020, so we all have plenty of time to practice.  

Kids! Teens! Adults! Seniors! All are welcome!

Below - if you can't get the captcha (protective code word) to work, refresh and get a new one.

Let's do this!