Thursday, July 28, 2016

Christmas in July - Holiday Cheer

Welcome to my stop on the Benartex Christmas in July Blog Hop.  Benartex has so many fun collections coming out for the holidays it was hard to choose a favorite.  But when I saw the Holiday Cheer collection, I immediately had the perfect project in mind.



Bright colored candies and cocktail treats....This collection was screaming to be made into party napkins!  They are pretty easy to make so I thought I would include a tutorial in case you want to get started on your holiday sewing.

The first step is to get the fabric pre-washed (to remove shrinkage) and then pressed.  I use either starch or a starch alternative like Best Press to get it really nice and flat.


 You will want to remove the selvages and square up the pressed fabric to the size you desire.  
 
When cutting your fabric to size, you will need to compensate for the 2.5" you will lose in the finished edging. For my 14" napkins, I cut a 16.5" square.




 At your ironing board, fold down 1/4" and press to the wrong side around all 4 sides of the cloth..  I use a small ruler to help with this.  
You can also mark your fabric with a light pencil line on the wrong side if that is easiest to follow.  
(Using Best Press on this step will help to ensure the fold doesn't open up in handling.)




  Next, with the 1/4" still pressed down, you will fold in and press an additional 1" on all 4 sides of the cloth.  Once again, the use of starch or Best Press will keep the folds from opening up.


On a flat surface, open up the 1" fold but keep the 1/4" fold, down.  In the corners, draw a line at 45 degrees through where the fold marks intersect.  I use the 45 degree mark on my ruler to line up with either the edge of the cloth or the fold mark.  Remember to mark all four corners.



Now fold the corners right side together (keeping the 1/4" folded down).  The outer edge of the cloth should be lined up and come to a point. Sew on the pencil line, remembering to back stitch at the beginning and end of the stitch line.  Sew all four corners.
 
Trim the corner about 1/4" from the stitched line.  I may also trim away some of the bulk at the corner where the fold is to help keep the points sharp.
 Now just fold in and you will get a nice mitered corner with a sharp point.  I use one of my cutting rulers to slide into the point to push them all the way out.  Give all the edges another press.

At this point, you can choose not to line your napkins and just top stitch around the mitered edge (see below) - or you can get even more festive and line your napkins with a coordinating fabric.






I cut a 13" square and tucked it under the mitered edge.  I then pinned all the layers around the edge to make top stitching a little easier.
 
In a nice contrasting or complimentary thread (your choice), stitch along the inside fold about 1/16" from the edge.  Remember to backstitch when you start out.  To turn the corners, put the needle down right in the miter, lift the presser foot and turn. I also backstitch at the end.
And there you have it - fun holiday napkins!



Perfect little gifts for that favorite hostess...




 Or put them away for use at your own holiday party.  
Aren't the prints adorable in this Holiday Cheer collection!




So, I am not the only one featuring some great ideas for the new holiday collections by Benartex.  Check out what some of these other bloggers have come up with earlier this week.  You might even find a few giveaways there!

     Chris from made by ChrissieD, featuring Jolly Penguin and Friends
     Debby from Debby Kratovil Quilts, featuring My Little Chickadee
     Alison from Little Bunny Quilts, featuring Sparkle
And if you haven't already visited Benartex's Sew in Love {with Fabric} blog, be sure and head over for more information.



So did your ears perk up at the word giveaway?  Well, I am holding one too!  If you would like your own little fat quarter bundle of the Holiday Cheer collection I used in my napkins, you have two ways to enter.

1.  Just leave a comment below telling me what item you would make with this fabric.

2.  For a second entry, follow my blog through email or a blog reader like Bloglovin.  Just leave me a comment letting me know how you are following along. 

Quilting is more fun than Housework...

***This giveaway is closed. Good luck to all that entered!***

This giveaway is only open to US residents (sorry) and closes Monday August 1st 2016 at 12 noon (PST).  A winner will be chosen from the comments by random number generator and contacted through email.  So make sure I can contact you.  If you are not sure if you are set up as no-reply, please leave your email.  Giveaway bundles will be mailed directly from Benartex to the winner.

Good luck!


Linking Up:

Crazy Mom Quilts (Finish it up Friday)
A Quilted Passion 





206 comments:

1 – 200 of 206   Newer›   Newest»
Anonymous said...

I would add it to my already purchased fabrics that I'm going to make a Christmas quilt out of. Those a some really cute fabrics.

oceangirlaj@yahoo.com

Georgia said...

Love your festive napkins! Maybe I would make them or some placemats.

Charlene S said...

Our tree skirt is new every year since it is a piece of Christmas fabric bought that year. I gave away all the tree skirts I made.

Charlene S said...

I am a follower on blogger. I use this fabric to make Christmas stockings for my great-granddaughters and then start working my way up from youngest grandchild to oldest until I ran out of fabric. I have 17 living grandchildren.

Betsy said...

I have always wanted to make mite red napkins and that's what I would make for my daughter

Betsy said...

I'm already a follower on bloglovin

Kathy E. said...

Although I do love these great napkins, I've always wanted to make quilted stockings for my family to fill with goodies at Christmas time. So, I'd make sweet patchwork stockings!

Kathy E. said...

I am a Bloglovin' follower of yours!

Anna brown said...

I am going to make a holiday table runner....cut them into charm squares... happyness04431@yahoo.com

Jo said...

Thanks for the great tips with the napkins. They are a great idea. I think I will give them a go...

Anna brown said...

i got you on bloglovin... happyness04431@yahoo.com

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

Your napkins are so neat! I would make place mats with those fun fabrics!

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

I follow you on bloglovin!

rosemaryschild said...

I love your holiday napkins idea, I would make a Christmas table runner, as the one I have now needs to be retired (just a plain store bought one with poinsettas, which Is my favorite deco at Chrustmas). A quilted one would be just what I need-so pretty fabrics!

rosemaryschild said...

I am following you on bloglovin.

Anonymous said...

LOVE YOUR NAPKINS, WOULD MAKE CANDLE MATS IF LUCKY ENOUGH TO WIN THIS BUNDLE.
hjrogers@sympatico.ca
THANK-YOU FOR THE CHANCE JUDY

Jan @Cocoa Quilts said...

Love the napkins. I think I would do a table runner of some type.

Jan @Cocoa Quilts said...

Already following on Bloglovin

GranChris said...

I would use these for some ornament shaped placemats. Love your idea though.

Aimee said...

I would add this to fabrics I already have & eventually make another Christmas quilt. Thanks for the lovely giveaway

Aimee said...

Following you through email

Libby in TN said...

That's one of the nicer Christmas collections and I love what you did with it.

Libby in TN said...

I have you in my Blogger feed.

Rita said...

Live the napkins and it would make a great table runner. Scott_3508@netins.net
Follow on Bloglovin

darlene said...

I would make a tablerunner with those beautiful fabrics

Miriam said...

I would have to make those lined napkins. Great tutorial. All I have ever made have narrow hems or rolled hems with my serger. Those are very festive and elegant.

Miriam said...

I follow on Bloglovin.

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

Oh those are fun! I love the way you made them double sided. I might make some placemats to match the napkins!

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

I follow you on Bloglovin! :)

Susan L. said...

I love your napkin tute, so I would like to make some of those.

Susan L. said...

I follow you via Bloglovin'.

@lutzcats said...

I would go with a table runner, woyld look so go9d down the middle of my white Christmas table cloth!

Sewgirl said...

Thank you for the great tutorial. I had been wanting to make some fancy napkins just like those. This will be great. And love the beautiful fabric collection. Thanks for sharing the giveaway!

Sewgirl said...

I am a follower via Bloglovin!

Havplenty said...

A table runner and potholders are begging to be made with this beautiful fabric. I would want to see & use it the entire holiday season.

tushay3 (at) yahoo (dot) com

Havplenty said...

I follow your inspirational blog via Bloglovin. You provide so much inspiration and I truly enjoy your Scrap A Palooza offerings. Keep being creative and sharing your gifts.

tushay3 (at) yahoo (dot) com

Lori Smanski said...

I follow you on bloglovin

Lori Smanski said...

these are yummy fun fabrics. hmm, I think I would like to make a fun pillow

Chiska said...

I follow your blog through e-mail.

Chiska said...

I'm thinking it would be fun to make arunner--either for the table or the bed. So cute!

QuiltShopGal said...

I love to make Christmas quilts and this fabric is absolutely lovely. But your great tutorial has definitely inspired me to make some holiday napkins. Total #CreativeGoodness.

QuiltShopGal
www.quiltshopgal.com

QuiltShopGal said...

I follow Blogluvin.

QuiltShopGal
www.quiltshopgal.com

Sue Halter said...

I need a new topper for my dining room table. This collection would be great! Thanks for the chance to win.

Teresa S. said...

I think I would make napkins too. I really like the way you lined yours, they look much more professional than the ones I've made with just a hem!
tstanulis@verizon.net

Teresa S. said...

I follow you via Bloglovin' and Instagram (I'm @stitchingal there.)
tstanulis@verizon.net

Anonymous said...

This fabric would make beautiful table runners as gifts. Add matching napkins for a cocktail party!

Kathy
roadkids@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

FOLLOW YOU VIA GMAIL+BLOG LOVIN'!
msstitcher1214@gmail.com

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

HI,I' make a Christmas Table Runner with these beauties! Thanks for sharing on your Blog+the Giveaway! msstitcher1214@gmail.com

Linda Meyers-Gabbard said...

I would make Holiday Pillow Covers for my friends and family.

Linda Meyers-Gabbard said...

I am following ypu in Bloglovin as Linda Meyers-Gabbard

LeAnne said...

I'd make a Christmas tree skirt with this gorgeous fabric.

KMSC said...

Thank you for the napkin tutorial. The napkins would be great gifts. I would sew a holiday wall hanging with this festive fabric! Thanks so much for the giveaway!

KMSC said...

I follow your blog via Bloglovin.

Nancy said...

I would use this fabric to make napkins, as you have instructed in your tutorial. Nice tutorial!

Nancy _sue_ryan@yahoo.com

Nancy said...

I am following your blog through Bloglovin.

Nancy_sue_ryan@yahoo.com

Brenda said...

I need these for a Christmas quilt we are making in our guild!

Brenda said...

I joined the blog lovin and follow!

Michele T said...

Your napkins are perfectly festive!! I think I'd make some too... And my first thought is to give them away as a gift; however, they are so nice that I'd probably want to keep them for myself😉

Michele T said...

I follow you via Bloglovin, thanks for another chance...fingers crossed!!

Unknown said...

I am now following you on bloglovin!

Unknown said...

I would definitely make your little napkins. These are just so adorable and sweet. I love them!

Susan Stanton said...

I like your tutorial on how the miter the edges of the napkins. I'm going to try that. I haven't any napkins, so I think I would make the cute napkins just like yours!

Susan Stanton said...

I follow you by email.

Laura said...

I would like to make a new tree skirt.

Laura said...

I follow via Bloglovin

Lisa England said...

I might try napkins with your cool idea. Or possibly a table runner.

Lisa England said...

I follow via GFC.

cityquilter grace said...

what a fun collection! i am itching to make a wallhanging for my new apartment to decorate for the holidays! this would be sooo cute!

cityquilter grace said...

i'm an email follower! gracemth@yahoo.com

Beth said...

I follow you on bloglovin!

Beth said...

I love the way you do your corners on those napkins! I already have Christmas napkins, so I would either make them for my daughter or make a nice table runner.

Snoodles said...

I would definitely make the napkins....you're right, those fabrics are just perfect for that!

EllenB said...

I'd make a runner for the table used for desserts at the holidays. Great tutorial for adding the mitered border!

EllenB said...

I signed up to follow by email.

krazycat6@gmail.com said...

Really cute, thanks for the tutorial. Not sure what I would make with this collection at this time. Diane O

Kathleen said...

This was my favorite collection too!! I love that streamer fabric. I'd definitely make these napkins. Thanks for sharing!
kakingsbury at verizon dot net

Kathleen said...

I follow you via bloglovin. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
kakingsbury at verizon dot net

Vicki H said...

I would use them for Christmas stockings or a table runner.

Vicki H said...

I have been following with bloglovin.

Deb said...

I would love to make a newer Christmas tree skirt.

Deb said...

I follow on Bloglovin.

maureen said...

I love your napkins...and maybe a table runner to go with them??

Laura said...

Perfect for coasters and a little box or bag to put them in to be used as hostess gifts.

RosieGma said...

Oh I love how you mitered those corners...if I was to win I would make holiday napkins just as you have done....those are the cutest and best looking ones I have seen..thank you for the giveaway...and I also follow on bloglovin.....

scottylover said...

OOH! I always wondered how those corners were made! Thanks for the great tutorial. I would use this to make a stocking for a friend who loves martinis!

Thanks for the chance to win, too!
Sandy A

scottylover said...

I just added your blog to my BlogLovin feed!
Sandy A

WeedyMama said...

This is the first "Christmas in July" project I've seen that entices me.

I already follow on Bloglovin'

JANET said...

I follow on bloglovin.

JANET said...

Never thought of making my own napkins. Great Idea!!

Cecilia said...

I like the idea of making napkins! Thanks for following the great tutorial.

Cecilia said...

I follow via Bloglovin.

Anonymous said...

Would make mug rugs or coasters.

Janie said...

My daughter has stopped using paper towels and paper napkins. I would use this fabric to make her napkins using your tutorial. Thank you so much for the measurements, and the great details you used in the tutorial.

Anonymous said...

Follow via Bloglovin

Janie said...

I am a happy follower through e-mail.

Rochelle aka Bella Quilts said...

What a great tutorial. I love the napkins. I also have a pattern for Hot mitts that would be nice to use with this fabric. Thanks for a great tutorial.

Rochelle aka Bella Quilts said...

I follow you through Bloglovin.

Judy said...

I love how you made the napkins. I think, though, a lap quilt is what I would make.

Anonymous said...

I'd make placemats and napkins! Thanks for the great tutorial.
nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

Judy said...

I follow you on Bloglovin'

Anonymous said...

Follow you on bloglovin: Nicole Sender.
nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

Diane Beavers said...

Cynthia, thank you for the two sided festive napkin tutorial. I've only made the boring one sided. I love yours! So festive napkins I would have to make w/Holiday Cheer, and a mini to hang in my kitchen/dining area where all those festivities occur.

schimmel(dot)db(at)gmail(dot)com

Diane Beavers said...

Cynthia I follow you via Bloglovin.

schimmel(dot)db(at)gmail(dot)com

VickiT said...

Great tutorial for the napkins. Anyone can use new fun napkins for the holidays. I might consider making those if I were to be the lucky winner. But, I'm also thinking how much fun these fabrics would be to make some little snack mats/mug rugs for the holidays as well.

VickiT said...

I am already a follower of your blog via Bloglovin', as well as by email notification.

Amy's Crafty Shenanigans said...

Ooo - I think I wouls make napkins and maybe a table runner :) LOVE those motred corners!!!!

lalaluu said...

I follow you on Bloglovin (summer143).

lalaluu said...

I would make a festive tablerunner. It would work for christmas and new year's!

MissPat said...

Love this fabric line. I would make some napkins using your excellent tutorial. And maybe some coasters, too.

MissPat said...

I follow you by email.

Rosa said...

Your napkins are so gorgeous and would make a runner.

Rosa said...

Following you by GFC.

Emily said...

I love your napkins! If I were the lucky winner, I think I might make some. Or perhaps place mats. This collection looks like it belongs on a holiday table!

Emily said...

I follow you with bloglovin, though sometimes I just stop by! :)

Linda Williamson said...

I think the bright Christmas Holiday Cheer fabrics would make great stockings. Love this line. Thanks for the great giveaway. grinnie1961 at gmail dot com

Teresa said...

Love your napkins and this fabric is perfect for them!

Jane said...

Great tutorial and such FUN fabrics, especially the streamers and straws! Definitely have to find these at one of my local shops! Since I already have a tree skirt I'm most likely to use these fabrics to make totes and baskets for food gifts. Thanks for the inspiration and the chance for the give-away. (janeherbst at roadrunner dot com)

Jane said...

This is my first visit to your blog. I signed up to follow via email. Thanks for the great info! (janeherbst at roadrunner dot com)

dortha said...

Pretty fabric. I would make a table runner for Christmas.

Judy said...

Placemats would be my project of choice. Great collection!

Malinda said...

I love your napkins, I'd give them a try!

Janna said...

I love your napkins, I would love to make some of my own.

The Joyful Quilter said...

I would totally copy you and make a set of napkins for the holidays!!

Lee said...

I would love to make a tree skirt for my sister!

Lee said...

I follow w/ bloglovn! I love your napkins!

Kathy H said...

I would love to make some of those napkins but I would also like to make a new table topper for Christmas.

Anonymous said...

Really nice napkins. I would enjoy making some with those Christmas fabrics. Thinking of Christmas when it's 99 outside is a great idea! Lol!! Helen G. hrglover@hotmail.com

quiltingtn said...

I love this fabric line. I would probably make a table topper or runner with it. I would love to win it. Loved your tutorial on the napkins.

Joanna said...

I want to make your napkins and maybe some placemats, mugrugs or an apron to go with them. I'm bookmarking this tutorial for sure. Thanks.

Joanna said...

I'm following by email.

barbara woods said...

I would use it to make a Christmas quilt

barbara woods said...

Follow you by email

Maureen said...

The way you mitered the corners is so clever. And I would never have thought of lining the napkins. This tutorial is a keeper! A set of napkins will make a nice hostess gift.

quilter said...

Definitely a holiday table runner, beautiful fabric.
cork@pa.rr.com

Joye with an e said...

I would make runners for gifts. Thanks for the chance to win.
joyecox@yahoo.com

Betsy said...

Cute fabric. Would make great goody bags for a holiday party.

Betsy said...

I follow by email.

teachpany said...

I follow via Bloglovin. Cute project.

teachpany said...

This is a cute idea, and I would probably make a runner and apron to coordinate.

Judy Forkner said...

Napkins is such a good idea--I think that is what I'd make, too!

Judy Forkner said...

I follow you on blog login!

Unknown said...

I would make a chevron quilt using slightly large HST to show those gorgeous colors. Thanks for the chance to win beautiful fabric. momoftana at yahoo dot com

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Following on Blog Lovin

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

I love this fabric! Your napkins are a great idea. I'd probably make a table topper with it. It's so Cheerful!

Ellie said...

Love the napkins with the inserted lining fabric. Much better than the usual way of sewing and turning which does not give you a cute border. Will try this with the fabric.

Thanks

Barb N said...

Great tutorial! I think i'do make napkins just like yours so I could try that miter method. And have fun holiday napkins as a result :)

Anonymous said...

I follow along on Bloglovin' with email updates.

Barb said...

I would love to make a Christmas couch quilt out of this fabric. Thanks for the great giveaway.
betcrawford@verizon.net

Rosietoes said...

For the past 15 years, a group of 12 friends (call ourselves The Rat Pack), all get together for my annual Christmas Dinner. There is always something handcrafted by me waiting as a wrapped gift for each of them--there have been placemats, napkins, mug rugs, etc--and they are all appreciated. I have also presented each couple with a made-with-love quilt and they are displayed at their houses. I think this year I might make cocktail-sized napkins and a table runner for them. I love Benartex and wish everyone well in their chance of winning the bundle.

MaryBeth said...

I love, love, love that wonky red/green stripe! It would make a fantastic binding.

MaryBeth said...

I follow you on Bloglovin'.

apple blossom said...

I might make an apron maybe with the fabric. Love your Christmas fabric. Thanks for the chance to win

apple blossom said...

email subscriber thanks

Cathy L Wilson said...

I follow you on Blogloving
cathylouwilson@gmail.com

MtnJudy said...

These fabrics would make lovely fabric bins to give away as Christmas gifts!

Heather said...

I follow thru Feedly and Bloglovin'!

Heather said...

I think I would love to try your napkin technique. Any leftover fabrics would be added to a scrappy Christmas quilt!

Cathy L Wilson said...

I love your napkins and would love to try them if I'm the lucky winner!
cathylouwilson@gmail.com

Crafty Coffin said...

We use cloth napkins all year and I would love to steal your idea and tutorial to make my own fun Christmas ones. Thanks for the giveaway!

cjmont said...

i follow on blog lovin'.

cjmont said...

i would make a table runner, hot pads for the table, and coasters. the perfect gift for family and friends.

Linda M. Mundy said...

I like immediate (almost) gratification so I would make Mug Rugs and Coasters. Thank you for the opportunity. I follow your via email as lovelylinda1950@verizon.net.

gayle said...

I'm thinking table runners for each of my daughters - wouldn't that be pretty with these fabrics?

gayle said...

Oh, and I've been following you on Feedly since the day I found you!

Heidi said...

First, I would cut a few dots there for my Quilty365 quilt. THEN, I would make that martini it commemorates! Gift bags may seem too obvious, but would be fun to complete during your BagIt event!

Heidi said...

I follow by email. blogger too i think!

Donna W said...

I would make a Christmas table topper. And this fabric would be fantastic for it.

Donna W said...

I follow your blog via email.

Lynette said...

Hey! Nice napkins! Super tutorial, too - thanks for linking at TGIFF. :D

mangozz said...

I would love to make a wall hanging or runner and maybe pillowcases. Thanks. chocolatewiskers@aol.com

Nancy A: rangerer@sbcglobal.net said...

Actually, I like your napkins, and I really like the way you did the corners. I would make them for our middle daughter and her family. They use cloth napkins daily. I have made her lots of napkins, but haven't made Christmas ones yet.

Nancy A: rangerer@sbcglobal.net said...

I follow you by email.

Shawna said...

I follow you on bloglovin and would make those napkins. Too cute!

Anonymous said...

I would make coasters as party favors for our neighborhood Christmas party. And a set of napkins like you made for me. What fun! Thank you for the inspiration and chance to win.

Anonymous said...

I love most of those fabrics! I'd love to make an entire Christmas quilt with them. I suspect I missed the drawing deadline, though. =) I'll have to look for them at the shops. dezertsuz at gmail

eArThworm said...

Place mats and table runner for gifts.
lpatton@fsu.edu

Rebecca said...

I'm in need of a new Christmas table cloth, this would make a "fun" one for sure. thanks for the chance of thinking about cold in July....

Emily C said...

I would make some pillows.

Bonnie said...

Love your tutorial especially the mitered corners. Hum, if I were to win this fabric, I would have to spread it out, admire it and pet it before I could even consider using it! But I think it would make a fun table runner of some style...or napkins...or a wall hanging... or...

ShirleyC said...

Your napkins are so pretty! I would use this fabric to decorate some kitchen towels for gifts, mug rugs, and probably some appliques.

ShirleyC said...

Following on Bloglovin'.

Susan4cats said...

Such pretty fabric! I'm thinking mug rugs & maybe a tree skirt.

Susan4cats said...

I follow you on Bloglovin' & email.

Kathy L said...

I need a new tree skirt.

Cathy said...

Tree skirt for daughter or table runner for me. I like your napkin tutorial and will probably give that a try for all holidays.

Karen Rowland said...

New placemats.
sweetpeamarie2003@yahoo.com

Brandy said...

Wow, thank you for the tutorial. I would make my nieces some Santa Sacks for them to pack presents in for others. Gotta foster that sense of satisfaction from giving, right? If they didn't live two states away, I'd teach them how to make these great napkins!

~Brandy
brandizzle7133 at gmail dot com

aperry said...

I would begin working on my very first quilt.

aperry said...

I follow via bloglovin aperry23

rachel0 said...

I'd like to make a tree skirt with the quarters. I also saw a cute tutorial on little bags, which I think would be wonderful for waste-free Christmas presents!

Monica said...

I would make some Christmas mug rugs.

Unknown said...

I would either use it with some solids I have to make a runner for my sideboard or I'd make a tree skirt for the small tabletop tree in the dining room.

Unknown said...

I follow on Bloglovin.

Meghan said...

Love these prints, so cute!

rachel0 said...

following you on bloglovin' (rk ks)

Crystal K. said...

I would make some mug rugs.

Crystal K. said...

I following you on bloglovin.

https://www.bloglovin.com/people/thelittlegreenden-2980993

Darlene said...

I would make a quilt,

Darlene said...

I follow through Bloglovin

Darlene Owen

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