A New Project

This past Christmas I got a new sewing machine.  I wanted to do a sewing project to break in the new machine, learn how to use it and try out some new techniques.  I chose to make a new Christmas tree skirt.  I've wanted to make a new one for years, but never found a pattern for one that I would want to look at every Christmas for at least the next 20 years-until now.  Here it is:

It was very labor intensive, that's why I gave myself 11 months to get it done.  I'm happy to say I finished it in about 6 weeks.  There are 160 holly leaves and 120 buttons and sequins sewn on.  I was able to try out machine blanket stitching, machine quilting and working with bindings for the first time.  I watched many instructional YouTube videos along the way.  I love how it turned out and I LOVE my new machine.  It's made me excited about sewing again.  Now I have to put the tree skirt in the Christmas box until December. :(