Joy to the World!

I'm a little slow in getting around to it but there were a few quilty gifts under the tree this year that have me tickled pink, not the least of which was the pattern for Halo by Jen Kingwell. This one is going to be another 'forever' project because I want to hand stitch it, but I don't mind - it's so wonderfully scrappy that it will be fun adding new bits and pieces over time.

It is included with nine other patterns in this little Jenny From One Block booklet, which is a great idea - no need for a full book.

Santa was very organized this year and in addition to delivering the pattern he came through with the acrylic pattern templates too. I could have drawn them up onto cardboard but what's Christmas without one or two special treats?

Many moons ago when I started quilting I spent hours tracing out pattern pieces before cutting them out. Rotary cutters changed much of that (thankfully!) but the curved pieces in this one meant that I had to figure out an alternative to all of that tracing.

I decided to see if a tiny rotary cutter would do the trick, so I picked one up on sale (28 mm) and took it for a spin. Works like a charm! The tighter arc is still a little tricky, but manageable, I just have to take my time. Thank heaven, because I didn't want to trace all those pieces - I'd never get this one finished.

Now to resist the temptation to go at this one whole hog. There are a few others that were in line first, but maybe it can be worked into the hand stitching rotation....M