Christmas in July: Day One

The first step in getting ready for Christmas in July is to jump on the holiday spirit band wagon. The holiday season is defined by that feeling of warmth and happiness that suddenly sweeps over us the day of Thanksgiving and lingers in to the New Years. We know it is hard to create that feeling when your A/C is on full blast so here is what we have been singing in the store to get a little merry:

"Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way, oh what fun it is to open a box packed full of fabric, Hey!"

What’s another way to get in the holiday spirit? Schedule a day for yourself in your sewing room and call it your Christmas in July Quilt Day.

Christmas in July Quilt Day Must-Haves:

1. Make the room smell like Christmas - popular candle stores already have their Christmas selection out or maybe you have a candle leftover from last year.

2.What else makes a quilter happy and tastes like Christmas? Chocolate Fudge! Fudge is somehow a treat we tend to only make at Christmastime so it is a sure fire way to feel the spirit! Here is a simple recipe:

2 1/2 c Sugar
1/2 c Margarine or butter
2/3 c Evaporated milk
1 Jar (7 oz.) marshmallow creme
2 c Semi sweet chocolate chips
3/4 c Chopped walnuts - optional
1 ts VanillaIn large saucepan, combine sugar, margarine and evaporated milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add marshmallow creme and chocolate chips; blend until smooth. Stir in walnuts if desired. Pour mixture into buttered 13x9 pan and place in fridge. Now, lick the bowl! Yummy!

3. The final and most important step is to pick out a project for your Christmas in July Quilt Day! Here are a few new items this year that may satisfy your “quilt tooth:”

Be Merry is a great Christmas Kit. You can use it as a wall hanging or a comfy quilt for the staying warm on the couch in the winter. (Finishes 60"x75".)

Frosty Jolly is just adorable and will make you smile all season long! This is a great project to do with your quilt friends - it doesn't take up very much room so you can set up a few machines, eat fudge, and enjoy the day! Frosty Jolly makes a great coffee table topper or a gift for someone you really love!

We hope you are able to schedule a quilt day and enjoy your quilt friends! What do you do in your sewing room when you and your friends are getting ready for the holidays? Take some pictures and share them with us on our Facebook Page!

~QBTB

Christmas in July: Day One