All of the pockets are attached! I need to sew the buttons onto the tree and finish off the ornaments.

The ornaments are a machine embroidery design from here. They’ve used velvet as the base whereas I have used felt, so I’m not sure how to cut the edges away (they used a candle and melted the edges, but I’m not sure if that would work with felt). I’ve made 8 so only 16 to go … (I am feeling positive that I will get it done in time).

This is the first time ever that the binding went on easily. I followed the instructions for a continuous binding from here.

The tree, stem and pot are free motion quilted and I used a hanging diamond pattern on the white background.

Here is a closer look …

The Star consists of a front and a back and I didn’t manage to sew them together very well.

Each pocket will have a number embroidered on it. I haven’t quite decided on the position of the pockets yet - the one above is just placed on the quilt.

I’m going to sew buttons onto the tree from which we can hang ornaments (they’ll be stored in the pockets).

The ornaments are going to like this …

The number is on the back of the ornament. There will also be a star, tree and stocking (so six of each type).

I still have all of the pockets and the ornaments to sew as well as quilting the base. So lots to do and not much time.

I’ve made another Notebook-Pencil-Holder.. I’ve altered the pattern a bit - I wanted to fit 12 pencils (rather than 10) and I wanted it to be a bit shorter. Instead of making the main pieces 40 by 28cm, I made them 46 by 25cm.

I used a medium weight interfacing this time and it worked much better. I think I will alter this pattern again to just make a simple pencil roll holder.

The tutorial is excellent - heaps of photos and easy to follow instructions.

I used an ‘iron on’ batting instead of interfacing because that is what I had on hand. It does make it a bit puffy and a bit tricky to sew around the edges. I will use interfacing next time. The fabric is from Amy Butler’s Charm range (I’m not sure if this fabric is available anymore).

The edges look very wobbly in the photo - it doesn’t look as bad in real life.

I found using a walking foot when sewing the pockets made things work a bit better - eliminated all of the puckers. I also used a top stitch needle.

I could only fit nine pencils in mine rather than ten, so I shall alter the measurements to make it wider. Plus I think it’s a bit tall for my book/pencils, so I shall make it a bit smaller and I shall place the ribbon ties in the middle.

So here are my measurements for next time:

Cover and Lining: 42cm by 25cm
Pocket: 42cm by 18cm.

I was surprised at how easy it was to make one of these. Definitely worth a go if you’re considering it.

and

I’m not sure if I’m sewing it together in the most efficient manner, but this way I can keep on top of which square belongs where.