Saturday 24 November 2012

Yippeeeeee, it's finally completed - the big reveal - CQJP 2012 - Christmas Tree Skirt

Well G'day everyone.

Yes, I have finally finished my beautiful Christmas Tree skirt, and Yes, before Christmas 2012, and do you think I am happy with the result, I'm over the moon, I am thrilled it turned out so well.  So here are my last few steps for completion.

The last post on the skirt I had it basted, and ready for the blocks to be added after I had done some hand quilting.  The quilting was done, very little mind you, it really didn't need it. Then the blocks went on and the 12 meters of braid placed, pin and hand stitched down, and each block was finished with a button on the loop join, and the red trim on each block had gold feather stitch added.
I then pinned the rest of the gold trim and started stitching it all down, two days later......
What a job, my fingers are aching....
The I cut of the extra wadding, and the red background, pulled out most of the basting (except around the opening). Turned it over and hem stitched the rim down.
Cut the slit for the opening, hemmed it also and then added the Merry Christmas buttons.

So what do you think??????
She's now under the undecorated tree (will do that next weekend).
Thank you everyone for following my journey this year with this project, I'm just thrilled it's finished and under the tree.  Watch this space, I am seriously thinking of publishing a book with the construction of this wonderful project.
A few stastic's for you regarding this project: 12 months in the making, 165 -170 hours of work, all hand stitched except for adding the rim to the black skirt, and the construction of the 10 fan block bases and red edge on each. Each fan block averaged between 6 - 10 hours of embroidery, gold work and stumpwork.  12 meters of gold braid to finish skirt, and 4 rolls of red, and black sewing cotton. Along with 20 charms, beads, gold braid, and at least 12 gold buttons, and several meters of silk and satin ribbon. And lastly 3 Santa's helpers to do the basting of the skirt, Lyn, Barb and Diane, again all hand stitched. Almost forgot Carol, who supplied permanently the batting for the skirt (thanks Carol).

I hope you follow my next years project, a '12 days of Xmas' wall hanging.

Arlene

31 comments:

DUSTY said...

WOW !!! That is stunning !!

Nima said...

OMG...that is an amazing piece of work...great finishing...

Viv and Eddie said...

Fastastic Arlene! Well done on finishing this stunning work of art!

ozjane@gmail.com said...

Absolutely fabulous. I admire your invitation and dedication.
I will not feel quite the same about my batten burg tree skirt......LOL
Do write the book.

NickiLee said...

Congratulations Arlene! Incredible Fabulous and stunning work of art!

NickiLee said...

Congratulations Arlene! Fabulous! Incredible! Beautiful and Stunning piece of art!

Bear said...

Arlene
this is an absolutely beautiful Xmas Skirt, congratulations Beautiful!!!
love n hugs

Deb said...

Gorgeous; a shame to cover it up with all those gifts! :-) Really a beautiful heirloom.

Emily in NC said...

Absolutely stunning.

Shawkl said...

The end result is just beautiful...and I love the addition of the Merry Christmas buttons. Job well done my friend!
Kathy

Suztats said...

Your Christmas Tree Skirt is absolutely gorgeous! What a wonderful heirloom you've created, Arlene.
So much planning in the initial stages to realize this piece. Wow!

gocrazywithme said...

It's absolutely gorgeous, and you made it all in one year! That's incredible! Looks great under the tree already.

Cathy said...

Awesome, Arlene! Your tree skirt is gorgeous! Congratulations and ENJOY!! Hugs, Cathy

Anonymous said...

Marvelous!
Beryl

crazyQstitcher said...

Congratulations Arlene on completing the fabulous Tree Skirt. It is well worth the time you spent creating it and you must have derived much pleasure during the making.

Denise :) said...

Arlene, it's absolutely gorgeous -- you've done a marvelous job. It's a piece of stunning art! :)

Quayceetatter said...

Beautifully done and worth all your time and effort!!!

Diane said...

Marvellous to have it finished, and such a beautiful piece of work.
Diane in Ontario

Anonymous said...

This tree skirt is beautiful! Maybe you should put presents off to the side, it would be a shame to cover it up.
Marci

Arlene White said...

Thank you everyone for your comments, it is a joy to see it finally under the tree, and pretty much how I imagined it to be. There won't be any presents under our tree until Xmas eve, so no worries there everyone.

Thanks again.
Arlene

Annette said...

Well done, it looks fabulous..
hugs

margaret said...

what an achievement, such a journey we have been on with you amazing what you have created.

Cathy said...

That is gorgeous, Arlene. And, congrats on your CQJP finish. I was following along and will follow along with CQJP 2013.

Connie said...

Impressive!

Wendy said...

Stunning Arlene! You should be very proud of yourself and your tree skirt. Very beautiful indeed! I made my wall hanging this year and hope to make the skirt this year. Yours is such inspiration.

Marjolein said...

Congratulations, the skirt looks absolutely fabulous!

Carol said...

Well worth all the work you put into it Arlene. It's just gorgeous.

Jo said...

It's absolutely stunning, congratulations x

Jill said...

WOW...this is absolutely breath-taking! Your work is exquisite! Now you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor by seeing the skirt under your tree. I'm looking forward to your 12 Days of Christmas project in 2013 :)

Jen said...

Wow It is absolutely beautiful and lovely. Christmas fabric It looks amazing under the tree.So you should be very pleased.

Pamela Kellogg said...

Oh, that is absolutely stunning, breathtaking and beautiful!!!!!!

Pam