I feel very fortunate to have my pick of lovely patchwork shops within easy driving distance so what could be better than that? A shop totally devoted to Christmas, that's what!
I knew Michelle had opened The Christmas Beetle but it took me a little while to venture inside - sometimes it's best to avoid temptation. There were gorgeous decorations everywhere but I was focussed on looking for a new tree. Not to big and not too small.
This one was perfect - the size and arrangement of branches was just what I was after, the base was sturdy making it ideal for displays (you don't want your tree toppling over on a customer) but not that attractive.
So what to do. Something to cover it up. With thoughts and ideas for a new tree skirt buzzing around in my head I remembered the one I started last year and tossed aside when it didn't work first time.
I thought I would give it a second chance, easier and quicker to see if it was fixable than design and make a new one from scratch. With so many segments there is no room for error, 100% accuracy was essential and I was just a fraction out. A fraction out on a segment here and there meant the skirt didn't sit flat. Feeling disappointed it was set aside. Every so often I would come across it in the work basket and there it sat, unloved until today. With little care, I sewed a few seams a fraction wider and it looked a bit better. Deciding it would be 'good enough' I ironed a piece of pellon to the back which eased more fullness out of it. Then I cut out a back, made continuous binding and finished it!
I'm so glad I gave it a second chance. It took me ages to choose the fabrics, they're all favourites and it would have been such a waste of materials, time and effort to have 'binned' it.
Do you have something in the cupboard that deserves a second chance?
What an adorable tree, and the skirt is perfect!. This turned out so cute. Love it.
Posted by: Mary W | December 05, 2011 at 04:11 AM
How beautiful, Marg! :-)
Hugs
Jenny
xxx
Posted by: Jenny of Elefantz | December 05, 2011 at 07:53 AM
Absolutely gorgeous
Posted by: Elizabeth - NZ | December 05, 2011 at 09:06 AM
You really made that plain tree look very pretty.
This is your time of the year, lots of red. The tree skirt looks perfect
Posted by: Elyte | December 05, 2011 at 09:20 PM
Looks Fantastic Marg..
Posted by: Michelle Williams | December 05, 2011 at 09:44 PM
Really love that tree skirt Marg, the decorations are delightful. I have quite a few I made from you patterns that I bought here in N.Z.Merry Xmas Shirley
Posted by: Shirley Flavell | December 06, 2011 at 12:09 PM
Love your mini tree skirt Marg - I'll bet you are so pleased that it turned out so well after all
Posted by: Wendy S | December 07, 2011 at 10:52 AM
Beautiful tree skirt, and your Christmas tree looks charming!
Hugs,
Tatyana
Posted by: Tatkis | December 07, 2011 at 03:19 PM