Today I’m happy to be sharing a little about Amanda Murphy’s new book Modern Holiday: Deck the Halls with 18 Sewing Projects Quilts, Stockings, Decorations & More
. It’s the perfect book for all of your Christmas sewing and decorating!
I’m definitely a pillow person…they are the perfect accessory for bringing quilting (and Christmas) into any room of the house! I love these pillows Amanda designed!
I also love these beautiful stockings! Projects in the book range from large quilts, lap quilts, table runners, pillows, and Christmas décor. Amanda has lot of ideas on using fun embellishments on your projects too! My daughter saw the book on the counter the other day, and her exact words were, “Mom, you should make something for me out of this book!” It’s a book I’m happy to review today! Just leave a comment on this post naming your favorite “fast to make” Christmas gift, and I’ll draw a winner for a copy of Amanda’s book when the blog tour is over. International winners will receive an e-copy.
Be sure to stop by all of the other blogs listed for more chances to win your copy!
8th-24th)
Monday, July 8th
Stash Books and Amanda Murphy Design
Tuesday, July 9th
Sew
We Quilt
Wednesday, July 10th
Sew
Sweetness
Thursday, July 11th
Me and My Sister Design
Friday, July 12th
Fat Quarterly
Monday, July 15th
Bernina
(We All Sew)
Tuesday, July 16th
Cherry Blossoms Quilting Studio
Wednesday, July 17th
Diary of a Quilter
Thursday, July 18th
Ellison Lane Quilts
Friday, July 19th
A Quilting Life
Monday, July 22nd
Aurifil Threads
Tuesday, July 23rd
Laurie Wisbrun/The Scarlet Fig
Wednesday, July 24th
Amanda Murphy Design
PS Amanda also has a gorgeous Christmas line of fabric, Holiday Bouquet, for Blend Fabrics…gorgeous prints and colors!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Lee says
Coasters are my quick gift to make! thank you! I love the Forrest quilt in her new book! thank you!
Crafty Tokyo Mama says
Like Lee, I too like to make coasters, but placemats and crocheted doilies as well. You can never have too many coasters or doilies!
Jane says
Gosh, I don't think I'm fast at anything. Pot holders I guess, or very basic knitted socks. Thanks for the giveaway!
Sarah_L_N says
Zipped pouches are probably one of the quickest gifts I can make!
Jeanie says
I love to make coasters or pot holders. Quick, easy, and very inexpensive. Thanks for the chance to win this great book!
kt says
I like to make pot holders and knitted dishcloths–fast and useful. Thanks for the chance to win–the book looks fun!
maxzoe says
I love pillows! These pillows amanda designed are wonderful! Hope I win the book so I can make them, too!
Michele says
My family is getting hooked on mug rugs to go with their favorite mugs. Thanks for the chance to win.
Susan Smith says
I do a lot of zipped pouches and embroider names on them for personalized gifts. Thanks for the chance to win!
Lisa Marie says
I love making table runners for gifts. I recently gave a whole collection of runners as a gift — something for every season!
Margaret says
This idea comes from Amber at A Little Bit Biased. Make a quick iron-on applique, then pop it into a frame. I purchased 3 small frames, and I'm going to make seasonal pictures and hang them up in my sewing room.
The blog date of that tutorial was July 1, 2013.
cherylj says
I like to make Christmas ornaments as quick gifts
Tammy says
My favorites are journal covers and mug rugs. Everyone seems to love them.
Judy says
Thanks for hosting the blog tour. I enjoy reading your blog.
I like to make table mats for quick Christmas gifts. I am working on one now that would look great with Amanda's Christmas fabric.
Judy
Paula says
Pillows and table runners/table mats are my quick to make gifts. Simple designs sew up quickly but with a nice selection of fabrics look stunning. Thanks for the chance to win.
Sonja Simmons says
I love to make Christmas fabric gift bags. I keep some on hang and when needed fill them with cookies or specific items (such as wine or for a quilter, fat quarters.)
Kathryn Knox says
Love making table runners and placemats,coasters ,too. Also pillow cases.
Sandy D says
I like to make Christmas pillows as a quick gift.They are something everyone can useand bring out every year.
Sylvia Anderson says
Table runners, pot holders, oven mitts and fleece quilts are my favorite quick gifts.
Trisch says
My quick to make gifts last year were microwave bowl hot pads. I have also done crocheted dish cloths or sets of handmade cards. Fun book, thanks for the chance to win!
lia says
I would like to make a christmas stocking for my daughter. lia.vandenbrand@live.nl
JudyCinNC says
I embroider tea towels, mostly Redwork, just about every night while sitting with my DWH and the tv … so when Christmas comes around I have an instant gift, hostess gift or a just Very good reviews on this book and thank you for yours. Judy C in NC
Miranda P says
I like to make placemats and pot holders. Thank you for the chance to win this wonderful book!
Paula @ Sewy Stuff says
In my pre-quilting days my 'fast and easy' were scarves and mittens (crochet). This year I'm looking forward to placemats, mug rugs, and bowl buddies for everyone! 🙂
Wanda says
A scarf, definitely a scarf. I'm loving the projects in this book too!
Josie McRazie says
I am in love with this book! I love the tree skirt, and the stockings, and the ornament pillows… and the list goes on!
Kathy C says
Aprons, pot holders and basic tote bags are my go-to Christmas gifts. Thanks. kcannon@anwsu.org
Fiesta says
I love whipping up some table toppers for Christmas gifts. I may add words like merry Christmas or feliz navidad
Ellyn says
this year it's holiday mug rugs. in the past I've done little wallets, crochet scarves, decorated dish towels…
Whitney M says
Fast to make…twister table runners! I must get this book I'm getting in the Christmas sewing mood!
Thumper says
Last year it was blackberry syrup and lemon curd. This year might be some pretty tote bags.
Tessa says
Placemats & table runners – everyone uses them & one can never have enough! Looks like some beautiful ideas in this new book. Thanks for the chance to win it!
hogarthc16 says
I love making pillowcases as Christmas gifts. They're fast and easy, PLUS you can use them as gift wrapping!
Heidi [Grizz-n-Dove] says
Potholders or hanging hand towels for the kitchen are both quick and easy!
EmileeHope says
I recently made some pillowcases & loved it! I am seeing some Christmas ones in my future!
LeAnne says
Little wall hangings using fusible applique or or machine embroidery are my usual last-minute gifts when I'm running out of time.
Deb C. says
Thanks for the chance to win. For quilted items, I tend to make a small table topper. I also make several knit dishcloths for nearly every adult on my gift list.
Carol says
I love this book. If I'm lucky enough to win a copy I would make that Christmas Tree quilt on the cover.
Katherine McNeese says
I haven't figured out a fast gift to make, I'm enjoying the suggestions in comments.
thanks for the giveaway!
Margaret says
I don't know about quick but last year I decided a week before Christmas that I should make my whole family a quilt. That would be nine quilts in seven days. I did the quilting on all but one. I bribed my long arm quilter into coining it last minute for me. I got all of them done. I used only fabric from my stash. I sewed the binding on the last one at around three in the morning on Christmas Day.
QuiltinGram says
I like to make table runners for a quick Christmas gift. Thx. For chance to win book!
Jodi says
I just started quilting this year, but my go to gifts have been tote bags and Terry Atkinsons tag a long tote.
CynthiaT59 says
It seems like I am always making flannel pillowcases for a quick gift. If I have time I will get them monogrammed.
Bonnie says
It's fun to make gift bags and gift card envelopes. They can be reused too! Love the quilts in this new book.
Meri says
Tablerunners & pillows are my favorite quick gifts. Thanks for a chance to win this great book!
{ HeatherK @ AReformedHeath'n } says
My favorite fast-to-makes are always goodies. Always faster than sewing (at least for me 🙂 and well-received. Plus, there is sampling along the way!
Jennifer says
Pot holders are always a quick gift. My mom and I also make small wallets that are pretty easy to whip up. Thanks for the chance to win
apple blossom says
kitchen towels that hand on oven door…less than 30 min. to make
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
Kathy says
I love to do table runners. This book looks so fun!
Agnes B. Bullock says
Last year I made placemats and table runners plus machine embroidered sweat shirts and am looking forward to doing the same this year
Sandy says
I would love to win a copy of this book. My favorite fast project would be a gingerbread man potholder I have made since I first learned to piece and quilt. I have made many for the grandkids to give as Christmas gifts to teachers and the daughters and DIL all have one.
JoyceLM says
Pot holders & mug rugs are my favorite quick-to-make gifts. But I need to make some for me too. Thanks for the chance to win.
Melanie says
Thank you for the great give-a-way! MY favorite "fast to make" Christmas gift is the casserole pot holders. You know, the ones that are one long piece with the "mitts" on either side? It's always a HUGE hit and perfect for the person who has everything!
Thank you,
Melanie
Patti says
With every stop on this tour, I am loving this book more and more! I tend to make a few hotpads for quick gift giving at Christmas. Thanks for the chance to win this wonderful book.
Kathryn says
My fast to make Christmas gift is a can of cookies (sorry, not quilt related.)
KMSC says
Tablerunners, pillows and pincushions (for my quilting friends) are on my quick-to-make gift list. Thanks for the giveaway!
k.castanette@hotmail.com
B Greene says
I made really sturdy key fobs last year and they were a big hit! Bonus – I can now find my keys in the bottom of my purse!! Thanks for the chance to win!
lauraquilts says
My favorite "fast to make" Christmas gift is a needle book made for a quilting friend. I use felted wool, and a simple 4 inch pieced block for the front.
Kathy H says
Looks like a fun book with wonderful projects. My favorite fast Christmas gift is a pillowcase.
Steven and Ginger says
I love a cute table runner! Love the tree quilt in the book.
Gill says
I like to make simple runners!
This looks a great book!
Jo says
I like to make pillowcases, have mastered them now so can do them really fast when necessary!
Beth says
Zippered pouches or bags are my favorite quick gift for Christmas or anytime.
Joyce Carter says
I like to make potholders as a fast gift. The projects in Amanda's book are gorgeous. Thanks for the chance to win it.
giddy99 says
Shoebags, and hot iron travel cases (we travel a lot). 🙂
Margaret says
I think mug rugs would be cute
Pauline says
I love the colors and fabrics she used. What a lovely book!
lvtoqlt@mac.com
Stacy Hadwin says
I like to make jewelry pouches….what woman doesn't need one? They come together in an hour and everyone loves them.
Miss Nancy says
My fast to make Christmas gift would be mug rugs, coasters, or a table runner. I hope to get some done soon so I will be ready!!! LOL Thank you for this chance to win!
Have a super great sewing and stitching day!
gailss says
Love those fabrics and the book looks like some nice projects. I did like the Holiday Wreaths and would try that pattern.
Thanks
DuAnne says
Love to make pillows! I need some new Christmas pillows! Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Kay says
I like to make table runners for gifts & I need an easy pattern. I always pick a pattern that I think won't take much time & they always end up taking more time than I have to put into them.
M.W. says
I like to make stockings and then put the gift inside. Thanks for the chance to win this cool book. Love the stocking patterns.
Shawn
Carmen N says
I know I'm not fast sewing anything as my seam ripper and I are the best of friends. I hope as I get more experience that changes. I do also knit and crochet so there I like making doilies or dishcloths as quick gifts
Andrea says
I think little quilted coasters are a fun and quick gift. You can personalize them for the recipients style or colors easily and they come together in an hour or so depending how many kids you have awake at the time. 🙂
Tamie says
I don't really have a fast to make gift although I think zip pouches are on my list to learn for this year.
Linda says
HI! MY GO-TO-QUICK-GIFTS ARE TABLE RUNNERS IN MODERN OR TRADITIONAL LINES! EVERYONE LOVES HAVING DIFFERENT RUNNERS!
THANKS FOR SHARING!
msstitcher1948@yahoo.com
Tiffany says
When I need a quick and easy gift, I tend to embellish kitchen towels. But special people usually get wall hangings or table runners.
Rae Reid says
I'm usually trying to make something big and tearing my hair out as a result. I love the ideas I've read from other's comments. I think this Christmas I'll try something simpler. Thanks!
Txcropper says
Mug rugs are a fast and inexpensive favorite–especially when paired with a coffee mug (and maybe a Starbucks gift card). They also pair well under a matching holiday candle.
Jacklynn says
I can make some quick zipper pouches or some baked goods. Thanks for the give away!
Emily C says
I usually make christmas ornaments for gifts. You can never have too many ornaments and handmade are unique and special.
Cecilia says
My favorite would be table runners. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of Amanda's book. It looks great.
Karrie Smith says
I like making Christmas stockings
DeAnna Julie Dodson says
I like making Christmas table runners and bed runners. So fast and people love them! 🙂
Sharon Hughson says
Yeah, fast microwave finger pot holders. Everyone loves these.
venita says
I think coasters would be my favorite quick gift. Last Christmas I made 20 sets of emb. & quilted coasters for my garden club members.
Lou says
Machine emb dishtowels or mug rugs are fast gifts to make:)
Rhonda D. says
I like to make mug rugs or tea towels for quick gifts. Thanks
for the chance to win!
wigglypup2(at)yahoo(dot)com
Nita says
I'd have to say my favourite "fast to make" Christmas gift is a cranberry-orange loaf that I wrap first in a paper doily and then in saran wrap, and tie with a pretty bow. I don't sew anything faster than I can bake that, and it has been my "go to" quick gift for years. 🙂
Vicky P says
I like to make some tea towel aprons. They are easy and quick and you can find some really cute tea towels these days. Thanks for sharing.
Tanyia says
Im a huge fan of runners so I would say they would be my go to, but from this book I would love to make us some new stockings!
Elaine says
Little felt bags to hold a few of "Our Favorite Things" Made and gave lots last year!
satterfieldfamily at sbcglobal dot net
Katie Cohagen says
I made scarves out of charm packs and flannels for all of the ladies in the family and they were a huge hit!
Chris S says
Coasters, pot holders and zip pouches!
Glynette says
Love to create a lot of things but I'm not fast!!
Vicki H says
I'm not real fast at making anything. I like to make baked goodies and put them in bags or tins and give them to friends and neighbors.
Julia says
My "fast to make" Christmas go to is a modified version of a Debbie Mumm Santa Pattern! It's designed to be a door hanging but I've trimmed my version down a bit. Would love the opportunity to have a second "fast to make" option. Thanks for the chance!
jenni says
I rarely sew Christmas gifts these days. But my friends love my homemade toffee, that is my "go to gift" at Christmas time!
Lesley says
Pillows and potholders!
Thanks for the chance to win!
Suzanne says
Tea towels, bean bags for little ones, small stocking with candy.
Melanie says
I don't have any fast gifts. Embellished towels are probably my quickest.
VickiT says
Aprons and pot holders to match are my quick go to gift
Brooke @ little b quilts says
cute café style aprons are the quickest thing I make I think…I'm kinda slow though 😉 I love the stockings in this book!
brookeali(at)Hotmail.com
Lynn says
Ornaments or baked goods are my go to quick homemade gifts at Christmas time! Lve the projects shared!
Darlington Delights says
A set of coasters….It really doesn't get much easier that that! Thanks for the lovely giveaway!
Pattie Crum says
I think Christmas stocking with little gifts make fun fast gifts.
Lindsay says
Tote bags and my fast go-to gift.
Kathie says
My favorite fast to make gift is an apron! I love picking out the fabric specialized to the recipient and they are fun to sew!
barbara woods says
pot holders are always good thanks for the chance
Carolyn in Kentucky says
My favorite quick gifts are ornaments that I use to decorate boxes of peanut butter balls. That way after the candy is long gone, the ornaments remain. Thanks for the chance to win.
Michele says
My holiday decorations could use a bit of modernizing and this book would do the trick! Thanks for spreading the word about it. Pillowcases are a favorite with my family 🙂
Sinta Renee says
I flipped through this book at my LQS… it is gorgeous and has lots of fun projects! It is on my list… but I'm waiting for the temps to drop under 100's!
Jodi - usairdoll says
So many beautiful projects in Amanda's book, I want to make them all. Zippered pouches are a quick sew and crocheted scarfs.
Thank you for a super giveaway and a chance to win.
usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com
Judith says
I made Christmas pot holders for a quick gift last year and they were darling…in the shape of a tree. Would love to try the projects in this book. Love the pillows like you!
Carrie P. says
amanda's book looks like it has some great patterns. my favorite fast Christmas gift to make is potholders.
Katie says
I've made tabletoppers for friend's gifts but I've also had fun sending them fabric postcards! Yes, delivered in the mail!!
Gina S. says
Pillows or tote bags.
Janarama says
I make potholders, coasters, place mats, table toppers, and cloth napkins. This year I'm adding hot bowls to the mix.
maggie says
Table runner, or pot holders are great quick gifts.
cheers
maggie
maggiemine42@gmail.com
LJ says
My favorite Christmas gifts to make are the grands Christmas stockings.
Rachelle says
My fast to make Christmas gift is Russian Fudge; not sewing related at all but always goes down well.
Deb says
I think i would pick a fast table runner!
Jackie says
Pillow cases are fast and fun to do and always useful..
Linda V says
I make potholders from orphan blocks!
Linda V says
I make potholders from orphan blocks!
Alexis says
Sadly, I've never made a quick present. The only christmas gifts given that I've made were quilts. I gotta work on faster stuff. Thanks for the chance to win.
Siena Van Brabant says
I like to make lap quilts. They are quick to make and quick to quilt with a longarm. Who wouldn't like to receive a nice, warm, cuddly quilt to snuggle up with on a cold, winter night while sipping a hot chocolate by the fireplace.
Thank you for the chance to win Amanda's wonderful book.
Siena
handiworking.com says
Aprons when sewing, cotton dishcloths when crocheting or knitting. Thanks for the giveaway … looks like an awesome book!
QuiltLaughLove says
This year I think the perfect fast Christmas gift will be embroidered cloth napkin sets.
Bari Jo says
Dish towels (flour sack) with cute binding around edges to square up – usually to go with a food gift, crochet dish rags/wash cloths with hand made soaps, coasters, pillowcases – these are a few of my favorites for gifts. Thank you for the fun giveaway.
Karen says
Lately I have been making personalized pillowcases for a quick gift. Thanks for the opportunity to win this great-looking book!
Sarah says
A pillow case or drawstring bag.
mvink says
Last year I made up knitted ornaments and crocheted a mason jar cozy for beeswax candles I made. Although, those weren't too quick besides the beeswax candle lol. Coasters and pot holders….think I'll be making some of those this year. Thank you for the chance! 🙂
kath in ohio says
I wish I could say I had a fast and easy project, truthfully, my projects always take me much longer than I think!!! I do like making zippered pouches and embellished journals for my sisters. Would love the new book…my favorite designer! Kmfosnaugh@gmail.com
Bonnie58 says
I love placemats as quick easy gifts. Thanks so much for sharing and for the opportunity on a great draw.
Deb@asimplelifequilts says
Coasters or mug rugs are my favorite quick gifts that everyone seems to enjoy!
Ruth S. says
Christmas ornaments and baked goodies are the quickest thing for me. I usually put too much on my "to do" list for Christmas. Maybe this year I will be realistic in my ability to produce.
Carla G says
I like to make reusable shopping bags! Everyone likes them & they are easy to make. 🙂 Thanks for a chance to win! 🙂
Judy1522 says
The fastest Christmas gift I have made in the last few years was a set of placemats and napkins for a friend. Any other gifts I have made have not been quick ones.
Julie Thompson says
My favorite quick go to is a quilted wine bottle bag with a nice bottle of wine or quick and easy pillowcases for little ones.
Meredith says
I make star shaped Santa decorations for each of the children in my class every year, so having to make at least 23 to 25 each time, they need to be quick to make! Luckily I have a great pattern and can manage to get them made in no time!
Kathryn Knox says
runners and placemats…thanks for the chance
Paty Z says
Tablerunners are really fast and give some light to any table in Christmas. Thanks for the chance, hope I win !!!
Karen says
Oh boy…..a new book of Christmas projects. Thank you for the chance to enter….
Karen
Carol Sc says
I have a tendency to make a food item for a fast Christmas gift — no bake peanut butter cookies and a spicy orange tea are first on the list. I also make pillowcases — but they are not as "fast".
Happy Cottage Quilter says
Table runners are my "go to" quick gifties. I can usually whip one our pretty quickly.
Karen says
I need an updated table topper – the book looks wonderful!
Sandra Weimer says
The projects are great. I need some new ideas for Christmas!
Lisa E says
I like making lined drawstring bags or a zippered pouch.
Patty says
I love table runners. It's so easy to use them to change decorations each season.
Nathalie says
I love Christmas quilts and can't wait to make that quilt on the cover!
Karen says
I like to make doll quilts as a quick gift.
Peggy says
I like to crochet quick gifts, and I also embroider. What I make depends on the recipient! I LOVE making things for kids, whether it be quilts, toys or slippers.
Cindy W. says
Table runner would be a quick gift.
Love seeing what can be made.
Cindy W.
anglars says
Mug Rugs – usually pretty quick but I must admit that it is easy to get caught up and start putting in too many details – then it is NOT quick.. but always fun
Alicia says
Hot pads & decorated dish towels are my go-to fast projects.
Kandy Newton says
Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book. It looks so creative. I love to make tree decorations, especially using felt and embroidery, that way I can pop one in each of my Christmas cards. Last year I made countless little sparkly stars, the year before snowmen.
Mie says
I like to make zippered pouches but think I would like to make some coasters this year.
Sewgirl says
I like to make embroidered towels…they make up fairly quick and can be personalized!
Anita says
My fast go to Christmas gift are pillowcases, they're easy to do and personalize. Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
Sue says
I'm in a craft group of 5 women so at Xmas I like to make them the same gift each but different. I've made phone pouches, gift bags, handbag organisers & much more. I'm always on the lookout for quick gifts to make. Reading the comments has given me some more ideas. This book looks awesome with more great ideas.
Mhairi says
I love bags. I make lots for friends but I also love to make sewing companions that hold scissors, needles and pins for my sewing friends.
Diane says
I like to make wallets for Christmas gifts.
Debra Lee says
I must put those stockings on my list!
CaroleM says
I enjoy making gift bags for the Christms gifts. That goes over quite well.
~Kelie~ says
Simple potholders or some pillows is simple to make although this year I've got about 4 different quilts I'm making as gifts. Trying to start as early as possible though! Thanks for the chance to win!
Barb Schenk says
I have been hoping to sew some Christmas projects this year. This fabric is gorgeous! WOW!
Kathy Sue says
I like to make Christmas ornaments, tote bags and lap quilts – quick and easy!
Willa says
Small zip bags
Donna Baker says
I like making potholders as a fast gift (no binding though)
Johanna says
I love to make zippered pouch/wallets!
Ellee says
Pillowcases are the quick gift I usually make. — soparkaveataoldotcom
mary mahoo says
I love making pouches for gifts. Thanks for the chance to win.
dcFfLy80wJbYSTL0EVonGf_lvA-- says
My favorite fast thing to make a Christmas isn't exactly a gift. I like to get Christmas fabric cheap at the sales the year before and use it to make bags for odd shaped & over-sized gifts that need to be wrapped. ll_gee at hotmail
Beth says
My favorite quick, homemade Christmas gift is a cherry stone heating pad. But that does require having the cherry stones on hand. This year I'm going to sew up some mug rugs and have some cocoa mixes made up to go with them–they'll be good for drop-ins or folks i may have overlooked, don't you think?
Jenny L says
It may not be fast to make, but my favorite Christmas gift to make is a bag or purse. You can never have too many, right?
Reb Thack says
Spiced nuts. I make mega batches and give them out to teachers (with wine), the bus driver, neighbors and keep a bunch of extra on hand for hostess gifts!
Vera says
I'm one of those who makes pouches. Any kind. Thx.
Aggiequilter says
My favorite quick gifts have been table runners and big casserole trivets. I usually make pumpkin and nut breads to go along with them. Thanks for the chance to win !!