How to Decorate with Quilts for the Holidays (Part 2)

We are back with Part 2 of Constanze’s @tree.textiles listicle about how to decorate with quilts for the holidays! If you didn’t catch Part 1 of her list, it’s an absolute must check out! We continue where we left off, with number 8 on our list! Let’s go!

by Constanze (@tree.textiles)

8. Basket

If you are debating cutting apart quilts, you probably have a fair share of them around. And with more time spent lazing around the house, you may want to keep extras close by the high traffic zones, i.e. couches, daybeds, armchairs. What better than a quilted basket to hold all the quilts? This could be a cute matchy-matchy situation if you have leftovers from finished projects or a great way to keep a beloved quilt around in spirit, even after it has been loved to threadbareness.

Easy how to: Determine the size and shape of the basket you want to make. For a square basket, design a cross-shaped template; for a round basket, create a circular template bottom with a rectangle as the cylindrical side. Sew edges together and bind the top raw edge. If you are ambitious, design a lid to go with it!

9. Sewing Machine Cover

This has been on my to-do list of items since I started sewing in the living room of a two bedroom apartment. I am a bit ashamed to say that now that I don’t have to hide away my sewing supplies and can spread out in my newly organized (thanks for the cleanse, Feel Good Fibers!) studio, it’s fallen off my radar. But how cute would a vintage log cabin sewing machine cover bee? You would be able to keep your machine out regardless of where and how you sew and just declare it functional art. And if you are holidaying the house, why not integrate your machine into the scheme?

Easy how to: use the cover the machines came with to create a paper template. Trace onto the quilt slab and cut. Sew all seams back together and bind raw edges.

10. Porch Swing Cover and Pillows

Now we’re getting into a house wishlist. Do you have a porch swing? Is it the perfect blue like in “A Spool of Blue Thread” by Ann Tyler (Recommend!)? You are probably not using it much at this time of year unless you live in California… Does anyone have a porch swing in CA? So why not use it to set the stage for what to expect inside your house, or to advertise holiday cheer in a year where not many people get to peek inside to see the full deal. And maybe, just maybe, under many many quilts and layers, you can sit outside and feel like you live in California after all! Btw this will also look great on a regular, non-hanging entryway or porch bench for us porch-challenged people.

Easy how to: Measure bench dimensions and cut quilt slab accordingly. Bind raw edges. If you are feeling ambitious or will actually use this a lot and want extra comfort, buy a piece of pre-cut foam or layer batting and measure, cut and sew sides and a bottom for a raised cushion.

11. Room Divider

Whether it’s hiding your winter treats, the gift wrapping station, or creating a new Zoom background, there are so many uses for a quilted room divider. I am wondering how are we surviving without one right now? Things could be a fun place to use just a top, especially if all seams are sewn down bojagi style or if you are not going to see one side of the divider. Stained glass quilt heaven, here we come!

Easy how to: I do not have an easy way to make this, but have heard rumors of making dividers out of the sides of Ikea Ivar units. Any confirmations? Any other tips and tricks?

12. Curtain

You could go stained glass bojagi with this, and there are endless successful examples of this out there (99% are saved in my Must Make! file). But in the spirit of coziness and embracing the inner little old lady, I am fascinated by the thought of hanging up a heavy three layer quilt, maybe even tied. Wouldn’t that look and feel like the perfect shield against eaely nightfall, harsh weather and curious eyes unblocked by summery greenery? Also, the texture! The opportunity for Marrimekko giant patterns! The draping! Tassels!

Easy how to: if you have a quilt you don’t want to cut apart, this might be just perfect. Either sew ties to the top edge or simply buy and attach curtain clips. Attach to curtain rod, style your heart out.

13. Shower Curtain

You guessed it, we are entering the oddball section. I came across this when I researched quilt curtains. How do you deal with the moisture? Liners and rigid open window regimes? Only use it in the guest bathroom no one actually uses? If you have a quilt shower curtains, pics or it didn’t happen! I have so many questions!

14. Reupholstered Armchair

Oh hey! So you skipped all the way down here because anything smaller than reupholstering a Victorian armchair is a bit boring? Chapeau, my friend, but also: please show me! The examples I found look awesome and cuddly and perfectly use those pastel vintage quilts. Can you imagine how long this took?! I have absolutely no easy how-to, because this looks really hard but also super cool!

15. Lampshade

Last but not least, another one I would not have thought of but looks like it can fall on the right side of kitsch and clutch. I personally love the totally trimmed out repurposed crazy quilt ones, because they seem like the most romantic thing to sit next to with a good book in hand. How do you fireproof them? Do you just use the top or the whole sandwich? Again, if you do these, I think you owe us all some pictures and explanations!

Thank you again for this amazing list, Constanze! Be sure to check Part 1 for more great quilty holiday decorating tips! And for more from Constanze check out: The Fabric-Related TV That You Should Be Watching and Sewing Fiction: 5 Book Recommendations for Fabric Lovers!

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