Christmas Three Sisters QAL – Week One
Gathering
Welcome to week one of six weeks of slow sewing, cosy treats & winter folklore!
I want to invite you to join me on a slow festive journey through patchwork and storytelling; where you take time for yourself after the hustle and bustle of the past year. Simple fabric pieces will become quilts of warmth, gifts of love or part of future traditions.
Each week, as well as pattern tips, I’ll be adding comforting treat suggestions and a little winter folklore story to set the scene as we cosy in.
This week is all about preparing your materials, choosing your festive fabrics, and easing gently into the rhythm of late Autumn sewing.
The Pattern
We will be making a festive version of my Three Sister’s Quilt. The pattern comes in different versions; a more simplified quilt that is pieced with larger pieces of fabric, but we will be using the Scrappy Version. This version allows you to mix and match smaller fabrics pieces in your stash to create a Christmas pallette. The pattern is beginner friendly, using only squares and half square triangle shapes to create three, ever increasing stars.
Sizes - The pattern comes in multiple sizes from cushion up to King Size, but feel free to use these sizes to create a table centre piece or a wall hanging.
Have a play on my Prequilt colouring page.
Colouring Page
Head over to my Prequilt page to colour the pattern in digitally to help you form pallette ideas. You can upload your own stash pictures, as well as using pre-loaded fabric lines. Don’t forget to play with the randomize function to see your quilt change colour until you are happy.
Fabric Focus
Choose three core colour families — perhaps reds, greens or pinks for a bright festive palette.
You could add a few accent prints — metallics, plaids, or subtle florals to mix into the patchwork.
Look for contrast between lights and darks to bring out your stars.
Background - make sure there is a good contrast between your accent fabrics and background so the stars don’t get lost.
Cutting & Prep Tips
I don’t tend to prewash my fabrics unless it is linen.
Steam, water spray or starch your fabrics ahead of cutting.
Lay fabrics together to check how prints and tones play together.
I already had these 2.5” Liberty squares cut for the baby size that I will use as a wall hanging.
Cosy Treat
Tea and homemade shortbread biscuits — perfect fuel for planning sessions. There are so many recipes out there online for this simple treat.
or
Hot buttery crumpets - butter and fabric aren’t friends but you will find a way!
Mindful Moment
Spread your fabrics across the table, pour a cup of tea, and take your time.
Your Task This Week
Choose and prepare your fabrics.
Cut your first pieces if you’re ready.
Share your fabric pull using #christmasthreesisters
Winter Folklore
The Holly King and the Oak King — In British folklore, these two ancient figures represent the changing of seasons. The Holly King rules winter’s darkness, while the Oak King brings the returning light. As you choose your fabrics, imagine that balance of light and dark and the colours of winter.
