Sizzix Christmas Blog Hop - Day 5

Well, its that time of year again, and this years  Sizzix blog hop is focusing on gifts.  If you haven't already got a clue what to make, then there are already some great ideas from the Sizzix team already!

Monday 18th November: Jo Carter http://www.twoowls.typepad.co.uk/

Tuesday 19th November: Katy Jones - http://imagingermonkey.blogspot.co.uk/

Wednesday 19th November: Jessie Fincham - http://messyjessecrafts.blogspot.co.uk/

Thursday 20st November: Angela Southey - http://www.sizzix.co.uk/blogs?id=4f79aefffb60b56634000456

Friday 21nd Trudi Wood - Me!

Saturday 22nd November: Mercedes Jiménez Campuzano - http://mercedesinspain.blogspot.co.uk/

I am always so last minute when it comes to hand made gifts, and this year is no exception.  However, I have a great little 'go to' gift idea that will come in handy for the last minute 'oops, did I miss you out' or the person in the office you have in the secret Santa and haven't a clue what they like!  Or better still, your favorite person, just because you can!

So for my gift, I am using my scraps, because I have way too many, I've chosen scraps from the Modern Maple Leaves quilt.  (there may be an ulterior motive here!)

The 2 1/2" square and the 4 1/2" square Dies

from my scraps I cut 2 1/2" squares, in fact 16 in total

I sewed these into 4 patches, and then quilted them, with scraps of wadding 

(I used a double layer of 100% cotton wadding as that was what I had to hand at the time)

When they were all quilted I used the 4 1/2" die to cut the quilted patchwork into the right size. 

I also cut 4 more 4 1/2" squares for the backs, from some more scraps (left over backing fabrics) 

Laying one backing square on top of the quilted 4 patch, right sides together, I stitched around the edge with a 1/4" seam allowance, leaving a small gap (approximately 2 ") for turning.  The pokey stick (a chopstick) is ideal for easing out the corners 

I clipped the corners to reduce the bulk, and turned the little coasters right sides out.  

Press all seams and ensure the opening is folded in and pressed.  

Top stitch around the edge of each coaster approximately 1/8" to finish and to seal the turning gap. 

and before you know it, a set of coasters,  just perfect for giving!

Now how quick was that!  Even I can manage a few more sets before the big day!

There is a competition to go along with the blog hop, be sure to go enter, there are some great prizes to be won. 

The competition is open to all residents of the UK and EU excluding Ellison employees. The products listed cannot be exchanged for goods, or towards the purchase of goods at any retail outlet. It cannot be exchanged for cash, or replaced if lost or stolen. An alternative prize may be given. Winners will be chosen at random on Closing date: Friday 28th November at 10am GMT. The decision of the judgement is final and no correspondence will be entered into.Your details will be processed by Ellison Europe (Creators of the Sizzix brand).