A tiny tutorial for Christmas

This was such a quick project. At least it would have been if I hadn't had to look at every single piece of red and green fabric in my stash in order to select the perfect pieces. :>} I cross stitched a tiny tree - that part took about ten minutes. I cut a six inch square of green fabric, and a six inch square of batting. I centered the tree on the batting which was on the wrong side of the green fabric.

I cut a strip of red fabric one inch wide. I stitched it 1/4 inch from the edge of the aida cloth, with the wrong side of the red fabric against the right side of the aida cloth.
I continued in the same manner, until the tree had a quilt as you go border of red.

I began a second border, this time of green, and using a strip 1 1/2 inches wide.

When the green border was in place, I trimmed away the excess batting, without cutting the backing fabric.

When the batting had been trimmed I folded the backing over the second border, tucking in the raw edge.

I stitched it in place, forming a self-binding.

As you can see, the cat was with me every step of the way. I added some white ribbon and a tiny red bow. I liked the first one so much, I made two more. These will make nice gifts for co-workers and friends.