December. My favorite month of the year. A time to celebrate.

When I was a little girl, I remember believing anything that was good was going to happen to me in December.

That’s not to say that the rest of the year was bad at all, but December! December held my birthday AND Christmas AND snow, and well, that’s quite a bit for one little month to contain without bursting.

December was full of parties, and heavy snowfalls, and treats, and music, and baking. So, so, much baking.

Did I ever tell you about the year I made over 2000 sheets of gingerbread with my Grandfather?

We should talk about that sometime.

Then, I grew up, and married a man who celebrates Hanukkah. And so we celebrate that too.

My December got even more full of twinkle lights and magic.

Celebrate, lovelies. Whatever fills your heart to bursting. Celebrate that.

xoxo

April

Instructions:

Cut the following:

(1) 6 1/2” linen square

(2) 6” x 1 1/2” strips

(2) 8” x 1 1/2” strips

Trace letters onto fuse able web, adhere to back of letter fabric, and cut out.

Fold linen square in half both ways and press lightly so you can see the middle lines. Use these as guides to lay out the letters. Iron on, and then stitch around. Square up to 6” square, centering the letters.

Stitch (1) 6” strip to left and right of block. Press toward strips.

Stitch (1) 8” strip to top and bottom of block. Press toward strips.

Using the pattern provided, paper piece (2) side blocks (C & D), and (2) top/bottom blocks (A & B).

Stitch left paper pieced block (D) to the left of center block, making sure the arrows are pointing up. Press toward center.

Stitch right paper pieced block (C) to the right side of center block, making sure arrows are pointing down. Press toward center.Stitch top paper pieced block (A) to top of center, making sure arrows point to the right. Press toward center.

Stitch bottom paper pieced block (B)to bottom of center, making sure arrows point to the left. Press toward center.

Download paper piecing templates and appliqué letters here.