The Aurifil Artisan challenge for December was to make something for the holidays. There was no shortage of items on my to-do list that worked for this challenge, but ultimately I decided to add a new project – something that was quick to make and will hopefully bring my family a bit of joy for years to come.
2020 has been a year full of challenges and shifts in expectation, to say the least. One of the things that has helped my family get through the many months of shelter in place orders and online school has been finding new traditions to enjoy. My nine year old daughter has enjoyed planning and throwing parties for our family of five, leading us through games and pulling some or all of us into impromptu musical performances (the concert by the Cuckoo Cupcakes – our made up band for one day only – was my personal favorite). I am hoping that my Aurifil Artisan holiday item will be another new tradition for my family.
My children love writing letters to the tooth fairy (despite the fact that the two eldest are aware of the role their adults play in the magic of holidays). They love to draft their letters and fold them in fun ways, and then see if they’ve got a response in the morning. The tooth fairy who visits our house usually writes back within a day or two, and has very fancy writing. I thought it would be fun to add a bit of magic to the process of writing a letter to Santa. Introducing the Santa Post envelope.
I used forty 2.5″ mini charm squares of Evergreen fabric by Basic Grey to create a panel that was about 10.5″ x 16.5″. I basted and quilted the panel using four different Aurifil Thread weights and colors: 12wt Lobster Red (2265), 12wt Sand (2326), 28wt Light Jade (1148), 40wt Sand (2326 – in the bobbin), and 50wt Red (2250 – in the bobbin). I cut the exterior and lining for my envelope using a template I created with some paper cut to the length and shape I wanted for my finished product.
I added one side of the magnetic snap to the lining, and then sewed the two pieces right sides together. I turned the piece right side out using the two inch gap I left on one side, added the second part of the magnetic snap to the lining, folded the bottom third into place for final stitching, and top stitched all the way around. The top stitching serves to close the gap left open for turning, and creates the final envelope shape.
My hope is that my children will each have their own Santa Post envelope to tuck a letter into and leave on the mantle in the days leading up to Christmas. Santa just might write back!
Southbay Bella Studio 