The Stitch Report: Rag Quilts, Christmas Plans, and a Website Makeover
October 31, 2026 | Chris Cross Quilts & More
Happy Halloween! Somehow, we've reached the end of October, which means Christmas is less than two months away. I realize the calendar has been moving along at its usual pace, but I'm not entirely convinced someone hasn't been stealing weeks when I wasn't paying attention.
This week's sewing has been a combination of finishing what I started, planning what comes next, and spending an extraordinary amount of time working on a quilting website instead of actually quilting. There's a certain irony in that last part, but we'll get to it.
Two More Rag Quilts to Go
I've officially started the final two rag quilts for my grandchildren. Seven grandchildren, seven rag quilts, and I'm getting close to having the entire collection finished.
I've thoroughly enjoyed making these quilts. Rag quilts are relatively quick to put together, wonderfully forgiving, and one of those projects where you can see your progress almost immediately. There's something satisfying about that, especially when so many of my other quilting projects require considerably more time and attention to detail.
I also love how practical they are. They're soft, washable, and meant to be dragged around, curled up under, and used until they're well-loved. That's exactly what I want for my grandchildren.
The best part of making all seven has been choosing fabrics and imagining each grandchild receiving a quilt made especially for them. Every quilt has been an enjoyable project, and I wouldn't hesitate to make another.
With the final two underway, I'm looking forward to seeing all seven completed. And knowing me, it probably won't be long before I find another reason to make a few more.
The Christmas Sewing List Is Taking Shape
With Halloween coming to an end, I've started organizing my Christmas sewing plans. I've been looking through patterns, checking my fabric stash, and deciding which projects need to be started first.
I'm keeping the actual projects under wraps for now because several of the intended recipients read this blog. As much as I enjoy sharing what I'm making, I'd rather not have everyone know what they're getting for Christmas before I've even finished making it.
Our family also has a tradition of exchanging handmade Christmas gifts. Everyone makes a gift with a $50 spending limit, but we don't know ahead of time who will receive what we've made. At our Christmas gathering, each person draws a name and receives the gift made by that family member. It's one of my favorite traditions because everyone brings something they've put their own time, thought, and creativity into making. The gifts can be anything, which makes seeing what everyone comes up with half the fun.
I have some plans I'm particularly excited about this year, but those will have to remain a secret until after Christmas. I'll share the finished projects, photographs, and details once the gifts have been opened.
In the meantime, I can share the planning process, the occasional sewing mishap, and probably a few complaints about the amount of fabric I've managed to spread across the dining room.
The recipients may read this blog, but they aren't getting any clues from me. Although, let's be honest, they all know it'll involve fabric.
A Free Holiday Making Planner
While organizing my own Christmas projects, I decided it might be helpful to create something other makers could use, too.
One of the challenges of making Christmas gifts isn't necessarily the sewing itself. It's remembering what you're making, who it's for, what materials you already have, what you still need, and how much time you have left before everything needs to be finished.
And if you're anything like me, there's always the possibility of discovering a wonderful new project somewhere around December 15 and deciding there's still plenty of time to make it.
I created a free Holiday Making Planner to help keep all those ideas and projects organized.
The planner includes space for gift lists, project deadlines, supply inventories, spending, progress tracking, and notes. It's designed with sewing and quilting in mind, but it works just as well for crochet, embroidery, or other handmade gifts.
Download the Free Holiday Making Planner
It's free to download and print, and you don't need to subscribe to anything to use it. I hope it helps make your holiday projects a little more organized and a lot more enjoyable.
A Little Work Behind the Scenes
If you've visited Chris Cross Quilts & More recently, you may have noticed some changes.
I've spent a considerable amount of time over the past week revamping the website. The homepage received a makeover, the navigation has been reorganized, and I've expanded the Quilting Notebook to make it easier to find tools, supplies, and resources.
I've also been working on photographs, product links, and all the little details that make a website easier to use but are rarely visible once the work is finished.
I started this blog because I love quilting and wanted a place to share what I'm learning, making, and discovering along the way. Over time, I've realized how much I enjoy researching the history of quilting, exploring the science and techniques behind our tools and materials, and finding answers to questions that come up while I'm working on my own projects.
I want the website to reflect those interests while becoming a more useful resource for other makers.
There's still plenty I'd like to develop, but I'm happy with the progress. Now that the major changes are finished, I'm looking forward to spending a little less time working on the website and a little more time making the projects I'm supposed to be writing about.
My sewing machines would probably appreciate that, too. They're looking rather sad and lonely.
Affiliate disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link to Fat Quarter Shop. If you make a purchase through my link, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
The October Sew Sampler Has Arrived
My October Fat Quarter Shop Sew Sampler box has arrived, and I'm looking forward to going through everything.
I'm planning a separate review of this month's box, including the contents, the value of the items, and my impressions of what's included.
One of the things I enjoy about subscription boxes is discovering products I might not have selected myself. Sometimes there's a useful new tool, an interesting fabric collection, or a pattern that encourages me to try something different.
Of course, not every item is necessarily something I'll use, which is why I think it's worth looking at these boxes beyond simply listing what's inside.
I'll share my thoughts in an upcoming review.
Looking Ahead to November
November is shaping up to be a busy month, both at the sewing machine and away from it.
My immediate goal is to finish the last two rag quilts and get my Christmas sewing projects organized and underway. I also have several other projects waiting for attention, but I'm trying to exercise a little restraint before adding them to the schedule.
We'll see how long that lasts.
For now, I'm pleased with what I've accomplished this week. There may not be a stack of newly finished quilts to show for it, but I've made progress on the rag quilts, started preparing for Christmas, and completed some substantial work on the website.
Sometimes progress happens at the sewing machine. Other times, it happens while you're organizing everything that allows you to get back to the sewing machine.
And with November arriving, I suspect I'll be spending plenty of time doing both.
I'd love to know what you're making for the holidays this year. Are you sewing gifts, quilting, crocheting, embroidering, or working on something completely different? And perhaps the more important question: have you started yet, or are you still confidently telling yourself there's plenty of time?
Happy Halloween, and happy making!
Chris
