Growing up, my mom had these fun little cross stitched pillows (we’re talking maybe 4″ x 5″) that corresponded with each month. They lived in a drawer and my two sisters and I went through a phase where we would fight over who’s turn it was to change the pillow. It was such a fun part of my childhood that I wanted to do something similar in our home. Since I don’t cross stitch and do quilt, I decided to make monthly minis. I started with September back in September 2015 and I just finished the rest today. I couldn’t make up my mind for a few months last year, so we were mini-less! That has been rectified and I feel really relieved. I have taken a photo of each month (and a few extra bonus minis I’ve made as well), and I’ve done my best to link to where you can find the pattern should you feel so inclined to make one. 🙂

JANUARY:

Mrs. Snowman complete with french knot snowflakes. I used Lori Holt’s #mrsnowmansewalong on instagram for these instructions.

FEBRUARY:

I used Cluck Cluck Sew’s free heart tutorial. In hindsight, I would’ve added a small-ish border.

MARCH:

I used the clover part of a Splendid Sampler block and added a simple border to enlarge it. The multi colored polka dot was just too perfect to pass up for this one!

APRIL:

Camille Roskelley’s Mini Raincheck was perfect for my April vibe. (She has it free on her site and has for awhile). I used Desert Bloom by Sherri & Chelsi and added on borders instead of making more blocks to enlarge it.

MAY:

May flowers were perfect for this mini. This was actually my very first attempt at free motion quilting. I had zero practice and just went for it. This is Camille Roskelley’s Flower Patch in Hello Darling.

JUNE:

Ice cream cones were a must for June as it usually starts getting very hot in Utah. I found a free Single Scoop paper pieced pattern and repeated it 4 times.

JULY:

For the 4th of July, there is a big hot air balloon event held each year in a neighboring city. It’s been fun to go with our kids, so a patriotic hot air balloon fit the bill. This is Alli Jenson’s Rise pattern with some modifications to add in the stars.

AUGUST:

This is a cheater because my sweet mom made it for me. August was a month I just couldn’t pin down and she surprised me with this adorable watermelon. Isn’t it perfect?!?!

SEPTEMBER:

September is a simple 6″ maple leaf block on repeat 4 times. There are plenty of great tutorials if you search the internet for one. Our leaves change big time here in September and we see all shades, just like this mini.

OCTOBER:

October is a patchwork pumpkin from Lori Holt’s Farmgirl Vintage book with some fun jack-o-lantern applique I added at the last minute.

NOVEMBER:

This is Lori Holt’s “Tom Turkey” block, before he was modified with actual legs. I love his skinny little embroidered legs. It reminds me of hand turkeys we all draw around thanksgiving.

DECEMBER:

I made a present for December not to remind us all about presents at Christmas, but to remind us that Jesus Christ is the greatest gift we’ve ever been given. Maybe as my kids grow up, we can have some nice chats about that. This was a free Kate Spain pattern called Flurry.

BIRTHDAY:

Each time a family member has a birthday, I try really, really hard to remember to put out this special birthday mini. This is once again a free Lori Holt pattern. I omitted the ribbon around the cake stand.

OLYMPICS:

If you’re new around here, then you missed my Olympics obsession. They’re just my favorite. I have this free mini pattern available on my site. Yes, it will only be used for a few weeks every 2 years, but it is just way too much fun to not have for my mini stand!

Now for the question I am certain will be asked. How do I display my minis? I have a cute little mini stand I purchased on line.  I then put a small hanging sleeve on the back and slide it into the mini holder. It works great and sits on top of my piano for all to see.