Christmas Cactus – A Vintage Top Rescue

I have huge news! I had a project accepted into Quiltmaker, and the magazine didn’t go out of business before it was published!

I receive “calls for submissions” from The Quilting Company family of magazines, and this one specifically mentioned finishing vintage tops. It just so happened that I had noticed a lovely drunkard’s path variation on eBay that morning. So, I put together a proposal and sent it in. I was thrilled when they accepted it. Oscar was, too.

Check out the November issue. They did a beautiful job on their photo shoot. They even created a pattern for the quilt, so if you want your very own Christmas Cactus quilt, you can whip one right up.

Double squeal, they reached out to me not too long after I sent in the quilt and asked if I would like to be featured in a “Designer Spotlight”. Uh, more attention? Yes, please. In that feature I discuss my experience with working with vintage tops.

My good friend, Jackie, took the best headshot photos of me earlier this year. I’ve been getting a lot of mileage out of them. Thanks, Jackie! Check out her Etsy shop – her photography is unbelievable.

I’ll write some more details about my process with this particular quilt when I get it back.

Quiltmaker was kind enough to give me an extra copy of the magazine for my readers!

Leave a comment below, and I will choose a random winner on September 26.

Have you gotten started on your holiday sewing yet? I’ve had one obvious holiday quilt come through my client line so far, and I am extremely proud of her advance planning. Mom is zipping out a pile of presents, and I’m starting to panic a little.

35 thoughts on “Christmas Cactus – A Vintage Top Rescue

  1. Congratulations! I have a hard time finding Quiltmaker around here, but I will definitely look for it now! Love the vintage quilt and want to see their pattern for it!

    1. Thanks! It was really exciting about six months ago. Waiting for the print has been excruciating. I’m an Instagram girl, I guess.

  2. Congratulations, Jen! This is so exciting and beautiful! I am still unpacking boxes and ignoring the fast approaching holidays. Wishing you the best with your holiday projects

  3. congratulations. no holiday sewing here, per say. I am working on quilts for grands. they may or may not become Christmas presents.

  4. Woo! Hoo! Congratulations!!!!! I am so thrilled to be watching you grow your passion and can’t wait until I can say, “I knew her when…” Please enter me in the magazine giveaway.

  5. I’m anxious to see your article as I have 3 tops (vintage) needing to be finished. Congrats to you…🥳🥳🥳

  6. Jen, that is great ! Can’t wait to see your article. Quiltmaker is my favorite magazine and I still have a subscription. Way to Go !

  7. Hi Jen! Isn’t this also the quilt that you weren’t sure if you’d get back after you submitted it? Big congrats to you! The spotlight is really, REALLY cool and so is the quilt. {{Hugs}} I’m excited for you. ~smile~ Roseanne

    1. Thanks so much! The one I was concerned about won’t be published until January, but I’m not worried about it anymore.

  8. How delightful to get spotlighted in that quilt magazine, and get more kudos! Started on Christmas gifts? … If making Christmas gifts, start the day after Christmas! That’s how it works for me. S-l-o-w.

  9. Hi Jen, congratulations! This is my first time even knowing who you are. I have seen the magazine around for awhile but did not know I could still get it. I really want to make that. Christmas quilt on the cover of quiltmaker digital November/December 2019.

    1. Welcome, and I guess I’m doing something right, then. That cover quilt looks like fun, doesn’t it?

  10. Congratulations! I noticed the new head shot a while back, I really like it! The colors in this vintage top are especially fun. Quiltmaker isn’t one I have access to through my public library but I’ll look around in local craft stores for it.

  11. What a lovely finish to a vintage top begging for attention. The maker has got to be smiling down at you for finishing her work, AND getting it published. Congrats on this, and the getting the spotlight you deserve!

      1. Yes, none of the quilt shops have it, but I remember looking at Bonnie Hunter’s column in it at B&N once in the past. Woo hoo!!!

  12. I found a copy of your pattern and bought it, I am in the middle of hand sewing each block. I tried the curvemaster foot but it doesn’t work on my machines. I’m hoping to submit this quilt for a fundraiser for the SPCA. I do love the hand piecing. I am also using the red, green and white. Would love to send pics . I’m in Howell, NJ. Thank you for accepting me to your website. I would love to know the story behind this quilt and its maker.

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