Christmas in July 2025
Click HERE or on the image above for a complete playlist for Christmas in July 2025 (updated daily).
Welcome to Christmas in July 2025!
Welcome to my Christmas in July 2025 series—a month-long celebration of festive sewing and quilting. Each day in July, I’ll be sharing a short, creative, holiday-inspired video and blog post to help you get a head start on your handmade gifts, décor, and projects. In this Christmas in July series, I will be sharing scrap-friendly ideas, quick quilt blocks and projects, and just a bunch of mid-summer merriment. I can't wait to share everything I have in store! Here’s what to expect in this series:
Daily videos from July 1 - July 31, all intended to get us quilters ready for the holiday season!
This Blog: I will update it each day.
Patterns! Projects! Tips! Tricks!
Downloadable trackers to help you organize and stay on track
Newsletter exclusively for this event (sign up HERE)
Tons of laughs, fun, and a welcome break from the summer sun.
So much more!
Why Christmas in July?
You might be wondering… Why Christmas in July? Fair question—and one I’m sure will come up a lot—so let’s answer it right off the bat!
1. Holiday fabrics are hitting the shelves now.
July is when most quilt shops start stocking their festive fabric collections. It’s the perfect time to scoop up those gorgeous holiday prints while they’re fresh and plentiful!
2. We love making and giving handmade gifts—but the holiday season gets busy.
If you’ve ever found yourself finishing a binding at midnight on Christmas Eve (raises hand!), you know the struggle is real. This series is designed to help you get a head start, so you can actually enjoy the season and have a few handmade treasures ready to go.
3. It’s just plain fun.
Who says we have to wait until December to get into the holiday spirit? A little festive creativity in the middle of summer is good for the soul!
So, grab your scraps, your favorite festive prints, and join me each day in July for a quick, merry-making project or tip. Let’s make sure this the year we stay ahead of the holiday hustle—while having a blast along the way!
Let’s Get Started!
July 1: Kick Off
If you are anything like me, you have had your fair share of holiday stress sewing gifts on a tight deadline. One of the most memorial experiences for me was many years ago when I was making a Christmas gift for my grandmother. I stayed up all night Christmas Eve to finish it. I can’t remember how I was in the morning when she opened it—all I remember is the stress. My goal is to help you get a jumpstart on holiday sewing to help elimiate, or at least lessen, the holiday sewing stress we all experience at one time or another. I hope you will join me in making Christmas (or whatever you celebrate) stress-free and fun!
July 2: Gathering Holiday Fabric
Today is all about gathering all of your holiday fabric into one area, shelve, bin, or other container. As I mentioned in the video, I debated having this task so early in the process. Should I do this first or after we make our holiday sewing list? I landed on gathering fabric first. This will allow us to see what we have decided whether we need to buy anything, and give us a chance to clean out our holiday fabric stash.
July 3: Sew Merry Scrap Quilt
This simple sixteen-patch block is so much fun to make! Just by changing the colors, the color placement, or both can change the entire look of this block. It also works so well with all holidays and seasons. Today we will start this project. Just think—if you make a block a day for 20 days, you will have enough blocks for this quilt top! You can even take a few days off.
Click HERE for the link to the Sew Merry Blog.
Click HERE to watch Day 3’s Video.
July 4: 3-Yard Quilt
Three yard quilts are so much fun to make! They are relatively low cost since they only use three yards of different fabrics. Although there are books full of patterns, you can also get free three-yard patterns like the one I used. You also don’t have to make a quilt. You can make table runners, placemats, whatever you want from these patterns.
Click HERE to watch today’s video!
July 5: Holiday Banner Project
In today’s tutorial, I will show you how to make this banner from the leftover blocks from the three-yard quilt from yesterday. This is fun, easy, and so rewarding!
If you don’t have extra blocks, that’s okay! Here’s what you will need to make them:
(1) 3.5” x 4.5” rectangle, (2) 2” x 3.5” rectangles, (2) 2” x 4.5” rectangles, and (4) 2” squares.
To make these banner blocks, you will need (3) leftover blocks, (3) 7” x 8” pieces of batting , (3) 9” x 10” backing/binding fabric, (1) 40” piece of ribbon, and (2) rings (optional). iron-on letters (if you don’t want to use these, you can make your own with this template).
Click HERE to watch today’s video.
July 6: Let’s Make a Plan
Now that we have our fabric together, a few projects made, an ongoing scrap project completed, it is time to plan. In this video, I will take you through the steps of making lists (and checking them twice?), setting up a sewing calendar, and offer some other suggestions to make your holiday sewing experience even better. Remember: This is just a plan. You reserve the right to change you plan. That is okay!
Need a calendar to help with planning? Here’s a FREE holiday calendar template.
Click HERE to today’s video.
July 7: Smart Shopping
In today’s Christmas in July 2025’s video, we are talking all about shopping smart this holiday season. Here are my top five tips of making getting the most value for your money:
Have a Plan Before You Shop
Shop Strategically
Buy in Bulk
Share Shop with Friends
Consider Shopping Second Hand
Click HERE for Day 7’s video.
July 8: End of Week 1 Q & A
In today’s video, I will be answering all of your questions about the projects we have made so far, items in my sewing room, and things ask about me as a question. If you have any questions for our next question and answer session on July 15, please email me at info@sewthedistance.com.
Click HERE to today’s video.
July 9: Journal Pen Holder
There are so much fun to make! I’ll bet you can’t make just one. They take very little time, are easy on the pocketbook, and something anyone would love to receive as a gift. I also have a blog specifically for this project.
Click HERE for the Journal Pen Holder blog.
Click HERE to watch Day 9’s video.
July 10: UFOs and WIP
You have hidden holiday gifts in your sewing room and may not even know it! Today we sort through all of those UFOs (UnFinished Objects) and WIPs (Works in Progress, keeping in mind that they may make great gifts! Make sure to cross reference your holiday lists with your projects. You just never know what you will find that would be the prefect gift for someone on your list.
Click HERE to watch Day 10’s video.
July 11: Quilt Tops
Awww, quilt tops! So many quilt tops! What is we looked at those quilt tops we have and consider that they may make excellent gifts? Or if we reworked them into other projects like tote bags, table toppers, table runners, placements—whatever you can think of! So many wonderful gifts could be hidden right under our noses in our sewing areas.
Click HERE to watch Day 11’s video.
July 12: Kits for the Future
Planning to sew handmade gifts this holiday season? Get a head start now by creating simple project kits you can grab and go this fall! In today’s Christmas in July video, I’ll show you how to set yourself up for success with organized bundles of fabric, notions, and patterns—all ready for cozy autumn sewing sessions. These kits make it easier to stay on track and enjoy the process, even when your schedule gets busier later in the year.
Click HERE to watch Day 12’s video.
July 13: TWO of My Favorite Blocks
Today we're going back to basics—with a festive twist! I'm sharing my two favorite easy quilt blocks: the half-square triangle and the four patch. These simple shapes are the true building blocks of quilting and can be used to create endless block designs, from traditional to modern. In this video, I’ll show you how to make them, why I love them, and how they open the door to so many creative possibilities for your Christmas quilts (and beyond). If you’re short on time but want to keep sewing, these two blocks are a perfect place to start!
Click HERE for Day 13’s video.
July 14: Table Topper Project
Today we’re turning our four patch blocks and half-square triangle blocks (from Day 13!) into a cheerful and simple table topper—perfect for adding a handmade touch to your holiday décor. This is a great way to use what you’ve already made and transform your scraps into something both beautiful and functional. Whether you’re decorating your own table or making gifts, this project comes together quickly and adds a warm, scrappy charm to any space. I’ll walk you through layout ideas, piecing tips, and finishing suggestions to make it uniquely yours!
Click HERE for Day 14’s video.
July 15: Q & A #2
In today's question and answer video, Brendan (my husband) and I will answer all of your questions from the last week, including questions about my sewing space, my organization systems, and so many other topics!
Click HERE to watch Day 15’s video.
July 16: Sewing Day Prep
Want to have a cozy, productive day in your sewing room? In this video, I’ll show you how I prepare for a full sewing and quilting day, from cleaning my machine to making my space extra comfy. Whether you're chain piecing quilt blocks or working on a scrappy project, these prep tips will help your day run smoothly and feel like a treat.
Click HERE for a FREE PDF Sewing Day Checklist.
Click HERE to watch Day 16’s video.
July 17: Small Sewing Project! Keyfob!
Day 17 of Christmas in July brings a quick, scrappy sewing project you can whip up in no time—a handmade lanyard or key fob! This fast, functional gift idea is perfect for using up fabric scraps and adding a personal touch to your holiday giving. Head over to today’s video to see the step-by-step tutorial and get inspired to make a few!
Click HERE to watch Day 17’s video.
July 18: Batch Sewing
Today’s Christmas in July video is all about batch sewing—a time-saving method that’s especially helpful for holiday projects and handmade gifts. I’m sharing my best tips for organizing your steps, keeping momentum, and making your sewing sessions more efficient. If you're sewing in multiples this season, this one’s for you!
Click HERE to watch Day 18’s video.
July 19: Quilting Fails
In today’s Christmas in July video, I’m sharing a few of my quilting fails—projects that didn’t turn out the way I imagined. From fabric combos that clashed to designs that didn’t quite come together, these moments remind me that not every quilt has to be perfect to teach us something. Come have a look and laugh along with me!
Click HERE to watch Day 19’s video.
July 20: A Thrifty Christmas
Today’s Christmas in July video is all about thrifting with a creative eye! I visited a local thrift store to look for affordable items I could transform into holiday gifts and décor. Come along as I share my finds and ideas for turning secondhand goods into handmade magic this season.
Click HERE to watch Day 20’s video.
July 21: I Spy Christmas
Today’s Christmas in July video is full of holiday cheer! I’m sharing how to use novelty Christmas fabrics to create a fun and festive I Spy quilt block—perfect for playful holiday quilts and kid-friendly gifts. If you’ve been saving those cute prints for the “right” project, this might be it!
Click HERE to watch Day 21’s video.
July 22: Q & A #3
Join my husband and I as we answer all the questions you may have from the previous week! Make sure to submit your questions on Facebook, in the comments on YouTube, or email me at info@sewthedistance.com.
Click HERE to watch Day 22’s video.
July 23: Quilting Inspiration
Stuck on what to make for the holidays? You're not alone! Day 23 of my Christmas in July video series is all about finding fresh inspiration for your next festive quilt or handmade gift. In this quick video, I share my go-to places for gathering ideas—plus how to make the most of those holiday magazines, Pinterest boards, and even your scrap bin. It’s a little boost for your creative brain so you can get excited about making again.
Click HERE to watch Day 23’s video.
July 24: Panel Projects
Do you have fabric panels just waiting to be used? In my latest YouTube video, I’m showing you two unique project ideas that go beyond the typical quilt. These simple yet eye-catching makes are perfect for showing off those bold prints and turning them into something truly useful. Catch the video for quick inspiration, helpful tips, and a fresh take on working with panels!
Click HERE to watch Day 24’s video.
July 25: My Favorite Things!
Five months from today is Christmas! YAY! I decided to do something special--show some of my favorite quilting tools, books, notions, and more to give you ideas for YOUR holiday wish list! I hope this help you treat yourself to some wonderful items this year or add some of these to a list for others in your life.
Download the Christmas Wish List HERE.
Download the Winter Wish List HERE.
Download the Letter to Santa HERE.
Click HERE to watch Day 25’s video.
July 26: Cell Phone Pillow
In today's Christmas in July episode, we will be making a cell phone pillow stand. These are great for gifts, for yourself, or even to sew and sell. They are super easy to make, use up scraps, and can be made in a variety of sizes and styles. Who doesn't want a cell phone plop?
Click HERE to watch Day 26’s video.
July 27: Easier Table Runner Ever!
Dig out your charm pack and dig into this easy project! In today's video, I will show how to use a charm pack to make the easiest quilted charm pack table runner ever! I take you through picking the fabrics to use from the pack (we will only use 21 of them, so you can actually make TWO table runner from one charm pack); I will talk about fabric value and balance, and give suggestions as to how you can make these for gifts!
Click HERE to watch Day 27’s video.
July 28: Now What?
Over the past 27 days, we have talking about making holiday gift lists, project lists, and matching them to each other. We discussed batch sewing, planning for a sew day, and shopping smart. We have made ten projects, done some thrifting, and looked at what we already have in our sewing rooms. Now what? How do we pull this all together? In this video, we will have a heart-to-heart and discuss the plan moving forward that will ensure a positive outcome this holiday season!
Click HERE to watch Day 28’s video.
July 29: Q & A #4
This is our last Q&A of this series. Thank you so much for all the love and support you have offered us! All of the questions have been amazing!
Click HERE to watch Day 29’s video.
July 30: Scrappy Coaster Tutorial
Remember when I had you save allll those scraps on Day 3? We assigned a container and everything! Well, today's the day we dig in and play with them! We will be making some scrappy string coasters using the stitch and flip method, or quilt as you go, as it is sometimes called. Join me in conquering all those scraps we accumulated all month!
Click HERE to watch Day 30’s video.
July 31: Wrap Up!
Thank you SO much for a wonderful Christmas in July 2025 series! I couldn’t have done it without your love, support, comments, and encouragement! It was so much fun spending each day with you as we plan for the holiday season!
Click HERE to watch Day 31’s video.
