12 Days of Christmas quilt + Free Giveaway!

Today I decided to work on one of my ongoing projects, the "12 Days of Christmas" by Viv's Creations. This project combines hand and machine embroidery and raw edge machine applique. The last two techniques I haven't done much of. With the applique I started off shabby but now I'm aiming to have more of a neat look, a la Kellie Wulfsohn.  I have refined my technique over the first few blocks and find the following is working for me for the machine applique: place the pieces with Visoflex; thin iron-on pellon on the back; matching Gutterman cotton threads on top and a light grey in the bobbin; a fine Schmetz needle - 60/8; and a  small straight stitch (2.0 on my Husqvarna). This seems to work well particularly when the top colour thread matches the fabric, not so great when it doesn't - I guess this is stating the obvious! I'm still learning and would love to hear what works for you.
I have completed the first 5 blocks:

Partridge...

Doves...

Hens... these ladies still need some pearls around their necks...

Birds...

Rings...I used 1 strand of DMC metallic gold with one strand of DMC yellow/gold for the rings. 

I had to check out YouTube to work out how to make the suffolk puffs...

Now working on Geese, applique pieces in place...

Quilting gloves help to manoeuvre the block. 

Now that I look at this photo I realise I could try using a transparent foot.

Machine embroidering the nest seemed to take ages. I think I need to do a bit more on the right hand side..it's amazing what you can learn from the pictures of your own work!

I think the spotted goose egg looks quite cute.

Now ready for the hand embroidery to be completed on the bus 
(or whilst watching the Olympics). 

I love using the clear plastic packaging you get when you buy pillowcases, they're the perfect size & because it's clear it's easy to see what you've got and refer to the pattern  - very handy for on the bus!

My 1ST FREE GIVEAWAY!!

I originally bought the 12 Days of Christmas as a BOM at an AQC exhibition but then by the time I started making it the store 'disappeared' after the first 2 months. I then spotted the whole set in a shop and decided to just buy the whole lot. Therefore I have doubles of the first two months, Partridge & Doves, which I am going to give away. I don't know if the rest of the patterns are still available but you could use these 2 for bags, cushions etc.

Just leave me a comment about what you might do with these patterns or with a machine applique tip & I'll draw a winner next weekend. Good luck!!