2026 Pass-It-Outs

 I mentioned that I had been working on my pass-it-outs for this year's Christmas. And I finally finished them. These were slightly more labor intensive than last year's.

I actually found this tutorial last Christmas but I had already done my pass-it-outs. Now I'm kind of wondering what I might find this Christmas for next year.

You have to start out by cutting out 4 trees for every 1 ornament you plan to make. That by itself can take a while, especially since I planned on making about 35 ornaments.

Then, of course, you have to sew them together in pairs. I messed up and put two of the same for each pair. It would have been cuter if I had used different fabrics for each pair but I didn't really stop to think it through.

Next was something that kept my tv time full. I had to trim all the curves and corners on each one.

And turn them right side out, being sure to poke out all the corners and curves very carefully. I wasn't careful enough and ended up with one casualty. Oh, well.

Then to iron them flat.

After that, I paired up two of each of the turned trees and pulled out my trusty iron-off pen to mark the center.

I connected them by sewing right down that line. And, with that, my work on the sewing machine for these was done. 

Now I had a 3D tree that had no body to it. 

So, guess what came next. Yep, more tv time.

The author's little tip about using hemostats to put stuffing into a small space are a keeper. They made this whole task SOOO much easier. And I've since used them for another project too.

Then it was simply a matter of hand sewing the bottoms closed.

And suddenly you're holding a tiny tree in your hand.

These little trees are pretty darn cute.

But they weren't done yet.

I actually had to order some red wooden beads. I didn't really expect Wal-mart to have any (they didn't) but I sure thought I'd be able to find some at Hobby Lobby. I know it's a little early for Christmas but I really thought they'd have some for Independence Day.

And that would have worked. I had plenty of Christmas sets online but I ended up liking the patriotic set I bought more. And they work just fine.

So, once the beads arrived, I coupled them with a thin red ribbon and VOILA!

Aren't they adorable? I think they'll be a hit. Just like last year's. And I hope to keep my Christmas in June vibe going next year too.

This was, as expected, from my current favorite Youtube channel -- Pin, Cut, Sew. You can find the tutorial here.

Let me know if you give them a try. Are you working on anything Christmas right now?