NEW January 2026 VRD Rose Card Patterns, a NEW Seasonal Series, and a Tutorial for an Envelope Pillow Back

January 8, 2026January 7, 2026 rosecards1 Comment

Hello Quilty Friends!

Happy Thursday to you!

Are you ready for a FUN and exciting new year of quilty goodness here on the VRD blog? We’re working on all kinds of cool ideas for 2026, including another 6 Quilts in 6 Weeks Challenge, lots of new patterns (as you probably already know we release 5-7 brand new patterns each and every month), and lots of other great stuff. You just need to hang out every Thursday with us to see what’s up.

Speaking of new patterns, I’m excited to share with you our brand new January patterns. If you’ve been hanging out with us for a while, then you probably already know that I totally live for the Thursday after the first Friday of every month. If you’re new to the blog, first – WELCOME, we’re SEW glad you’re here – and second, our new monthly patterns are released on the first Friday of each month. Here on the blog, I love to share our new monthly patterns on the Thursday post following Pat’s reveal of the new patterns on the first Friday. Whew! I hope that makes sense.

Cue the confetti and the music! Here they are!

Promotional image for January 2026 quilt patterns, featuring five designs: Elroy, Gateway, Felicity, Go Fish, and Star Anise, each with a description and the price of $8.95 for the set.

You can get all 5 print patterns HERE

(patterns are also available individually as both digital downloads and printed patterns)

Elroy – Rachelle Handmade is back with this clever star-worthy fat quarter friendly quilt that finishes 48″ x 60″. So grab your favorite FQ collection and this quilt go together in a jiffy.

Felicity – Here’s another super quick fat quarter patterns from Pat. It finishes at 42″ x 54″ and makes a fun throw or kids’ quilt.

Gateway – This is Molly’s latest panel quilt design. It finishes at 42″ x 62″, which is a nice small throw or even a large wall quilt.

Star Anise – Heidi’s new design this month is a fab graphic star pattern. It finishes at 58″ x 58″ and makes a good-sized throw. You could add another row at the bottom to make this quilt longer if you wanted to and it would be the right size for a Quilts of Valor quilt.

Go Fish – This cutie was created as a child’s quilt for a new baby in my cousin’s family. It finishes at 46″ x 52″ and uses fat quarters.

Because of the holidays, I didn’t get a runner finished in time for January, but I have something else for you this month!

New Seasonal Series for 2026

I hope you enjoyed the Seasonal Snack Mat Pattern Series from 2024-25 as much as I did. It was really fun to come up with a new design for each month of the year.

Cover image featuring 12 seasonal snack mats with various designs, including Woolly Mitten, Dear Heart, Shamrock, Independence Day, Buzzy Bee, Little Shroom, and more, all displayed in a colorful grid format.

Did you know we have all 12 Snack Mats together in a print collection now? You can find it HERE.

Hey! How about another Seasonal Series for 2026???

Great idea – it just so happens that this month we’re kicking off a new Seasonal Accent Pillow series. The patchwork pillow covers will finish at 18″ square and can be used as small wall or table quilts.

WOOHOO!

This month’s Pillow is called Happy Hearts.

My furbaby, Bailly, decided she wanted to be in the photo with the pillow. To be fair, I did use her favorite chair. LOL! Silly Bailly.

A decorative pillow with a heart design sits on a pink couch, accompanied by a small, fluffy dog.

You can find the digital pattern HERE or the print pattern HERE

I hope you are as excited about this new series as I am. By now, you’ve probably noticed that I tend to create a lot of seasonal and holiday patterns. I wonder if that comes from living my entire life here in northwestern Pennsylvania where we can have all 4 seasons in one day. Yeah….maybe.

To jump-start your Year of Seasonal Pillows, I thought it would be a good idea to share with you how I like to finish the backs of my accent pillows. Yep, there are lots of different ways, but my absolute favorite is the Envelope Pillow Back.

Read on for a quick tutorial.

Envelope Pillow Back Tutorial

Have you ever made a throw pillow and wondered how to finish the back? Maybe you added that unfinished pillow top to your stash of UFOs and forgot all about it.

Let me show you my favorite method for finishing a pillow top with no zippers. Yep – you heard me right – no zippers! And that’s a good thing, too, as I am terrible at sewing zippers.

I layered my pillow top with batting and lining fabric and machine quilted it. Then I squared it up to 18 1/2″ x 18 1/2″. Now we’re ready to rock and roll!

A close-up view of a quilting project showing a variety of pink and red fabric squares arranged in a geometric pattern, with batting visible underneath.

A cutting mat with a transparent ruler and rotary cutter, featuring a patchwork design of hearts in red and pink fabrics.

I chose these cheeky pink snowflakes for the back of my Happy Hearts Pillow since we’ll still be having snow for Valentine’s Day around here.

I decided to cut my 2 backing pieces of fabric 12 1/2″ x 18 1/2″ so that I would have a 6″ overlap. There aren’t any real rules for how much overlap to have on an Envelope back, but if you don’t have enough, you’ll know it because the opening on the back will bulge out, exposing the pillow insert. Better to have a generous overlap than not enough.

A cutting mat with pink fabric featuring white snowflakes, alongside a transparent quilting ruler marked with measurements.

Next, I’m going to press a 1/4″ hem along an 18 1/2″ side on BOTH of the backing pieces.

An iron next to a piece of pink fabric with a snowflake pattern, resting on a grey ironing board cover.

Then we’ll fold it over one more time so that the raw edges will be sandwiched in the hem. You can pin them in place if needed, but since I pressed them, they’ll hold up while I sew.

A piece of fabric featuring a pink and white snowflake pattern, with pink bias tape laid on top, on a textured surface.

Alrighty, now we’re headed to the sewing machine to sew down the hem on both sections.

Close-up of a sewing machine stitching a decorative pink fabric with snowflake patterns.

Close-up of a pink patterned fabric featuring white snowflake designs with visible stitching along the edges.

Our next step is to layer one of the back sections right sides together (RST) with the pillow cover, lining up the outer edges with the hemmed edge towards the middle. This time I’m going to pin generously because I really don’t want anything moving out of place.

A close-up view of a quilt showcasing various patterned fabrics, including pink, red, and white materials, with quilted designs and a folded section revealing different fabric textures.

A piece of pink fabric with snowflake patterns is pinned to a quilt, surrounded by sewing tools and materials.

So far, so good. Let’s layer the second backing section now, again with the hemmed edge towards the center, overlapping the hemmed edge of the first section. I pinned everything into submission.

A close-up of pink fabric with a white snowflake pattern, folded and pinned for sewing.

A square piece of pink fabric with a floral pattern, pinned down on a workspace with various craft supplies in the background.

Back to the sewing machine to sew all the way around, using a 1/4″ seam allowance.

A sewing machine with a pink fabric piece featuring a floral pattern, pinned with colorful clips, under bright lighting.

I want to take a minute and share a really good tip about sewing corners – I learned this great idea from a fellow quilt guild member years ago.

When you are a few stitches from where you plan to stop and turn the corner, pause and turn your project 45 degrees and stitch a couple stitches, then turn it the rest of the way and continue sewing on the new side. These couple of stitches give your corner a little ease and room for turning. You’ll actually end up with neater corners when you’re turning things right sides out if you do this.

Oops – you caught me – I just sewed over my pin instead of pulling it out. Call the Quilt Police!

Close-up of a sewing machine foot, with pink patterned fabric being prepared for stitching, and a pin holding the fabric in place.

Close-up of a sewing machine with pink fabric featuring snowflake patterns and a blue sewing pin, showing the needle and presser foot in action.

Close-up of a pink fabric with a floral pattern and visible stitching on the edge.

I’m also going to cut across all 4 of my corners to reduce the bulk which will help those corners to turn out neatly. Be careful NOT to cut through your stitching.

Close-up of pink patterned fabric with scissors cutting the edge on a gray felt background.

Since my inside edges are going to be unfinished, I think I’ll take a little extra time to zig zag around the outside before turning things right sides out. This will just help to keep things neat and tidy so they don’t fray. If you have a serger, you can easily serge around the outside edges. And if you know how to use your serger, somebody please teach me – mine is still new in the box three years after purchase…….

Close-up of a pink fabric with a floral pattern, partially sewn, placed on a sewing machine.

Okay, let’s turn this pillow cover right sides out through the Envelope Back opening. Yippee!

Close-up of a quilt featuring a pink and red pattern. The quilt is partially on a sewing machine with quilting lines visible, and colorful fabrics can be seen in the background.

A piece of pink fabric with white snowflake patterns, laid out flat on a sewing table.

I’m going to take a little time to press things really well and smooth my edges so the pillow back won’t be showing around the front edge of the pillow. Much better.

A pink fabric featuring white snowflake patterns, laid out on a workspace.

Time to pop an 18″ pillow insert into my now-completed pillow cover.

A pink pillowcase with a snowflake pattern next to a white pillow on a craft table.

A pink pillow with white snowflake patterns, resting on a crafting table surrounded by fabric scraps and sewing tools.

And here is the completed Happy Hearts pillow with Envelope Pillow Back. Done and done. I think it turned out pretty well!

A decorative quilted pillow featuring a heart pattern in shades of pink and red against a light background.

Well, that’s it for me this week.

Hope to see you here again next Thursday for more VRD fun! Bring a friend!

Until then –

Sew. Laugh. Repeat.

Always,

Tricia @ VRD

Tips and Tricks · villa rosa designs

Quilting Goals for the New Year

January 1, 2026December 31, 2025 rosecards12 Comments

Hello Quilty Friends!

Happy New Year to you!

Colorful balloons and confetti against a dark background with the text 'Happy New Year' in bold, festive letters.

We all know January has a bit of a weird vibe – it’s a brand new year with a brand new calendar, but our fabric stashes haven’t magically changed since 11:59 PM on December 31st.

A lot of us feel a New Year’s serge to do more, more, more while underneath, we just want less pressure after a hectic, messy, busy, big, bold previous year.

What’s a quilter to do?

Maybe this year, it’s time to choose goals (not New Year’s resolutions) to support our creativity instead of adding more stress to our already-stressful lives.

Here’s a list of 10 ideas to get you thinking about how to de-stress your quilting in 2026.

1. Start With a Gentle Look Back to 2025

Before planning ahead, let’s pause and ask ourselves:

What quilting project brought me the most joy last year?
What did I finish that surprised me?
What stayed unfinished, and why?
What worked and what didn’t?
What did I learn?
What did I accomplish?
What didn’t I accomplish and why?

The first thing we all need to do is be kind to ourselves – unfinished quilts are NOT failures. There are a multitude of reasons why those UFOs didn’t get completed in 2025 and that’s okay. Let me repeat – it’s okay.

Maybe your sewing space is still disorganized and messy. It’s okay. Really.

We are starting a brand new shiny sparkly year – let’s make it a great one without punishing ourselves for what we didn’t complete in 2025.

Maybe 2026 will be your UFO finishing year. Maybe 2026 will be the year you shed the weight of your UFOs and pass them on to someone else who will love them and complete them. Or perhaps this year will be the year you make your sewing space into your dream studio.

Whatever you do, be kind to yourself.

2. Choose a “Word” or Theme for 2026

Instead of a long to-do list, pick one guiding word/theme for this year:

Slow
Play
Finish
Learn
Cozy
Scrappy
Etc.

Let that single word or theme shape your quilting decisions this year.

If your word is finish, you say yes to binding days. If it’s play, you try new color combinations without expectations.

If it’s learn, try out new techniques, new rulers, and interesting classes to discover new ways to explore and enjoy quilting.

If it’s scrappy, incorporate your scraps and stash into new projects.

Having a word or theme for the year will help guide your quilting choices and decisions, which can make your quilting experiences more focused and richer.

3. Set 3–5 Quilting Goals Only

More goals don’t equal more quilting. They equal guilt.

Try goals like:

Finish 2 UFOs
Make one quilt just for myself
Try a new technique (hand quilting, curves, improv)
Sew once a week, even if only for 30 minutes
Spend 15 minutes a day decluttering your sewing space

Goals should be concrete, specific, and achievable. Just imagine how good it’s going to feel when you complete your goal of “Finish 2 UFOs” or “Try a new technique”? And the super cool thing about goals is that once you complete them, you can create new goals and that will help motivate you to keep the momentum going strong and moving forward.

Keep in mind that small goals leave room for life. And joy.

4. Plan Projects by Season, Not by Month

As quilters, we often overestimate our winter energy and underestimate our summer fatigue. Maybe it’s time to consider how the seasons affect our lives and our quilting. Quilting is kind of a rhythm, isn’t it? It ebbs and flows through our lives. We can harness that rhythm by intentionally planning projects and tasks with the ebb and flow in mind.

Maybe summer is your busiest craziest season, so perhaps smaller portable projects and handwork would work better for you than trying to machine quilt and bind big bed quilts. Maybe in Fall you feel more productive so maybe that’s when you tackle those big quilts.

For example, here’s a gentle seasonal rhythm:

Winter: Start and plan big quilts
Spring: Piece and experiment
Summer: Small projects or handwork
Fall: Finish and gift

Your seasonal ebb and flow might be different than this, so take some time to think about when you feel more energetic and when you are the busiest. Then create your own seasonal plan for the year.

Let’s be kind to ourselves and work with our natural energy instead of fighting against it.

5. Build in “Finish Weeks”

This idea really resonated with me. When we did the 6 Quilts in 6 Weeks Challenge last fall, I saw that having a plan and being accountable really helped me a lot. So going forward, I need to add “Finish Weeks” to my plan. Maybe once a month, I’m thinking. That would give me at least 12 finished UFOs and what an accomplishment that would be!

And I’m already looking at the calendar for our next 6 Quilts in 6 Weeks Challenge here on the blog, so stay tuned.

You could designate specific weeks for:

Binding
Labeling
Quilting tops that are already done

During “Finish Weeks” – no new projects allowed. Just simple, satisfying completion.

6. Make Space for One Just-for-Fun Quilt

No deadlines. No gifting. No rules. Just breathe.

Some ideas:

A color you love but never use
A pattern outside your comfort zone
Scraps without a plan
A fun class offered at your local quilt shop
Something you’ve always wanted to make

This quilt project is just for you. Enjoy it. Make it totally yours. You want purple and red and orange together? Do it. You want to try Slow Stitching? Yep, try it and slow down a little bit. Interested in Improv? Gather your scraps and dive right in. Whatever you choose, this quilt will become your creative exhale.

7. Create a Realistic Sewing Routine

Instead of saying you want to “sew more,” be specific and intentional. Create an actual sewing routine and make it a habit. Having a specific routine will help you get things done and keep you sewing.

For example, you might decide to quilt:

Sunday afternoons
One evening a week
20-minute sessions before/after dinner

Having a specific routine actually makes it easier to find time to sew. Be consistent. Consistency beats intensity. Always.

8. Curate Your Stash With Kindness

Although we quilters are often feeling energized in January to clean out our fabric stash, declutter our sewing spaces, and organize everything in pretty boxes and baskets – we need to take a moment to just breathe. January is not a punishment month. We really can spread these tasks out, we have all year. Really.

Try:

Organizing one category at a time (fat quarters, scraps)
Letting go of fabric that no longer fits your style while you are organizing one category at a time
Making a “use first” pile (put it in a pretty box or basket, label it, and make sure you use it)

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried to sort, clean, declutter, etc. in my studio in January as a New Year’s Resolution. I’ve always failed. And then I’m deflated. Don’t forget the guilt I feel because I failed. Every. Single. Time.

No more. I’m going to work smarter and kinder, not harder. Our fabric stashes are a wonderful gift full of possibilities, not pressure. It’s long past time to enjoy our stashes without the guilt and negativity. You and your stash make beautiful things together.

9. Write It Down (and Make It Visible)

A simple list on your wall or inside a planner works wonders.

Why not start a quilting planner or journal in 2026? A place where you can celebrate all things quilty? Already have anew planner for 2026? Go ahead and add quilting pages to your existing planner. You do you.

You can:

Add sketches and/or photos
Tape fabric swatches beside goals
Leave space to change your mind because changing your mind is allowed.
Make short lists (remember 3-5 at a time) of quilting and sewing goals
Write about new projects – the who, what, why, and how
Write about UFOs

Add whatever you darn well please – it’s your space and only your space! Make it part of your sewing routine. Visit it regularly. Go back through your planner/journal and see your growth, your accomplishments, your thoughts.

Writing down your quilting journey means you can visit whenever you want and celebrate often.

10. Remember Why You Quilt

Quilting is NOT a race.

It’s a rhythm. Ebb and flow.

It’s a warm hug folded into fabric.

Time stitched into memory.

Joy that doesn’t need to be optimized.

This year, let your 2026 goals support the feelings you want when you sit down to sew.

Here’s to a New Year full of quilting.

That’s it for me.

See you next week, right here.

Sew. Laugh. Be Kind. Repeat.

Always,

Tricia @ VRD

Just Quilty Stuff · Quilt Play · villa rosa designs

A Quilter’s Song for Christmas

December 25, 2025December 24, 2025 rosecards9 Comments

Hi Quilty Friends!

Merry Christmas!

I hope Santa came and filled your stockings with loads of quilty goodies last night. And no lumps of coal.

I thought I’d keep things simple today as I’m sure you don’t have time for a lengthy blog post today of all days.

So, please enjoy!

A Quilters’ Song for Christmas

Feel free to sing along with me (sung to the 12 Days of Christmas)…..

PSST…. I wrote the lyrics myself (and had SEW MUCH fun doing that), so if you share, please include Tricia @ Villa Rosa Designs 2025 as the composer. Thanks.

On the first day of Christmas, Santa gave to me – a brand new sewing machine!

A bright pink sewing machine on a light pink background. — *Image generated by WordPress AI*

On the second day of Christmas, Santa gave to me – 2 yards of fabric and a brand new sewing machine.

Close-up of red and green fabric with Christmas-themed patterns, including snowflakes and flowers. — *Image generated by WordPress AI*

On the third day of Christmas, Santa gave to me – 3 thread spools, 2 yards of fabric, and a brand new sewing machine.

Three spools of thread in vibrant colors: red, multicolored blue and pink, and yellow, displayed on a wooden surface. — *Image generated by WordPress AI*

On the 4th day of Christmas, Santa gave to me – 4 Jelly Rolls, 3 thread spools, 2 yards of fabric, and a brand new sewing machine.

Four rolls of Jelly Rolls, featuring festive red and green fabric patterns, tied with white ribbons. — *Images from Amazon*

On the 5th day of Christmas, Santa gave to me – 5 new quilt books, 4 Jelly Rolls, 3 thread spools, 2 yards of fabric, and a brand new sewing machine.

A stack of quilting books with the top book titled 'Quiltmaker's 1000 Blocks', showcasing various quilt block designs on its cover.

Image from moi

On the 6th day of Christmas, Santa gave to me – 6 diff’rent Charm packs, 5 new quilt books, 4 Jelly Rolls, 3 thread spools, 2 yards of fabric, and a brand new sewing machine.

A collection of charm square packs featuring various themes for children's quilting, including food, superheroes, animals, and princesses, all labeled with their unique counts. — *Image from Etsy*

On the 7th day of Christmas, Santa gave to me – 7 rotary cutters, 6 diff’rent Charm Packs, 5 new quilt books, 4 Jelly Rolls, 3 thread spools, 2 yards of fabric, and a brand new sewing machine.

A collection of rotary cutters with orange handles and black accents, arranged in a row on a white background. — *Image from Amazon*

On the 8th day of Christmas, Santa gave to me – 8 fa-at quarters, 7 rotary cutters, 6 diff’rent Charm packs, 5 new quilt books, 4 Jelly Rolls, 3 thread spools, 2 yards of fabric, and a brand new sewing machine.

A variety of fabric pieces featuring sports themes, including soccer, baseball, basketball, and football patterns, arranged in a fan shape. — *Image from Amazon*

On the 9th day of Christmas, Santa gave to me – 9 king size quilt kits, 8 fa-at quarters, 7 rotary cutters, 6 diff’rent Charm packs, 5 new quilt books, 4 Jelly Rolls, 3 thread spools, 2 yards of fabrics, and a brand new sewing machine.

A collection of assorted quilting fabrics, including rolls, packs, and a quilt pattern book, arranged in a visually appealing layout. — *Images from Etsy*

On the 10th day of Christmas, Santa gave to me – 10 pairs of scissors, 9 king size quilt kits, 8 fa-at quarters, 7 rotary cutters, 6 diff’rent Charm packs, 5 more quilt books, 4 Jelly Rolls, 3 thread spools, 2 yards of fabrics, and a brand new sewing machine.

A collection of green scissors arranged in a pattern, showcasing their design and features. — *Image from Amazon*

On the 11th day of Christmas, Santa gave to me – 11 fabric markers, 10 pairs of scissors, 9 king size quilt kits, 8 fa-at quarters, 7 rotary cutters, 6 diff’rent Charm packs, 5 more quilt books, 4 Jelly Rolls, 3 thread spools, 2 yards of fabric, and a brand new sewing machine.

A set of colorful fabric markers arranged in a row, featuring various vibrant colors including brown, green, yellow, red, pink, and blue. — *Image from Amazon*

On the 12th day of Christmas, Santa gave to me – 12 yards of backing, 11 fabric markers, 10 pairs of scissors, 9 king size quilt kits, 8 fa-at quarters, 7 rotary cutters, 6 diff’rent Charm packs, 5 more quilt books, 4 Jelly Rolls, 3 thread spools, 2 yards of fabric, and a brand new sewing machine!

A stack of fabric bolts with various colors and patterns, labeled 'Light', 'Medium', 'Bright', 'Royal', 'Denim', and 'Navy' on the left, and a selection of swirled pattern fabrics in different colors on the right. — *Images from Etsy*

Have a wonderful Happy Jolly Safe MERRY CHRISTMAS!

From all of us here at Villa Rosa Designs

Christmas Quilting · Curated Rose Card Pattern Lists · Rose Cards

Last Minute Quilted Gifts to Make Before Christmas and Holiday Gift Idea #5

December 18, 2025December 18, 2025 rosecards2 Comments

Hello Quilty Friends!

Happy Thursday to you!

7 days left……..

You’re in the homestretch now! Are you ready?

Nope, not me. If I finish getting ready for this year before next Christmas, maybe I can say I’m early for 2026? Hmmm, not sure it works like that. LOL!

You know, there is still time to make a handmade quilty something something with the help of your favorite elves at VRD this weekend with days to spare before the 25th.

Hang on a sec while I pop on my lil’ elf hat and I’ll be your holiday helper today. Huh. Wonder where those pointy ears came from? They weren’t there yesterday……..

A cheerful animated character with blonde hair, glasses, and pointy ears, wearing a green hat and a cozy scarf, smiling warmly. — *Little ol’ me……* by moi

Okay! I’m ready now – let’s do this!

Last Minute Quilted Gifts to Make Before Christmas

I’ve looked far and near to bring these fast little projects here to make your holidays more merry with lots of good cheer!

Quick Table Runners

Yes, indeed, there IS enough time this weekend to whip up a table runner. Really. Let me show you the way with these 5 great runners:

Perfect Trio – 3 fabrics and minimum piecing gets you to the finish line faster.

Cover image of the 'Perfect Trio' quilt pattern featuring a brick background with three fabric panels in varying colors and patterns, labeled with the designer's name.

Digital Pattern HERE or Print Pattern HERE

Ripple Runner – Dive into your stash for a selection of medium/dark and light prints along with a tonal coordinate and this runner is halfway done. Or use only 3 fabrics – light, medium, and dark. It’s up to you!

A beautiful quilted table runner displayed on a wooden surface, featuring a ripple design in shades of blue and cream.

Digital Pattern HERE or Print Pattern HERE

Macarons – A pack of 5″ Charm Squares and a background fabric. Sew, sew, flip. Layer, quilt, bind. Done.

A quilted table runner named 'Macarons', featuring a colorful patchwork design with various fabrics in shades of coral, teal, and blue, displayed on a wooden surface.

Digital Pattern HERE or Print Pattern HERE

Season’s Greetings – A bundle of fat sixths (or fat quarters) and some quick piecing make this fun runner go as fast as a reindeer on Christmas Eve.

A festive quilted table runner featuring a mix of patterned fabrics in red, black, green, and white, with a holiday theme. The design includes snowflakes, candy canes, and other seasonal motifs, bordered with bright red trim.

Digital Pattern HERE or Print Pattern HERE

Mod Tiles – Another fun and fast 5″ Charm Square runner with lots of panache. Add some cool yule fabrics or customize for any time of year.

A vibrant quilted table runner titled 'Mod Tiles', featuring a patchwork design with various colorful fabrics, set against a yellow background with black accents.

Digital Pattern HERE or Print Pattern HERE

Scarves

VRD has 2 great scarf patterns that go together faster than Rudolph scarfs down (pun intended) Christmas cookies!

Savannah Jane – Grab your favorite 5″ Charm Square pack (I like the flannel ones for this scarf) and get sewing for an afternoon. No batting, backing, or binding required.

A stylish display of the 'Savannah Jane' charm square patchwork scarf patterns. The image features multiple scarves showcased on mannequins, highlighting different fabric combinations and patchwork designs.

Digital Pattern HERE or Print Pattern HERE

Inessa Jane – Your favorite go-to Infinity scarf pattern. There’s enough time to make more than 1….

A digital pattern cover for the Inessa Jane Infinity Scarf, featuring three different styles of the scarf displayed on mannequin busts. The background has geometric designs in green and red, and the title is prominently displayed above.

Digital Pattern HERE or Print Pattern HERE

Tote Bags

Tote bags are great for anyone, whether they are quilters or not. Simply personalize the fabric choices and each bag will be a one and only original, just like the receiver.

Olivia Jane – 5″ Charm Squares save the day again! Just add coordinating fabric for the lining and strap. If you’re feeling really ambitious – you could even add a pocket.

Image of the 'Olivia Jane' Charm Square Patchwork Tote pattern featuring three bag designs labeled as View A, View B, and View C, along with fabric swatches.

Digital Pattern HERE or Print Pattern HERE

Tabitha Jane – A bundle of your favorite fat quarters and a little time gets this tote done quicker than Santa slides down your chimney.

Colorful graphic showcasing the 'Tabitha Jane' reversible tote bag design, featuring multiple fabric patterns and descriptions of fabric requirements and finished size.

Digital Pattern HERE or Print Pattern HERE

Snack Mats

ANY VRD Snack Mat pattern makes a cute and quick gift for the holidays and as a bonus – each pattern actually makes 2 Snack Mats! You can find all 12 of our Snack Mat patterns (both digital and print format) individually HERE.

Good Tidings to You –

Did you know all 12 Seasonal Snack Mat patterns are available as a print collection now?

A collage of 12 seasonal snack mat patterns displayed with colorful designs, including motifs like hearts, shamrocks, and holiday themes, featuring text that reads '12 Seasonal Snack Mats' at the top.

Get the set of 12 print Snack Mats HERE.

Place Mats

To round out our fast as fast can be VRD patterns, we even have a couple Place Mat patterns available. Look for more to come down the road.

Dinner Party – 4 fat quarters makes 4 place mats! Just play switcheroo. If you use the envelope finishing technique, there is no need for binding.

A colorful quilted placemat set featuring festive patterns in red and gray, labeled 'Dinner Party' with designer credits at the bottom.

Digital Pattern HERE or Print Pattern HERE

Let’s Eat! – Grab some panel squares or a theme fabric with a few coordinates for these fun Place Mats. A little cutting, a little sewing and – voila! – Place Mats!

A visually appealing sewing pattern cover titled 'Let's Eat!' featuring several quilted place mats with botanical designs, including butterflies and ferns, framed in black. The design promotes holiday cooking and gatherings.

Digital Pattern HERE or Print Pattern HERE

In a Hurry???

Here’s a flurry of ideas when you need the gifting done yesterday……..

No time to make a project, but you’d still like to? Simply place the fabrics and the pattern together in a pretty box or bag and wrap it up with the promise that it will be completed after the holidays.
Give a kit. Have an extra VRD pattern or 2? Then create your own kit to gift to a quilty pal – gather the fabrics needed for the project and wrap them along with the pattern. Instant gift!
Gift Certificates always work in a pinch. Find them here – Villa Rosa Designs, 3 Aunts Quilt Shop, Running Doe Quilts
Take your quilty pal to your local quilt shop and let them pick some goodies out. Of course, you can pick something out too! Don’t forget lunch — all that fabric shopping makes one very hungry…….
A subscription to a favorite quilting magazine is always appreciated. Just make sure your quilty friends doesn’t have that one before you buy it.

I hope these last minute ideas help you to wrap up your gift list so you can make cookies. Lots and lots of cookies.

PSST! Send some cookies my way, please. Anything chocolate……..

Holiday Gift Idea #5

Ho! Ho! Ho! Here’s my last holiday gift idea for you for 2025.

SOCKS!

Yup – socks! For quilters of course!

Check out these fun options out! Although there are lots more available, I tried to select ones that would arrive before the 25th. Socks are SEW much fun, especially when you are sewing, of course.

A pair of beige socks featuring the phrases 'Sew Much Fun' and 'Sew Little Time' along with illustrations of a sewing machine and colorful sewing thread designs.

Get ’em HERE

Colorful quilted pattern knee-high socks worn on a model's legs.

Get ’em HERE

Colorful pink socks with blue accents featuring playful sewing-themed graphics and white text that reads 'YES! I REALLY DO NEED' on one sock and 'ALL THESE SEWING MACHINES' on the other.

Get ’em HERE

A pair of gray socks featuring various sewing-themed illustrations, including sewing machines, spools of thread, scissors, and pins.

Get ’em HERE

Well, that’s it for me.

I hope your holidays are the merriest, the holliest, and the jolliest yet.

Sew. Laugh. Get your Merry on. Repeat.

Always,

Tricia @ VRD

Free Quilt Blocks and Patterns · Just Quilty Stuff · Rose Cards · Tutorials · villa rosa designs

A Christmas Gift For You – A Little Holiday Quilt Pattern and Tutorial to Bring You Joy and Holiday Gift Idea #3

December 4, 2025December 3, 2025 rosecards4 Comments

Hello Quilty Friends!

Happy Thursday to you!

And Happy December!

A snowy forest scene featuring tall evergreen trees, with the word 'December' prominently displayed in the center.

Huh! I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that all of a sudden it’s December. Sew much to do and sew little time……

Don’t get me wrong, I’m really excited about December starting. My quilty cuz, Kim (Hey You!), and I both purchased Quilty Christmas Advent Boxes last year in 2024, but we were both a bit disappointed so we decided to create boxes for each other this year instead of hunting around to find another one we liked. What fun!

It’s been a blast picking out fun things for Kim. Of course, I panicked at the end of November because I wasn’t ready yet! LOL! But in a flurry of wrapping paper and covered in tape, I got all 25 items wrapped up and they all fit inside the box.

We met a a local restaurant on Saturday and exchanged our boxes. Kim’s box for me was a fun surprise – the goodies in the box were all stacked up (and wrapped in Christmas sloth paper) – they didn’t fit inside the box and were sticking out all over. Joy oh joy! She didn’t even bother with a lid. Oh my! What fun December is going to be – enjoying a little Christmas every day – both the giving and the receiving as well as the sharing.

In addition to Kim’s box, I also created a box for each of my parents. I had to hustle to get all of their goodies (that’s 50 gifts) wrapped in 1 day on December 1st before dinner so we could start our December tradition on the right day. Wow! I was so tired after all of the wrapping that I didn’t put numbers on everything like I should have. Oh well, Mom and Dad will just have to reach in and pull one out to open each day until Christmas Day instead of having to hunt through their boxes every day for the right number package. And by the way, everything fit nice and neat inside their boxes and the lids closed perfectly. Just sayin’, Kim…. LOL!!!

A Gift For You

When I was trying to decide what to do this week on the blog, I had a brilliant idea – why not create a special little holiday quilt for you, our readers and VRD friends? Without you, there would be no VRD. We appreciate you each and every day. Thank you for loving VRD as much as we do.

I decided to call the little quilt I created for you, Quilt Joy. It is a happy little thing and I am looking forward to quilting and binding it. I already have someone as the recipient.

So, let’s make a quilt together!

Quilt Joy Little Quilt Tutorial

Colorful patchwork quilt design featuring a grid pattern in red, green, and white. — *Quilt Joy, a little quilt by Tricia Maloney, finishes at 24″ x 24″*

Quilt Joy Free Pattern Download

Little Joy quilt pattern Dec 2025 Download

The first thing we need is our fabric, of course! For this little sweetie, I’m using a 5″ charm pack from my stash. Because I’ll need some more red, I’m adding a 2.5″ charm stack, too. And a background fabric. I’m going to make my little Quilt Joy in traditional red, green, and white, but you can make yours in any color combination or even really scrappy.

If you celebrate Hanukkah or Kwanza, you can totally use special colors for your celebrations.

I think I’ll make a blue, white, and silver one for January – but that’s getting a little ahead of myself, isn’t it?

A stack of fabric pieces including a charm pack with holiday patterns and a white fabric, placed on a green cutting mat.

Cutting doesn’t take much time at all! I promise. I cut my 5″ charm squares into 4 – 2.5″ squares. Zip Zap Zoop – done!

Red fabric pieces cut into small squares on a cutting mat with measurements.

A variety of fabric pieces laid out on a cutting mat, including red patterned squares, green squares with pine tree designs, and strips of white fabric.

Now let’s make some Nine Patch blocks. Easy peasy.

A collection of red and white quilt blocks arranged on a crafting surface, showcasing various patterns and textures.

In one of my Nine Patch blocks, I added a green square in the center. This block will be in the center of my quilt.

Two completed Nine Patch quilt blocks featuring a mix of red and white fabrics, with one block incorporating a green Christmas tree print.

Okay, now let’s sew 3 blocks together with sashing in between the blocks. We need to make 3 rows.

Three rows of Nine Patch quilt blocks in red and white fabrics, featuring holiday patterns.

Next we need to use 3 sashing strips along with 2 green accent squares to make a sashing row. Make 2 rows.

Two strips of white fabric with green checkered patches sewn in the middle, resting on a light-colored fabric background.

Now we are going to sew the sashing rows between the block rows. Isn’t this looking sew sew cute???? I am just loving this little cutie!

A quilt block featuring a festive red and white nine-patch design with various Christmas-themed fabrics and green accent squares.

Add a border strip to each side of the quilt.

A patchwork quilt block featuring a grid pattern in red and white fabric, with various Christmas-themed prints and patterns.

Now sew a green accent square to each end of the 2 remaining borders. Then sew to the top and bottom of the quilt.

A patchwork quilt featuring red and white squares in a Nine Patch pattern, with seasonal holiday-themed fabrics.

Isn’t it just too adorable for words???? And in the classic traditional of Villa Rosa Designs, you can put the quilt top together in a few hours, including the cutting.

Here’s Quilt Joy for our friends who celebrate Hanukkah:

A colorful quilt design featuring a grid pattern with alternating squares in shades of blue, yellow, and white.

And here’s Quilt Joy for our friends who celebrate Kwanza:

A colorful quilt pattern featuring red and green squares arranged in a checkerboard design, set against a black background with a red border.

Happy Happy December to You!

Holiday Gift Idea #3

For the past few weeks, I’ve shared a fun gift idea at the end of the blog for you. My Holiday Pick this week – #3 – is hot off the press – literally!

A colorful collage showcasing 12 seasonal snack mat designs by Villa Rosa Designs, featuring various patterns and motifs suitable for different occasions throughout the year.

Get yours HERE

Many of you have been waiting for the collection of all 12 Seasonal Snack Mats from 2024/2025 to be released as a set and it is finally here – just in time for the Holidays! YAY! I am SEW excited!!!

Please note that at this time, it is only available as a print collection; however, each Snack Mat pattern is available individually as a digital pattern as well as a print pattern. Don’t forget – shipping is always free on patterns at VRD.

I hope you enjoy each and every day of December this year. Please take a few moments every day to enjoy the season.

See you right here next week for more VRD fun in December.

Sew. Laugh. Repeat.

Always,

Tricia @ VRD

Curated Rose Card Pattern Lists · Quilting Partners · Rose Cards · villa rosa designs

Curated List of Holiday Themed VRD Rose Card Quilt Patterns Part 2 and Holiday Gift Idea #2

November 27, 2025November 26, 2025 rosecards1 Comment

Hello Quilty Friends!

Happy Thursday to you!

And Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving dinner setting with a golden roasted turkey centerpiece, surrounded by various side dishes, pumpkins, and autumn decorations, with 'Happy Thanksgiving' text overlay.

I hope you are spending the day with those you love in a safe place, especially if you are in the path of a wicked snowstorm, as I am here in NW PA. They’re saying anywhere from 6-19 inches of snow. But the real problem is the fierce wind that just won’t stop. The power has already blinked off 3 times while I’ve been writing this post, so I’m going to wrap it up and cross my fingers that I can launch it before we lose the power again. Please forgive me if you find any typos as I’m going to skip my usual final edit and read through today.

I hope you’re back to enjoy Part 2 of my Curated Holiday Themed List of Rose Card Quilt Patterns. I have included the links for both the the digital and the print patterns. Print patterns always ship free in the US, and for our International friends, please consider our digital versions which will come right to your inbox.

6 Quilts in 6 Weeks – One Last Thank You

Prizes for our Weeks 4-6 winners will be in the mail shortly, so enjoy your quilty surprises sponsored by our good friends over at Hoffman Fabrics. Thanks so much, Hoffman!

Now please enjoy this parade of patterns while you nosh on leftover turkey and mashed potatoes. And don’t forget the pie…..

Curated Holiday Themed List of Rose Card Quilt Patterns

Nana’s Aprons – Memories of baking cookies with Nana.

Hello Quilty Friends!

Happy Thursday to you!

New Seasonal Series for 2026

Envelope Pillow Back Tutorial

Sew. Laugh. Repeat.

Hello Quilty Friends!

Happy New Year to you!

1. Start With a Gentle Look Back to 2025

2. Choose a “Word” or Theme for 2026

3. Set 3–5 Quilting Goals Only

4. Plan Projects by Season, Not by Month

5. Build in “Finish Weeks”

6. Make Space for One Just-for-Fun Quilt

7. Create a Realistic Sewing Routine

8. Curate Your Stash With Kindness

9. Write It Down (and Make It Visible)

10. Remember Why You Quilt

Sew. Laugh. Be Kind. Repeat.

Hi Quilty Friends!

Merry Christmas!

A Quilters’ Song for Christmas

On the first day of Christmas, Santa gave to me – a brand new sewing machine!

On the second day of Christmas, Santa gave to me – 2 yards of fabric and a brand new sewing machine.

On the third day of Christmas, Santa gave to me – 3 thread spools, 2 yards of fabric, and a brand new sewing machine.

On the 4th day of Christmas, Santa gave to me – 4 Jelly Rolls, 3 thread spools, 2 yards of fabric, and a brand new sewing machine.

On the 5th day of Christmas, Santa gave to me – 5 new quilt books, 4 Jelly Rolls, 3 thread spools, 2 yards of fabric, and a brand new sewing machine.

On the 6th day of Christmas, Santa gave to me – 6 diff’rent Charm packs, 5 new quilt books, 4 Jelly Rolls, 3 thread spools, 2 yards of fabric, and a brand new sewing machine.

On the 7th day of Christmas, Santa gave to me – 7 rotary cutters, 6 diff’rent Charm Packs, 5 new quilt books, 4 Jelly Rolls, 3 thread spools, 2 yards of fabric, and a brand new sewing machine.

On the 8th day of Christmas, Santa gave to me – 8 fa-at quarters, 7 rotary cutters, 6 diff’rent Charm packs, 5 new quilt books, 4 Jelly Rolls, 3 thread spools, 2 yards of fabric, and a brand new sewing machine.

On the 9th day of Christmas, Santa gave to me – 9 king size quilt kits, 8 fa-at quarters, 7 rotary cutters, 6 diff’rent Charm packs, 5 new quilt books, 4 Jelly Rolls, 3 thread spools, 2 yards of fabrics, and a brand new sewing machine.

On the 10th day of Christmas, Santa gave to me – 10 pairs of scissors, 9 king size quilt kits, 8 fa-at quarters, 7 rotary cutters, 6 diff’rent Charm packs, 5 more quilt books, 4 Jelly Rolls, 3 thread spools, 2 yards of fabrics, and a brand new sewing machine.

On the 11th day of Christmas, Santa gave to me – 11 fabric markers, 10 pairs of scissors, 9 king size quilt kits, 8 fa-at quarters, 7 rotary cutters, 6 diff’rent Charm packs, 5 more quilt books, 4 Jelly Rolls, 3 thread spools, 2 yards of fabric, and a brand new sewing machine.

Have a wonderful Happy Jolly Safe MERRY CHRISTMAS!

From all of us here at Villa Rosa Designs

Hello Quilty Friends!

Last Minute Quilted Gifts to Make Before Christmas

Quick Table Runners

Scarves

Tote Bags

Snack Mats

Place Mats

In a Hurry???

Holiday Gift Idea #5

SOCKS!

Sew. Laugh. Get your Merry on. Repeat.

Hello Quilty Friends!

A Gift For You

Quilt Joy Little Quilt Tutorial

Holiday Gift Idea #3

Sew. Laugh. Repeat.

Hello Quilty Friends!

6 Quilts in 6 Weeks – One Last Thank You

Curated Holiday Themed List of Rose Card Quilt Patterns

Holiday Gift Idea #2

Sew. Laugh. Eat. Repeat.

Hello Quilty Friends!

Barb F.

6 Quilts in 6 Weeks Challenge – Week 6

NEW November VRD Rose Card Patterns

NEW VRD Rose Card Storage Option

Sew. Laugh. Finish. Repeat.

Hello Quilty Friends!

6 Quilts in 6 Weeks – Week 5

My Vintage Fabric Find

Sew. Laugh. Finish. Play. Repeat.

Hello Quilty Friends!

6 Quilts in 6 Weeks Challenge Week 4

Quilting Cats

Sew. Laugh. Finish. Repeat.

Hello Quilty Friends!

6 Quilts in 6 Weeks Challenge Week 3

FUN VRD Snack Mat Tutorial

Sew. Laugh. Finish. Repeat.