My Instant Tree Skirt

I'm keeping it real today. Some of you have noticed that I've been absent a bit lately. (Thanks for checking on me.)  Honestly, between my still weak hand that is now in one of those lovely black Velcro wraps after getting my cast off last week, having the crud that's been going around, and concern for a dear friend that is in a coma, my quilting mojo has been in a funk. But, after being inspired by my modern quilting friends at last night's KCMQG, I think I can feel the flames beginning to be fanned again! Whew! I was getting worried about myself!!

Anyway, during my quilting hiatus, I made a pale attempt last weekend at making, what I call, my Instant Tree Skirt. Here's what I needed to cover........

 Ya. It's a huge piece of heavy plywood that my dear hubby screwed our equally huge tree stand into. You see, we sure don't want the tree to fall on top of any of our darling grandchildren when they come to visit and yank on look at the Christmas ornaments! Last year I just threw a table cloth over it, I think. But this year, I had one of those "Ah Ha!" moments when I spied an "oldie but goodie" Christmas quilt in the cupboard....this Thimbleberries Gameboard quilt. Being the perfect size to cover the plywood, I simply cut into the center with my scissors and then cut a hole out of the middle....

 The quilt is large enough to be pulled around the tree stand and still camouflage the board. In the past, I used this quilt as a tablecloth, and one year a candle dripped a big puddle that left a stain even after I got all the wax out. Cutting the quilt actually solves that little problem too.

 Because I needed it right away, I didn't even bother to  bind off the cut edges. Yet. Do you think any one will notice? My tree is full-to-overflowing with ornaments. I put soft and unbreakable ones on the bottom so that the kids can pull on finger them without getting in trouble like they might at their own house.

I'm sure not worried about the tree falling over anymore... even if the cat climbs it.

Just keeping it real here!!