A Mini Christmas Tree Skirt or Quilted Candle Mat

It's Sew Simple Saturday - December Edition!

I made another Mini Christmas Tree Skirt, this time taking pictures along the way. A fun use for border fabrics, or striped fabrics! It fits well under a small tree, or as a candle mat.
Two or three together would be lovely for a table setting..

The first time I made this block, I cut my own template and made little marks so that I was able to line up the template and exact six matching triangles.

Since then I have acquired a sixty degree acrylic template. Now I can simply line up the line markings so each triangle is identical.

Cut six triangles. Size doesn't matter as long as they are all the same. Going for simple, I cut mine the same size as the 6" template.
Sew three together, set aside, and repeat.

Finger-press the seams in opposite directions for each half-hexie.
Before sewing the two halves together, connect the center points with a pin.

Line up the edges and sew.

Clip the center seam, almost to the center point and fan your seams so they will lay flat.
Press.

To add a border:
Cut six strips, each a few inches longer than the width of one triangle. The width you cut your border strips is up to you! Mine are 1.5" x 9".
Attach the first strip to one side and trim.

Repeat five more times.

I stopped here, but of course you could add more borders if you are looking for a larger finish.

Sandwich top with backing and batting, and quilt as desired.

I cut binding fabric 2 1/8" wide for this fabric, and needed 56". Attach using your preferred method. If you have never bound hexie-corners, you may find it easier than expected! Just stop each side the usual 1/4" from edge, and adjust/finesse the miter after wrapping the binding over the edge.

The Figgy Pudding fabric remains one of my favorite out-of-print lines.
The first mini tree skirt I made was with an orphan block leftover from my Figgy Swirl quilt in 2012.

I began making this quilt without a plan, then designed the borders after completing the large blocks. I suppose it could be called improv...
I sold it to a buyer in Eastern Canada and kind of regret it(!)
Well, Now I would like to make another and pattern it. I am not sure what the best software is for writing patterns, but I know I do not own it. Any suggestions?

Visit Sew and Sow Farm for inspiration this weekend, and if you have a tip or tutorial be sure and link up! Last month, I won a Fat Quarter Shop gift certificate! Perfect timing for all their fab-sales too - what a beautiful bundle I received! 

Milk, Sugar, & Flour by Elea Lutz