A Scandi Little Christmas + Clearance Sales


Add a little Scandi hygge to your life + Clearance Sales

The week between Christmas and New Years is one of my favorite weeks of the year. The Christmas-hoopla and checklists are done. Schedules are more relaxed, thereโ€™s still plenty of (probably too much) holiday food leftover to munch on, and my family likes watching all of the football bowl games so I have time to sneak away to my sewing room while theyโ€™re entertained. ๐Ÿ˜‰

I haven't done tons of sewing this month - too much real life came first - but I did want to share more about my Scandi little Christmas.

One of my favorite highlights of 2025 was visiting Norway in July. The whole experience stayed with me long after we got home. Between connecting with my Norwegian roots, spending time with dear friends, and soaking in that unreal scenery (at a pace that actually felt restorative), I came home craving a little more Scandi-style + hygge this Christmas. That inspiration turned into my Scandi Hearts Quiltโ€”plus a few simple Scandinavian decorating touches and handmade details Iโ€™m sharing in todayโ€™s post.

Click below for all of the inspiration and charming details.


First Steps with a New Sewing Machine

Know anyone who got a new sewing machine for Christmas? Or maybe it's been a while since you've refreshed your memory on your current machine?

Here's a list of steps to take with a new sewing machine. The same tips apply whether it's new out of the box, or previously-owned, but new-to-you.


Fun Finds on the Web New Year's Ideas + End of Year Clearance Sales:

Looking for some quick and easy New Year's decor? Check out this simple free-printable Happy New Year banner from The Idea Room.

There are LOTS of End of Year clearance and sales this time of year. (Others will probably start next week.) If there are specific things you're looking for like precuts, storage bins, backing yardage, etc., it's a good opportunity to get a great deal.

โ€‹Connecting Threads has 20% off all Basics, Blenders and Threads

โ€‹AccuQuilt is having a big end-of-year clearance saleโ€‹

โ€‹SOJO โ€‹Fabric (lots of Christmas markdowns)

โ€‹Sewtopia Use code HBA27 for 27% off your order! (Ends 12/28 at midnight)

Missouri Star Quilt Company's new Olga Rotary Cutter (with the ball bearings requiring less pressure on your wrists) is marked down as well as up to 75% clearance section through 12/28.


Thank you SO MUCH for stopping by and for all of the kind words and encouragement you give to me throughout the year. I am so thankful for each of your replies and comments.

Be sure to check last week's newsletter if you missed it with my gifts to you (a free quilt pattern AND a Gift Certificate code to my pattern shop that expires 12/31!)

With that in mind, can I ask a favor?

If you enjoy this newsletter, would you mind sharing with a friend?

Just forward this newsletter ๐Ÿ’Œ to anyone who you think would enjoy the content.

โ€‹They can sign up here and, as a bonus, get the free Sentimental Stars Quilt Pattern. โ€‹

Thanks so much for all of your support over these past 16+ years! Itโ€™s been such a blessing and a fun ride to connect with so many other quilt-loving folks. โค

FYI - did you know you can find the library of all of my past newsletters here.โ€‹


Last thought this week: whether you're interested in Scandinavian details or not, I hope you can find a little cozy hygge during this winter season.

Hygge (pronounced HOO-gah) is the Danish idea of creating a feeling of cozy contentment - simple comfort, warmth, and togetherness in everyday life. You can practice hygge by setting the scene (soft lighting, candles, a warm drink, comfy blankets), slowing down (phone away, savor the moment), and choosing small pleasures that feel genuinely nurturing - like a simple homemade meal, a quiet evening of reading or stitching, or a game night with people you love. The goal isnโ€™t โ€œperfect,โ€ itโ€™s peaceful - making ordinary moments feel a little more cozy, calm, and special.

Hygge is permission to slow down, make something with your hands, and let the process be the point: warm, peaceful, and perfectly imperfect. โค๏ธ

Sounds like the permission to spend winter sewing and drinking your favorite hot beverage if you ask me.๐Ÿ˜‰

Wishing you all the best for the new year! Iโ€™m excited to see what 2026 brings. I've already got lots planned to share with you in January - including the first quilt-along that I've hosted in 5 years! If you want more information about the Scandi Hearts Pattern Quilt Along click here. I'll be sending introductory details on Tuesday 12/30.

Happy New Year and see you next week!

xo,

Amy

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Diary of a Quilter

Hello! I'm Amy Smart. Subscribe for weekly emails with free quilt tutorials, seasonal projects, sewing room organization tips, and new content every week! Join 70,000+ other quilters! ๐Ÿ’Œ

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