If 2020 had been a normal year our Sew We Go riverboat cruise of the European Christmas Markets would be a happy memory by now. Sadly, this did not happen. On the bright side, AmaWaterways has allowed us to simply postpone our dream cruise until December of 2021. So Wendy and I certainly have something to look forward to!
As with all of our Sew We Go adventures, We design projects for our travelers to make to add to the fun. This year our pre-trip project was inspired by a favorite treat at the Christmas markets – Lebkuchenherzen!
These are a German variation on traditional gingerbread cookies with a cherished history. Some of them sold at the markets are the size of dinner plates! They can be simple or very complex. This sweet treat has a fascinating history. To read an article about it go to: https://theculturetrip.com/europe/germany/articles/a-brief-history-of-lebkuchen-germanys-heart-shaped-gingerbread-cookie/
I decided these cookies could be made in fabric with rick-rack and bias tape “frosting”. So I went about designing and stitching a table topper. I sent the instructions to our travelers in the weeks prior to Christmas this year to make the postponement a little less disappointing. This project kept me busy for quite a while, but I didn’t want to tell you all about it here until our group had the fun of learning how to make them. Since these table toppers have a holiday theme – I felt now was a good week to share!
Each of the hearts was made as a separate small quilt. The center was made as a quilted circle, and the hearts were stitched in place. I couldn’t resist making a second one because it was just so much fun!
I enjoyed decorating with my Lebkuchenherzen toppers this Christmas, while dreaming of next year’s trip.
I’m not able to share the pattern with anyone outside of our travelers at this time – as this project was designed especially for them. We are enjoying the anticipation of a trip that is less than a year away and afterwards, if anyone is interested, I may be persuaded to present the instructions here on the blog 😊.
And to leave 2020 with a smile…
As a wonderful finish to this week’s post my friend Julie sent me a delightful photo of Christmas gifts she made for her grandkids that were inspired by a Sew We Go project I’ve posted about many times; our version of Flat Stanley – the quilt sissies!
Julie traveled with me to Japan last January and was intrigued by my QuiltAnna (lower center right in the photo above). She decided to make her own version for her grandkids!
How creative!!! And here they are strolling past her mariner’s compass quilt 😁:
Great job Julie – thanks for sharing – I’m sure they’ll love ’em.
Happy New Year everyone! May 2021 be a good year for us all!
Deanna Waltz says
Love this display! I am very interested in the trip next year, as is a friend. Is there room for us?
Deanna D Waltz says
Please send information on next year’s Christmas quilt cruise to the Christmas markets. Thanks.
Deanna D Waltz says
PLEASE SEE REQUEST ABOVE
Mary Ann Crow says
As a German teacher and quilter, this speaks to my soul is on my bucket list! I look forward to the day when instructions come out. Danke sehr!
Mary Jo Hane says
I am interested in your 2021 Christmas Quilt Cruise. Could you please send me more
information on it. Time, Price, etc.
Thank you, Mary Jo Hane
Jeanette Gillespie says
Hi Chris. I would love to have the German gingerbread cookie pattern.
Thank you in advance, and a belated Merry Christmas. Jeanette Gillespie
Margit Kagerer says
What a charming idea. The Lebkuchenherzen are also popular at the Oktoberfest in Munich. You buy them for your sweetheart. This year there was no Oktoberfest or Christkindelmarkt in Munich. Hopefully next year again. Happy new year!
A German quilter, Margit Kagerer
PS The correct spelling is Lebkuchenherzen. (Sorry that’s the teacher in me.)
clkquilt says
Thanks Margit! I’ve made the correction!
Mary says
Could I please have info on any future European market trips? Imagine next year is full. Thanks!
Laurie says
Happy New Year everyone,
Yes, so many cancellations in 2020 but beauty in our sewing.
I never heard of Lebkuchenherzen’s before. It took me a few tries to spell it right and I don’t know how to pronounce it but it sure does look like a fun project! I can’t go on the cruise, but would still love to make them. Please, please, please send the pattern. Your friend in Christ, Laurie 🤎🎄🤎❤️🤎🤎🤎🤎
John Harmann says
Nice and fun!! Thanks for the share auntie!!!