pillow

A Shabby Chic Pillow

| terriaw

Is the shabby chic decorating style still “in” anymore? Not that I pay attention to the “in” decorating styles.

I made this patchwork piece quite awhile ago with the intention of making it into a bandana scarf. But realistically, I knew I wouldn’t wear it as a scarf.

So I quilted it with some free motion fun, and made it into a pillow cover instead.

I was compelled to add the blue pom-pom fringe because it was in my stash, and it seemed like a great way to top off the shabby chic look.

Dave isn’t big on the shabby chic decorating style because it can be so girlie. I love this look so maybe I will use this pillow for myself or as a gift. It was a treat to have a small sewing project like this to work on during my spring break.

A Pillow to Match

| terriaw

NOTE: If you’re here from the Blogger’s Quilt Festival, my featured quilt can be found at this link.

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I found an orphan block in my stash leftover from the Halloween quilt I made for/with Dave. So I made a quilted pillow cover to match!

He loved it so much, he hugged and squeezed it!

The beauty of making these pillow covers is that you can take the pillow form out and use it for a different cover when that season is behind you. Easy enough to whip up in a day!

Happy Halloween everyone!

A Darla-ing Finish Plus One

| terriaw

I’m so excited to report that I finally finished my Darla quilt this week!

I pieced together nine-patch blocks with 7-1/2 inch squares in between, and framed it with a white border. Then I quilted diagonal lines through each block going across the entire top. It seems like such an old-fashioned quilt with all those pastels and gingham. Quite girly, isn’t it?

I love how the back looks, with polka dots on either side of a center stripe of fabrics left over from the front.

I was wishing I had used a more contemporary quilt pattern with these fabrics, so I decided to make a matching pillow in a more modern pattern. To keep that girly feeling going, I added some pom-pom fringe. Now I like the pillow even better than the quilt! (sorry quilt)

I love string-pieced blocks because of the kaleidoscope effect they create, so this was a quick way to make a mini quilt with my left over Darla scraps. I might even have enough scraps to make another one. It was also another good way to practice my free-motion quilting skills, which went well on this piece.

It feels so good to have this one finished! Now I’m off to machine-quilt my Mod Girls quilt, which I can’t wait to use.

Picnic Pillows

| terriaw

Remember when I was telling you about the picnic we had over Labor Day weekend? After we hiked and enjoyed a picnic lunch, we lounged on this quilt:

I LOVE that quilt, but we hardly ever use it. I originally intended for it to be a tablecloth, but it’s just too big and heavy for that, maybe because of the flannel backing. Instead, it serves as a great quilt for picnics or napping in the backyard on a sunny afternoon.

But laying on the ground isn’t always that comfy, unless you are dead-tired from a hike. So I decided this quilt needed some companion pillows to go along on picnics.

Here’s the results of that decision. I added handles to each side, making them easy to carry when you’re off to a picnic. Thus, I decided to call them “Picnic Pillows.”

These are very easy to make, even for beginners.  Here are the materials you would need:

Pillow form – I used a size 12 x 16

Scrap fabrics cut into 1-1/2, 2 and 2-1/2 inch strips

Two pieces of backing fabric, cut into 13 x 14 inch pieces

One piece of batting, measuring 13 x 17 inches

Twill tape

Thread , scissors and iron

After cutting the strips, put them into a paper bag and draw pieces randomly (I got that idea from Amy Butler’s Mid Mod quilt pattern). Sew together the strips along the long edges until you have one large piece at least 17 inches wide.

Press the seams toward the darker fabric.

Layer this pieced front piece over batting, and machine quilt as desired. I quilted lines 1/2 inch apart going perpendicular to the strip sets.

Square up this front piece so it measures 13 x 17 inches. Set aside.

With each of the backing pieces, fold over one shorter side 1/2 inche toward the wrong side and press. Fold over 1/2 inch again and press. Top stitch the last folded edge and then again for the inner folded edge (should be about 1/2 inch in).

Layer the two backing pieces over each other, wrong sides down, so they become one piece measuring 17 inches wide. The pieces should overlap. Sew a 1/4 inch seam on each side to attach the two backing pieces together just along the sides where they overlap. No need to go all the way around yet.

Layer these backing pieces over the quilted front piece, right sides together. Center the twill tape handles on the shorter sides of the pillow, raw edges together with the pillow fabric, with the handle tucked inside the pillow. Sew all the way around, using a 1/2 inch seam allowance.

Clip the corners.

Turn right side out and press.

Insert pillow, lay down your head, and rest! I love the idea of having handy handles on these picnic pillows when you are already carrying a blanket or quilt to lay on, your lunch cooler, and beverages.

Etsy Shopping

| terriaw

I was etsy shopping late one night, and found more cool handmade things (of course):

I ordered a Patchwork Pillow from The Little Room etsy shop because I loved these colors, which reminded me of the ocean. I love making these pillow covers, so I like to order similar things from other creative people to see how they approach their sewing projects.

I love how Liz packaged it – wrapped in a tissue paper sewing pattern. Clever girl!

I ordered an iHug from the Punchanella etsy shop because it was too cute to pass up, and because I love the Ginger Blossom fabrics. It has an elastic strap to wrap around your iPod while it’s in this pretty case.

I ordered a stash of Ginger Blossom fabrics from the Fresh-Squeezed Fabrics etsy shop because Sandi Henderson’s new Farmers Market fabrics be available soon. I didn’t want to miss out on this collection before it’s gone.

By the way, does anyone know when Sandi’s new Farmers Market fabric collection will be available? I was hoping to use some of it for a swap I am participating in, but I’m afraid I’m running out of time and will have to buy something else (something else equally good, of course).

I found another great etsy shop, which has cool lunch bags and market totes, although I haven’t ordered anything yet. I’m trying to keep my etsy spending in check! And my sister is wondering why a person needs so many bags. Come on – are you kidding?!