A Very Merry Christmas Pillow Tutorial (Pic Heavy)

Hi and Welcome to my blog! As part of the "Let's Get Acquainted Blog Hop" by Beth over at Plum and June (see my earlier post) I put together this cute little holiday pillow and wrote a tutorial for it.  This is my first tutorial so please be patient. I will try to give directions as clearly as possible. I have used several pics to help clarify directions also.

It is a fun project and pretty quick to make! I hope you enjoy it and if you have any questions, please feel free to email me and I will respond. The pillow is machine pieced with hand stitching and large hand quilting and it finished at 13 1/2 inches by 18 1/2 inches, just perfect to go with the pillows on my sofa!

When I was pondering about what I wanted to make next, I knew I wanted a Christmas project (since I am notoriously behind in my sewing of hand made gifts for Christmas) that way maybe I would have a head start on the Season! A pillow-- I like pillows and find they are pretty versatile and fairly quick to make. Ok, check, it's going to be a pillow project. When thinking about what style, I thought about stars (still thinking about them) but I knew I wanted strips (a bit easier for this first time tutorial I thought) but I wanted some hand stitching also. So I looked around and used this as my inspiration. I would like to Thank Hoffman Fabrics and Linda Ambrosini for the original free design.

I chose to use Aneela Hoey's Cherry Christmas line by Moda. It is such a fun and sweet line and I love the aqua/turquoise color with the pinks and more traditional white, red and grey prints. I also used Kona white and  Kona grey.

I then decided to add some holiday handstitiching to the large blocks. I kept the bird and tried to adapt it a bit more to the little birds that Aneela has on her fabric - so cute! Next I added a bit of a wonky star, some snowflakes and a cute little house with a pine tree outside.  These were drawn free hand on white paper and then later transferred to the fabric by tracing them.

I also decided for ease of piecing and a more uniform look to combine the upper right hand corner squares into one block of  2 1/2 x 4 1/2 in just like the one below it.

DMC Pearle Cotton Floss #5 ($1.59/skein @ JoAnns)

So lets get started, here is what you will need:

-5 fat eighths of Christmas/Holiday prints or if you want scraps for back you may use 1/4 yd each

 I used: Aneela Hoey Cheery Christmas by Moda in the following prints:

 Red Presents 18534, White Birds (didn't get the number), Teal 18531,

 White Laundry 18530, Grey Birds 18532 

-2 fat eighths of solids for the hands stitched areas

 I used: Kona Grey Med 1223, and Kona White

-Backing fabric - I used yardage  (vs fat eighth's) and therefore had leftover scraps and just pieced it. 

-Cutting mat, ruler, rotary cutter, matching thread, small scissors, tapestry needle (18), thimble if you like

-3 in or 6 in embroidery hoop, Pearle Cotton Thread - #5

 I used DMC Black 310, White Blanc, Red 321, Grey Lt 415 (my pic above shows several other that coordinate  with my fabric but in the end I wanted a more cohesive color scheme and stuck with the 4 colors listed).

-Polyfill for the pillow stuffing. (Mine finished at approx 14 in x 18in which is an odd size for a pillow form.)

All seams are 1/4 inch. On the Cutting Diagram (see pic below or see original at Hoffman Fabrics link above) all dimensions are cut sizes. You may want to cut your solid backgrounds where you will be hand stitching larger so that you may hand stitch them before they are cut down and pieced. Suggestion is for 9 in x 9in for the large house block or 6 in x 6 in block for the smaller ones. This normally helps control any stretch the embroidery hoop may cause in the fabric once the top is pieced. Ooops! I did mine when pieced with a 3 in hoop and did not have a problem with stretching. But do not leave your hoop in overnight or for long lengths of time or the fabric will stretch.  

Choose the layout of your fabrics and cut per the diagram. Note I removed the seam in the upper Right hand corner and just made that piece the same size as the one below 2 1/2 x 4 1/2 in. 

Hand drawn designs:

Note: I just drew a square/rectangle/box the same size as my block and drew the design inside. I have given the measurements for the snowflake and the bird can be found in the original pattern in the correct size. The wonky star and house/tree were drawn on free hand after folding the paper to find the center, so these pics may not be to scale and are for your guidance only. Feel free to use them or design your own. 

Next you will  trace the hand drawn designs onto your chosen fabric. It is best to fold the design in half both width wise and length wise to find the center. Now do the same with your fabric and finger press the folds. Match up the centers of the design and the fabric and then trace. This ensures your design will be centered.

My high tech  lightbox ;)  Tracing my design onto my fabric. I used the light  coming in through my sliding glass door.

Traced designs ready to go. Note I cut my pieces to size and  hand stitched after pillow top was pieced.

Traced snowflakes

Handstitches: I used a Outline Stitch for the majority of my designs. There are a couple of Double French knots on the house (door knob and snow drops) and for the eye of the bird. The snowflakes on the house are a single straight stitch into the middle as are the little prongs on the large single snowflakes above. And the quilting outlining each block is done with a simple Running stitch.

Here is a great resource for stitches!! Sharon has pics showing how to do each step of the stitch and then one of the finished product

Sharon b's Dictionary of Stitches for Hand Embroidery and Needlework

http://inaminuteago.com/stitchindex.html  Main index of stitches
http://inaminuteago.com/stitchdict/stitch/outline.html
http://inaminuteago.com/stitchdict/stitch/frenchknot.html
http://inaminuteago.com/stitchdict/stitch/running.html

Ok, now to start piecing! Lay out all your pieces according to the diagram. I started with the lower center/right.  I pieced the the two top 3 in squares and then the bottom two 3 in squares. Then I joined them with the center seam. Press all seams open on the pillow top to reduce bulk. The top will have batting and then be quilted to add strength. Next add the 5 1/2 in blocks on either side of your 4 square patch.

Next sew the 2 1/2 x 8 middle pieces together. Press seam open. Now join that strip to your bottom unit.

Next piece the 3 rectangles in your top center together to form a unit. Do the same with the 3 rectangles on the upper right hand side. Now join the two units together to create one.

Next move to the far left side and join the 3 blocks. Add the 2 1/2 x 14 1/2 strip to these blocks. 

Next sew your top center/right unit to the bottom center/right unit.

Next add your left sided unit to the your pieced center/right sided unit. You now have a complete pieced pillow top!

Pieced pillow top, Decorative blocks traced on.

Next I completed my hand stittching on the large decorative blocks using a 3 in hoop.

Pieced pillow top with decorative blocks complete

After your decorative hand stitching is complete in your larger blocks, it is time to add the batting. I used Warm and White and cut it to the size of my pillow top or a bit smaller.

Add backing before handstitching outline of each block

Next it is time to baste in preparation for the quilting. I used safety pins. You may also use long basting stitches, or whatever your preferred method is.

Pin Basted

Next I used the light grey Pearle Cotton and did a running stitch approximately 1/4 inch all the way around each block. Just to outline it. I did not mark it, some stitches are not perfectly straight, some are more or less than 1/4 in away from the seam. I like it that way as it gives it a bit of character and charm. It is handmade :)

All hand stitching complete!

Close up of stitching

Now it is time to make your back. Since I used 1/4 yd pieces of fabric I had plenty left over to simply strip piece the back. You may choose to do this or use whatever method/fabric you prefer.

Pieced Pillow back

Now, almost finished! Match and square up your backing and pillow front. Trim any excess. Next pin right sides together and stitch. Be sure to leave approx a  4-6in opening so that you can stuff your pillow! I used a 12 oz bag of Poly Fill from Wal-Mart ($3-4). I wasn't sure I was going to like this as originally I had planned on using a pillow form. But I like it! Nice density, soft yet fluffy. I used the majority of the bag. Be sure and push it down into the corners to give them shape.

And finally whipstitch closed the 4-6 in opening you had for stuffing your pillow and wha-la! One Very Merry Christmas Pillow. And you have a head start on your Holiday stitching!

Completed pillow, front shot

Pieced back of pillow

I hope you have enjoyed making this pillow. I did. I can see it in different fabrics too! It would be great in solids with different designs, maybe geometric. Or maybe sweet pastels for a baby gift with baby related designs.....have fun with it!  I would love to see your completed project, email me a pic or a link to your pic! 

Thanks again!

Ginny

Please note there are many ways to do many of the steps I have described here. If you have a preferred way that is different then mine, that is great. This is for guidance only and what worked for me :)

Edited to add link up buttons! Sorry guys I either forget to do this or the labels! 

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Lets Get Acquainted Blog Hop!

Hi everyone and thanks for stopping by my blog! Today is my day on the

organized by Beth over at Plum and June. She has done a wonderful job of bringing bloggers of all skill levels and interests together for a hop. Usually there are two featured blog each on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Check it out here and visit some or all of the great blogs! This week be sure and stop by these wonderful blogs and be sure to leave some comment love, after all isn't that like the best thing ever!

Aug 21
        Marta from From Marta with Love
        Marion from My Quilt Diet

Aug 23
       May from Confessions of a Fabraholic

A little about me, I am a single lady, living with my dog Tucker.  I live in northern Indiana on a lake where I grew up on the weekends. I was lucky enough to keep it in the family when my parents passed on. I have 2 great sons in their 20's, and one wonderful 3 yr old grandson.  I work full time as an RN and commute about 45 min each way on a daily basis. I started sewing as a kid in Home Ec and learned how to embroidery from my grandmother.I was always into crafting and trying to figure out how things were made.  After high school I did cross stitch most of the time and then ventured into quilting back in 1993.  I made my first quilt after a supervisor at work helped me and showed me how to cut and piece. It actually involved a cross stitched alphabet in snow ball blocks surrounded by scrappy 9 patch. I am thinking this would be a great linky party!! First quilts - what do you think?
I also did alot of smaller things like baby quilts and table runners. Recently I have gotten back into quilting in my spare time and started blogging to meet others, especially during the long winters.

A couple of tips:

Favorite Quilting Tool: my Clover mini iron, sooo helpful for those quarter inch seams in tight spots! It also will decrease the amount of stretch you get if you tend to iron vs. press!

Favorite Blogging Tip: Be real. Be nice. I love to see everyones work and that includes the process not just the finish! But I also like to be real, not every day is a sugar coated love fest, everyone has those days when things just are going your way**   But most of all don't compare yourself to everyone else! Do what you love and break out of your safe box now and then.
Oh and photo editing--still learning but makes such a difference!
 
Here are some of my projects from this year:

Retro Flowers

Great Granny

Central Park Jelly Roll

Hot Pads from Scraps

 

 

 

Magical Mystery Tour

 

 

 and my most recent: A Very Merry Christmas Pillow featuring handstitching.

 

As promised I have a tutorial for this pillow! Unfortunately I had a computer crash this weekend** (one of those days I mentioned above where things don't go as planned) when my email got hacked! So I am still recovering and editing pics. I hope to have that completed and the tutorial up tonight or tomorrow at the latest. Just another reminder to always use virus/spyware software frequently and backup your work :)  I hope you will stop back for the tutorial! It is picture heavy and probably another good reason for a seperate post!

So very glad to meet all of you! I learn so much from reading everyone's blogs and experiences!

Wishing you a lovely, quilty kind of day!!

Working away.....and a wonderful break

Hi, hope this finds you have a great week with some quilty time ;)

I have been recovering from that crappy summer cold I mentioned last week and am feeling much better with only a cough hanging on. I even missed a day of work.... my boss asked me if I had Swine flu as it has hit Indiana hard enough that it is on the 6 o'clock news-- no I said I haven't been handling any little piggies (the Indiana State Fair is in full swing right now and has many farm/agricultural exhibits given we are in the Midwest and they always show the piglets and cows :)

So, I did manage to get some sewing in as no one really wanted to come visit for fear of catching what I had, always makes you feel wanted, no?

I finished putting the sashing and borders on my Great Granny Along

I made some patchwork from the left overs for the back

Got the back pieced and now ready to sandwich and be quilted!

I am happy with the way this turned out, it is more traditional as this is a birthday gift for a dear neighbor that I have known most of my life. She is now in her 70's and has had to move to assisted living in the past year as her husband has passed and she was diagnosed last year with a brain tumor. She is a great grandmother and this line is called Summerhouse, which fits her lake cottage. I hope it will remind her of bright and sunny, summer days.

I also worked on my upcoming tutorial for Plum and June's blog hop next week. My day is Aug 23rd.

And while working on that tutorial I found I needed to shrink a drawing that I am using for a bit of handstitching....so off to the nearest library to use the copy machine. A library I had not visited before as there are 2 within approx 12 miles of home.... one north and one south. I went south this time.

What pleasant surprise!

A wonderful, sparkling, tinkling water fountain and garden! The library is a building from the early 1900's done in the Frank Lloyd Wright style. Beautiful.

The top of the fountain is two boys fighting over a duck and the duck is spouting the water

  The fountain is tall, 19 feet and was donated to the community in 1911. Just sitting in the shade and listening to the water was a wonderful, relaxing break in my day.

Original entrance, you can see Frank Lloyd Wright style clearly.

Close up, original windows and lamps.

Side of building, more gorgeous windows.....hmmm, inspiration for a quilt?

Have a great week! See you next week with my first tutorial!

Linking to WIP Wednesday over at Freshly Pieced

Free Motion Quilting - FMQ

 I have always sent my projects out to a longarm quilter or done some smalls with straight line quilting or traditional hand quilting.

As you know from WIP Wednesdays, I have these projects and flimsies waiting.....and waiting for a finish ;) I really would like to quilt some of them myself. So, I made some quilt sandwiches approx 12x12in with an older large floral print on one side and muslin on the other. Then I just started! Like doodling, only on fabric vs. my desk calendar at work ;)

Not as difficult as I thought!  Here is are some pics of my practice sandwiches:

Not the best, kind of jerky in the designs and my tension was off a bit, but not nearly as bad as I thought it was going to turn out....I actually like the loop to loop and stippling in the bottom photo.

And I think the hanging hearts and star have promise..... 

So....how do I learn more on this subject?

 I bought a book on sale at JoAnns - "One Line At A Time 24 Geometric Machine-Quilting Designs Made Easy" by Charlotte Warr Anderson. I liked this book because it features geometric patterns that build on each other from the begining of straight lines and grids. It include patterns like Clam Shell and Six Pointed Stars which add curves to the straight lines. Can't wait to try these! Then I signed up for a Craftsy class on "Machine Quilting: Free Motion and More" with Wendy Butler Berns. They have many quilting classes to choose from and often run them on sale. I found this one sale for $19.99. I will let you know how I like it. I already do the BOM with Amy Gibson from Stitchery Dickory Dock (she has AMH giveaway going on) and enjoy it and the video format.

 On my list to do is look into Leah and her blog The Free Motion Quilting Project, check it out, pretty amazing!

Looks like more practice in the future! Hopefully the next pics will be a bit more refined.

And hopefully those flimsies will be transformed into true Quilts!

Hope you are having a quilty kind of week :)

A Different Kind of Progress.... Balance

Happy Wednesday all!  Somewhere I have picked up a summer head cold and my ears are plugged and my lips are chapped from breathing through my mouth! Ugh! Thank goodness for cold remedy's that have day and night dosages--I did sleep throught the night last night (and part of the evening too!)  The wedding I went to this weekend was soo nice! Simple, small, and intimate, (second marriage for both after losing a spouse) and the corn hole tournament was fun, lots of teams and a good pot luck!

I am home today not because of my cold-- but because I took a vacation day because I have 40 teenagers from youth group coming tonight for some fun and watersports, tubing, skiing, and pizza.  Thank goodness for good friends that pitch in and help with this once a summer activity before school starts again! Lots of fun and laughter, many times it is the first time they have been given the opportunity to have fun on the water. Here is a pic of a beautiful sunset on the lake last night.

.

It has been a quiet week for actual sewing. I did sit down and list all of my current WIP's and all the projects that are waiting in the closet to be done.......wow! As you know I recently went through a reorganization of my fabric closet, you can read about it here and here.  I was surprised how many there were, I am  shocked embarassed to say the count is up to 26!! I can't believe I am even telling you that! But I have to come clean, these are projects that I have the majority of fabric for and pattern picked out. Projects that I really want to make and have recipients in mind for!  So now that I have a "road map" I feel like I can move forward and actually make these vs. letting them sit (out of sight out of mind??) in the closet.  Structure in my case is a good thing ;)

This doesn't mean I won't be joining a QAL/SAL here and there, especially with fall and winter coming which will provide much more sewing time, and I would miss meeting everyone and the commraderie of making projects with others.... it's just that  I now know my limits as to what I can accomplish in X amount of time better and can be a bit more realistic about what I can finish. Those unfinished projects make me feel like a loser-- I don't like them! And I don't like letting my competitive nature take over and do more and end up disappointed when I don't get it finished on time.....do you ever have these feelings/thoughts?

So I guess what I am talking about is Balance... some days it is hard to find! LOL! But as long as I get back up and try again I think it is ok :)

I am still looking for a book case and shelving to add to my sewing room organization! A trip to IKEA is coming soon (the nearest is approx 1 1/2 hrs away), and hopefully will remedy this issue as CraigsList and garage sales have not turned up much.

I also have been working on my tutorial for my day on Plum and Junes "Lets Get Acquainted Blog Hop" which is Aug 23rd.  Here is a sneak peek at the fabric that I am auditioning for the project! Just love those Christmas colors!

So that pretty much wraps up my week....sorry to say no great projects to post but progress in a different way!

I hope your are having a great week sewing and otherwise.... now off to find that box of tissues, sniffle, sniffle :)

WIP Wednesday

Hi there, hope you are having a good week! Wow - it is Wednesday and August!

Seems this week has flown by! Dear son and grandson were here for the weekend and then it was back to work. Had to pass on the Indy Jimmy Buffet concert last night :(  Friends said it was great fun as usual. And this weekend I have a wedding and a corn hole tournament/party! This leaves less time for sewing but I know summer is flying by and soon the days will be shorter and time outside with family and friends will be less.....

I did manage some sewing in the past week. I finished the rest of my Great Granny squares-- 4 more. I am going to leave it at 9 squares and hopefully get the sashing completed before Saturday and then the borders on Sunday. 

 ok....not sure what happened to the cropping on these block pics!!  

I am just learning photo editing and sometimes I forget to hit save I guess!

 Here is the layout I am thinking about

 Left over 2.5in squares...Looks like I will have some squares  for a scrappy quilt :)

Now if I can just get the rest of my scraps cut up! 

No progress on any of my other projects, but that is ok. Progress is progress. I have to remind myself t is not a race and pressure takes all the enjoyment out of it for me.

Happy sewing ! 

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