Patchwork Pillow

I have been using and abusing my sewing room lately, and this patchwork pillow took 2 sittings, but I love it.  I think it is a variation of a log cabin.  Anybody know?  I just started with a square and then kept adding strips around it until it was 21 inches by 21 inches.  My pillows on my new couch are huge!  They are a good 3 inches bigger than my massive sectional couch pillows.  Weird.

I used a ton of different fabrics that I have been collecting.  The outside print is from Hancock Fabrics.  It is one of their premium quilting fabrics, whatever that means.  The umbrellas are from a shop in Hawaii, the little blue birdies are another Hancock print.  The pink fabric is from Bella Quilts in Tucson, and the brown polka dots are from Cactus Quilts in Tucson, I believe.  

I love the bright colors and flow of these fabrics.

The center block is a sweets piece that I got at a fabric store in Hawaii a few years ago.  I have been waiting for the perfect way to display the fabric.  I love sweets and baking and this panel is so cool.  Ice cream and chocolate sauce...

For the back of the pillow, I sewed an envelope closure.  I like these because then I can rotate pillow cases when I get tired of them, or when they need a wash.

The fabric is bright and bold and goes great on my couch!

I think my favorite is... AGH!  I can't choose.

Do you have a favorite fabric?  I think they all look great, but secretly I love birds, sweets, and lime green hexagons.  I mean... all of them.

Felt Flower Wreath

I have been oogling at festive wreaths for weeks on pinterest and I finally decided to make one for myself.  I made 3 different types of felt flowers in three different colors and wrapped my wreath round in a gorgeous turquoise yarn left over from a slouchy knit hat.

I like the pink flower the best.  It came out full and girly. I used this tutorial video to make it, easy and fast.  I am going to make a lot more of these babies!  Hopefully my husband doesn't think this is too girly or it will go from the door to my craft room in the blink of an eye.

I love making felt flowers.  All you need is a felted wool sweater or some store bought felt.  I used recycled sweaters for all 3 flowers and they are fuller than normal felt would be.  Another great option would be wool squares that you can get at most quilt shops.  

Spring is only a month away, right?  The yellow flower is a typical rolled flower, just use a glue gun and make MAGIC.

I hung it with some pale blue rick rack that I picked up on my last trip to Hancock Fabrics, 50 % off all rick rack. Who could resist??

I love my new wreath.  Bright colors, new techniques, and fun.

Mug Rug - Quilt as You Go

My Mom's birthday was last month and I wanted to make her something she could use that was creative and fun.  I came up with this little quilt as you go style mug rug.  Why quilt as you go??  I wanted to practice on a small scale project before I tackle a quilt.  I actually really like the technique and find it makes it easy and fast to quilt anything.  My next project is going to be a runner, then a quilt.

I started by picking out my fabrics.  I chose neutral tones that could go in her sewing room, desk area, or even at work.  I started with the brown flowers and went from there.  The brown polka dots are a big favorite of mine, and she loves polka dot fabric, so SCORE.

Then I stamped the natural tan fabric and started picking out trims.

I used a store bought bias tape and yellow rick rack to add some pop!  The bird is from a t-shirt hang tag that I cut up and appliqued on.  It was hard to part with this little guy, but I know he is going to a good home, so... fly away little guy.

The tea cups are a Christmas gift from my husband for Christmas.  I LOVE them.  There are 4 of them and I have a matching teapot to go with.  We use them almost every day and I feel so sophisticated drinking out of such delicate porcelain tea cups.  "Why yes, I would adore another cup of green tea my love." (in a british accent, draw out the word ADOOOORE.)