Friday, April 20, 2012

Cathedral Window Pillow


I saw this tutorial over at Moda Bake Shop and immediately knew I wanted to make my own version. A traditional quilting technique that has been updated with machine sewing to make it quicker? Sign me up! I love tradition quilting design with a modern twist. 

The instructions in this tutorial are very good. They walk you through the process step-by-step with pictures along the way to make it easier. Notice: two of the adjectives I have used to describe this project are QUICKER and EASIER, but I wouldn't say this is a quick or easy project. It is very time consuming, and at one point I was tempted to give up and throw what I had done so far into the scrap bin.

But, I persevered, and I am very glad I did. I think the pillow turned out nice, and I love the bright colors. I used fat quarters I had picked up at Joann's on a February day when I was craving some spring color. I do have to say, I wouldn't use those Joann fat quarters for anything other than a small project like this. I was stunned at how thin and poor quality those fabrics were. I think you could read a newspaper through them they were so thin! The white fabric (also picked up at Joann's) is a Kona cotton, and was a dream to work with. Next time I am there and armed with a 50% off coupon, I think I will stock up on several yards of this. I am itching to make a quilt with a white background.

The fabric I used on the back of the pillow (also from Joann's) is a cathedral window print. Pretty clever, huh? I didn't even buy it specifically for this project- I had just picked it up because I liked the print and didn't have any black and white in my stash. I worked perfectly for this project.


Close up of the front:



Up next- I currently have another quilt project in the works. It is a twin sized quilt from a kit my mom has had in her stash for a few years. She told me I could have it because she has more fabric than she can use in her lifetime (don't we all?). So I am sewing it up for her, and will have it machine quilted, then I am going to surprise her by giving to her for her bed. I think it will brighten up her room.

Blessings-
Lisa

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Spool Quilt and Nice Fabrics Now Available at WalMart (?!!?!?!)


I made this wall hanging for my sewing room. I thought the spool design was perfect for a sewing room. The fabrics are a couple of Moda charm packs, with a few other fabrics from my stash. I like the simple spool design, and the combo of colors- aqua, corally-red, and beiges. I also like the scrappyness of it. (i love me a scrappy quilt!). I can get away with the floral and pink because this will hang in my sewing room, a room that my boys and hubby don't spend time it. I think if I tried to hang this in another part of the house, I would get some resistance from the guys in the house. *sigh* That's what happens when you are outnumbered 4 to 1.

The pattern is called "Gentle Art" and it is from Miss Rosie's Quilt Company.


I didn't have any fabric in my stash for the binding, so I was prepared to drive out of town to buy some (we don't have a quilt store here in Red Wing), when I remembered some pretty blue polka dot fabric I had seen at Walmart. YES, Walmart. While most Walmarts did away with their fabric departments (including ours) they have since started bringing them back. At first it was all the same low quality fabrics they used to carry, but lately they have been getting in some really nice quality quilting cottons. I would compare them to quilt-shop quality. They are in the $7.00-8.00 range, so a little more than their lower quality $3.95 ones. Don't get me wrong- I fully support shopping at local quilt shops, and do so every chance I can get. But when you are in a pinch, and have no fabric store in town, it is nice to know you may find what you need at the local Walmart.

It was a fun little quilt to make, and looks great in my sewing room! Some day, when my sewing room is neat and clean and organized (OK, quit laughing, it WILL happen someday) I will take you on a guided tour. I love my sewing room, and feel so fortunate to have a space all my own to do my creating.

Blessings-
Lisa