A Week Late, or 51 Weeks Early?

Embroidered Snowman Quilt/Pillow

                                 

This cute little snowman has been languishing in my craft cupboard, half finished, for over 3 years (or 4, or 5?). I can't remember how long ago I started this project, but the important thing is, I finally finished it, right?

(Excuse the not-so-great picture. I am still learning how to use my new camera)

The pattern is from Crab-apple Hill Studio. The pattern is to make this a pillow, and I made an envelope back so it can be used as a pillow, or can be hung on the wall as a wall quilt. It measures 14 x 15".

Here you can see more detail of the embroidery. I love the colors in this. Two shades or red, three shades of green, and a pretty aqua blue give this piece a vintage look.

                               

I really enjoy embroidery like this, but patterns are not easy to find. Most on the market are "primitive" styles, which just aren't my thing.

I am happy with how this turned out, even if it took me way too long to finish it. Oh well, I can say I am 51 weeks ahead of the game, and I will love pulling this out next year and have a new Christmas quilt to display.

Next up, a blouse I have been working on, that is frustrating me so much, it may end up as a wadder. Stay tuned.....



Blessings-

Lisa

Shared on: Little Becky Homecky Fantabulous Friday Link Party, Naptime Crafters Friday Favs Party, and Crazy Mom Quilts Finish It Up Friday.

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