I took the day off from work today. It's amazing what you can accomplish if you have four uninterrupted hours. This pillow actually went together really easily until the backing. I have issues with pillow backs for some reason.
I bought an Ava Rose Jolly Pack and just cut each square into quarters. I sewed together 25 4-square blocks and then sewed five of them into five rows. The top went together super fast.
Then the back. Oy. Last time I made a pillow I cut the two back pieces too narrow and I was determined not to do that again. And I didn't. I cut them both too short and out of a small piece of directional (Kitty toile) fabric. There was no salvaging it. I don't have a big stash of fabrics on hand but I did have a small piece of pale blue polka dot that was exactly the width of the top and a couple of inches longer.
I wanted to do a split back with a button closure but ended up just sewing the backing to the front with some rickrack trim and then sewed it shut. Let's hope I don't ever have to wash it. Actually before I stuffed the pillow I washed it in a little soapy/bleachy warm water to soften it up a bit.
Getting the rickrack lined up and not have the top stretch while sewing was tough! I was actually sweating while I was doing it. There was unsewing going on. Maybe some swearing. I'm telling you people – we are in the wrong business. We need to be in the pillow business..
I going to offer this one up for sale for $3000. I'll even throw in the damaged kitty toile.
Sold! I’m sure it’s worth it in blood, sweat and tears, and it’s pretty too so alls well that ends well:>) I love the colors and patterns of the fabric:>)
It looks cute from here! I’m impressed that you did it all in one day… a project like that would take me weeks (or months if I was getting some help from the kids!)
-Maiz
wow!!!! looks so good! I have to do this too…
Very pretty, I admire your patience. I’m a sewer but not much of a patchworker! Beautiful job.
Andrea, As a quiltmaker, let me say that you did a fine job…all the corners of your squares appear to meet perfectly….which would signify a fine job indeed! Looks really nice too! Pat
Love it (especially the swearing part) Looks so pretty it makes me want to buy one of those packs. Dang it.
pictures of the back please! No project is complete without 2 things:
1. unsewing
2. swearing
That might be the cutest pillow ever. I’m lusting for it.
I love your pillow! I’m so sorry at the kitty toile not working though. (Maybe you’re supposed to keep it for another cute project?) I know what you mean about the ‘struggle’ with lining up rick-rack. I used some of the giant rick rack on a new quilt design . . . & lets just say that there was also quite a bit of ‘unsewing’ to get it just right. Sigh. Oh, for the love of rick rack! But. . . that pillow is a keeper!
xo, Brne
I’m impressed, it looks fabulous.