Crafts: Petal Pocket Pillow

Heather Ross's Playing Horses fabric reminds me of the fun I had with my cousin and her horse. I was twelve, and Christine taught me how to ride. It was the highlight of my summer. In a way, the blonde and brunette girls printed on the fabric remind me of the two of us...

A neighbor's friend saw a tote bag I made with this fabric and asked me to make something with it for her three-year-old daughter. I initially thought of making another bag, but I later decided a fun pillow would showcase the fabric best. Enter Nova's Petal Pocket Pillow:

I've had this pattern since it was first released, but I hadn't gotten around to making it until now. What a shame! It's a wonderful pattern, with clear directions, demonstrative photos, fun details, and helpful tips. And of course Cole wants a Pillow Pocket (boy version) of his own!

I hemmed and hawed over which fabrics to use for this pillow's petals but finally settled on dusty peach, muted orange, and various shades of brown (all polka dot and geometric designs). I wanted the little girls and their horses to be the focal points of the piece.

For the background I used a white on ivory polka dot fabric, which not only carries on the polka dot theme but also feels just right for a little girl. Sugar and spice, and everything nice...

The fabric on the back features a pastoral vignette, which plays well with the horses. And the pillow is framed with yet another polka dot fabric.

Because I wanted to make a 16-inch pillow instead of the pattern's 20-inch arrangement, I scaled the pattern to 80%. The smaller petals are not difficult to work with, and the pocket size is just fine for small- to medium-sized treasures.

I hope the girl's mother approves! If not, I'll save it for another horse lover, perhaps my cousin (if she wants it).

Crafts: Purple Unicorn Pillow

We're moving overseas in less than three months, and we'll be packing out our household goods much sooner. It's time to complete a few parting gifts.

One of Cole's friends loves purple and unicorns, and I own two of Heather Ross's unicorns on purple (purchased during a studio sale years ago). I paired these with a few Denyse Schmidt, Erin McMorris, and Lizzy House scraps to create two log cabin blocks. With the addition of Kona Eggplant, straight line quilting, a lavender zipper, and the softest 12" X 16" pillow form, I made a reversible pillow for a sweet, little girl.

I had so much fun making this pillow, and part of me doesn't want to part with it. But I do prefer green. Thankfully, I also have one of Heather Ross's unicorns on green...

Crafts: Pooches and Pickups

I made this pillow out of Laurie Wisbrun's Pooches and Pickups fabric many, many months ago (see Cluck Cluck Sew's fabulous tutorial):

I had some fabric leftover, but I only got around to making something with it this past week. I didn't have enough to make a large quilt for Cole, so I made a baby-sized one for a neighbor. Although my model, Leia, would probably like to keep it for herself...

I cut and sewed five-inch squares - nothing fancy. The quilting is equally simple, but it makes the prints and colors focal points of the piece.

All washed and ready to go. I hope mama and baby like it!

Crafts: Mother's Day

Last year, my parents moved to a lovely part of Tennessee. The view from their living room is full of birds and other wildlife, flowering plants, and hill after hill of trees. I knew the prints in Cloud9's Alegria collection, designed by Geninne D. Zlatkis, would coordinate well with my parents' new surroundings.

Since my parents own two navy blue La-Z-Boy recliners and are on the hunt for a neutral sofa, I thought pillows would be a great way to tie the current and would-be furniture and outdoor views together. I chose the blue birds, walkabout, and blooms in blue prints (the blue birds are my favorite).

I usually make pillows with an envelope closure, but I opted for a hidden zipper this time (see this tutorial: Add a Zipper to Your Pillow). And I don't think I'll go back. The pillows are reversible, look more polished and professional, and require only a few more minutes of work - well worth the effort.

I hope Mom likes her pillows, but if not, she better return them to sender. I'm quite taken with them.

Happy Mother's Day!