New Orleans House Project

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Still Feelin' Gifty

 In my last post, I shared some projects inspired by the upcoming gift-giving season.  I'm still in gift-making mode, but taking a short break for American Thanksgiving.  I've finished a few projects, but I'm still contemplating others.

I used an AccuQuilt die to cut the bear and moose appliques for these pillows.  I ironed Soft-Fuse to the fabrics before cutting the shapes, then fused them to the background fabric.  The raw edges are finished with machine blanket stitching.  I need to insert the pillow form into the black one and stitch the opening closed. 

I finished up three Merry & Bright Cushion Cover pillows to gift to some football-loving friends.

I admit, I got a little burned out on the hand embroidery, but I'm really pleased with the results!

Something new for me:  I used (pre-washed) cotton flannel in the quilt sandwich on these.  The pattern instructions call for embroidering through the batting, and the flannel worked great for that.  After completing the embroidery, I added white cotton fabric backing to the pillow top and did straight line machine quilting across the rows. 

I tried to use up the special fabrics I had ordered, so each pillow has a different back.
 
The Dallas Cowboys licensed fabric did not work for the scrappy squares on the pillow covers - the designs were too large.  Plus, the fabric was not a nice quality quilting fabric - more like a broadcloth.  It softened up after washing, but still, not something I'd want to put in a quilt.

That being said, I still had scraps to use up.  I got one zipper pouch made, but ran out of time before my self-imposed Thanksgiving break deadline.  I think this one needs to be fancied up a little with a dressy zipper pull.  (Sotak Handmade Essential Pouch - Large)
 
I also attempted a scrappy placemat idea.  This is resting on top of a piece of flannel, ready to be quilted after Thanksgiving.
 
I'm off on some Thanksgiving adventures, so I'll see you on the flip side.
 
For all who celebrate Thanksgiving, may you make lots of great new memories this year!