Thursday, July 7, 2016

Sunshine Pillow


Sometimes you know someone who can use a little sunshine in their life.


My close friend's mom is going through a difficult time, and since I was visiting, I wanted to bring something. No, not dessert or wine or a gift card or flowers. Why would I bring those when I had the time and vision (and fabric stash) to make her something much more special?


I discovered that her favorite color is yellow, so I raided my yellow fabric (not surprisingly, I don't have  many yellow scraps; it's not a color I normally work with). Luckily, I found several tone on tone and small print yellows, but also a discrepancy between cool and warm tones (pale, happy yellow vs. mustard). Paired with light gray, I was ready to sew some sunshine.


I decided to split up the tones and use the Winged Square block pattern (a traditional block with a tutorial by Amy of During Quiet Time). My friend and former guildmate Rachel of Let's Begin Sewing (@liketosew) once asked for these blocks in our guild bee, and while they take forever (all those little HSTs!) it's a block I became enamored with. It's also been on my mind since she just finished her bee quilt (it's sooooo beautiful! Sigh). I might even be working on ANOTHER fun project based on this block (#improvwingedsquare on Instagram).


I wanted the quilting to be simple (this is, after all, a comfy pillow), so I used my free motion foot and Aurifil white thread (#2024) to quilt a spiral from the middle. I simply followed the spiral around again to create a thin, outlined spiral in the end. The effect simply brought me joy, and it made the quilting a little more obvious.




It was a joyous occasion to come across a half yard of this pretty yellow and gray Joel Dewberry print from Aviary 2 several years ago. I love it because: 1. It contrasts from the front's light gray; 2. It's a lovely, large print - perfect for a pillow backing; 3. I can't remember where or when I bought it and I had no plans for it; 4. I used almost all of it for this project. Complete with my custom tags, which I use as much as possible (I'm not sure 1000 tags are going to last very long. Apparently I make a lot of things). I figured out how to enclose it in the envelope backing so that it shows only underneath.


I LOVE how the sun reflects off of it. It's such a happy, bright pillow; I can only hope it brings my friend's mom as much joy as it brought me to make it. I've decided to keep sewing sunshine whenever I can, because we can all use it. :)

Linking up to Needle and Thread Thursday, TGIFF, Crazy Mom Quilts.

14 comments:

  1. This should absolutely brighten her day and bring her great joy. The pillow is just beautiful. Your mix of yellows is really just right--not too much brightness or warmth. It can be difficult to get that mix just right, depending on your intention. I am sure this pillow will sit on her bed or sofa and give her a smile every time she sees it.

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  2. What a wonderful gift ! Beautiful workmanship and it really did look like sunshine. and such kindness from you .

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  3. It's such a delightful pillow and lovely gift, Jessica. My husband was walking by and thought that the quilting was kind of water droplet esque (and he liked it a lot). I hope the recipient can feel the care and sunshine when she uses it.

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  4. It does look very cheerful and bright!

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  5. What a pretty pillow! I love the quilting. Such a thoughtful gift - nothing like a little sunshine to brighten someone's day!

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  6. Oh this is so beautiful and such a lovely gift! That is one thing I really like about sewing, to make something to bring someone else a bit of joy!And as you mention too, it also brings joy sewing those. I love your happy pillow very much!
    Hugs, Martina

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  7. Really neat! The quilting just makes it! Well done!

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  8. What a lovely and so very thoughtful gift, Jess.

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  9. What a fun gift! Love the label!

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  10. How pretty, Jessica! I'm sure your friend will love this pillow. I especially like the spiral quilting, and that back fabric is perfect!

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  11. Jess, this pillow is so pretty. I really love it. This is a treasure that will certainly make your sweet friend happy.

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  12. That's a wonderful pillow and a thoughtful gift. Her mother will love it, I'm sure, and it will bring a smile to her face in tough times. You are a kind and generous person.

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  13. That's a very pretty pillow. Your choice of quilting design is just right for it. Really cute tag, too!

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  14. It really is a little dose of sunshine! I love the colours and the quilting and I imagine it will bring her much joy :)

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