May is almost over, and you know what that means. I’m running behind on projects! First up is Island Batik. This month the ambassador challenge is “Playful Pillows.” I decided to use a fun technique I learned from Victoria Findlay Wolfe to make a long, skinny pillow.
After my Thunderstruck Quilt class I picked up a copy of Modern Quilt Magic*. I was smitten with the herringbone quilt pattern. A test piece was made in February, but the fabric I used was so ugly I couldn’t bring myself to share it. Island Batik to the rescue!
Design
I decided to follow a color scheme similar to “At the Crossroads of Modern and Grand”. (Page 27) I pulled a group of brights from my Island Batik stash, along with a couple of neutrals. This fabric is so much fun to play with. I chose one fabric for my neutrals that is really too dark, and I ended up adding in a few more lights with the colors. This would be fun to make in a larger size, too.
Construction
Putting these pieces together is very fast, even with the partial seams. Figuring out how many strips I needed to add to cover the pillow took longer than putting them together. Oscar joined me for a bit of moral support. If you are at all curious about making a herringbone quilt, I highly recommend this book. Victoria does a fantastic job explaining the technique. I picked it up from the book easily.
After getting the whole piece together, I really was feeling a lack of yellow. The only yellow in my IB stash is from the secret fabric, though. What is a quilter to do?
Quilting
I layered the top with some muslin and wool batting. I’m a little bit hooked on the texture that wool gives to quilting. Also, the scrap on top of the pile was wool and big enough. Woo hoo!
I used my new computer upgrade on my longarm to quilt out a super elaborate quilting pattern. Definitely the wrong design choice on this piece – I should have done straight lines, but I was feeling lions on safari this afternoon. Also, I was interested on working on another project while the robot finished the quilt.
Finishing
For the yellow, I dug into my super secret stash that I’m not allowed to reveal until August. We are allowed to do a sneak peek, though, so I’m hoping that the little bit you can see in the binding doesn’t break any rules. I love how the yellow pops and makes the rest of the top sing. If you look closely, you can see the lioness peeking out of the purple strip in the middle of the pillow.
I finished it with and envelope back, but since it is entirely yellow forbidden fabric, you can’t see it. Instead, I’ll give you one more Oscar shot, since he is just so adorable.
No matter how asleep he seems to be, when I open the back door he flies through it. He does a quick security scan, then comes over to play model with me. He pretended to be bored in this shot, but he is totally faking. He’s a ham.
I plan to make several more pieces from Modern Quilt Magic*. What is your favorite book right now? Do you have any on your shelf that you go back to over and over?
I picked up Modern Quilt Magic a bit ago and have been drooling over the quilts ever since. The herringbone pattern was one that I thought I could do. Soon I hope, after I get caught up on QALs. Your pillow makes me want to grab a glass of lemonade, a good book, and that pillow and head for the hammock. Love the bright, happy summer colors!
Ooh! I have been wondering where it can live – the hammock sounds perfect. A little pop of color in the yard to compete with the weeds.
Definitely give the herringbone a try.
The yellow binding is a great pop and seems like a perfect sneak peek to me! I hope the rest of your May deadlines finish up easily and on time.
Thanks! I’ve enlisted a video editor and stayed up past midnight writing, so things are looking good.
Beautiful pillow — it would look great on my couch! And I agree that Oscar is adorable.
Beautiful, love it
I love your pillow and Oscar. The yellow binding adds pizzazz—great choice! The technique sounds intriguing. I’ll have to put that book on my list.
Thanks! it is one of my current favorite techniques.
Oscar is too funny, much like my cat, Bella, such personalities! Your pillow is wonderful, love the zing of the yellow binding. I need to make mine yet, slowly getting back into things….
Welcome back! Quilting is such a patient hobby – all of the UFOs will be there when you are ready.
Yours is the second rectangle pillow I’ve seen this month. I should make one. I always think of square pillows but a rectangle one would look good on my couch. Thanks for the inspiration. Island Batiks are very lovely and bright fabrics.
Hi Jen,
Aww, Oscar is the perfect model. Maybe you were taking too long with the picture – a model can only stay interested so long. I love this pillow – the colors are beautiful and of course the batiks are great. I haven’t used wool batting but I am intrigued to try it. ~smile~ Roseanne
Isn’t he, though? He is very silly – he actually ran up and cried when he thought I was done taking pictures and he wasn’t included. I wonder how much goes on in his head.
Very pretty, your dog wants a pillow bed.
Thanks! My dog has at least 3 other pillow beds, along with a large sofa and a king sized bed. He might be spoiled, but the jury is still out.
Our doggies do like to help! The herringbone pattern is so fun. I missed Victoria’s store in NYC – have to put it on my list for next time. I think Stash Statement is my new favorite book – I love seeing the varieties on the recent blog hop.
Bummer! I’m sad you missed her store – it is cute, and stuffed with cool treasures.
Great post, and your model is so much fun. The yellow pop is perfect, and you can start showing a bit more, as the buyers have samples to bring to shops now. Great job!
Awesome. I wish our rep samples would get tagged somehow, so we could follow their travels.