pillows

Alignment Optional Pillows

November 6, 2016 By Katie 5 Comments

I’m still rolling with concept inspiration from my psychedelic baby block workshop and ended up with these fabulous pillows made with a block I’m calling Alignment Optional.

Back in September I thought I’d revisit a color way we used in Quilting Modern for the Shattered Quilt, replacing the Carolina Chambray with yarn dyed Essex as my light and Michael Miller Cotton Couture for the black.

I made some blocks, and well…they just didn’t look good. I packed them into a zip-lock and added them to the bureau in the basement where I collect marinating ideas. This approach is making the drawers a bit harder to open, but we all know the importance of play when it comes to creativity, which sometimes just means yielding your rotary cutter and making the cut. So that’s exactly what I did.

Though it was fun to try two different straight-line quilting styles, when it comes to a pair so similar in design I’d like the quilting to be identical. Problem is I’m not sure which design I like best.

These are only the second project I’ve personally quilted with a lot of solid black fabric. When I did my first quilt with black I didn’t know about black batting and small fibers of the white batting became visible on the quilt top. The term in quilting for this is ‘bearding’ and I won’t go into all the reasons it can happen, but the right color batting and a new sharp needle can generally prevent this issue. Too bad I didn’t remember black batting for these pillows;)

Here’s an Instagram photo showing my starts of the Alignment Optional pillows at the top. Sharing this hopefully gives you an idea of the secondary design multiple blocks would create, very similar to the Psychedelic Baby Block. Though I was planning on making a coordinating pillow with the blocks at the bottom, they actually became a quilt. I’m hoping to get some photos of it today. And this time I used black batting;)

All finished off with my invisible zipper tutorial and this awesome Alexander Henry Ghastlies Clover.

Interested in creating some pillow tops yourself? I have three dates listed for the Alignment Optional Pillows AND since I taught myself how to create coupon codes let’s celebrate with $10 off classes (sorry, not open studios) until the 24th with the code ‘meagain.’

I’m already envisioning my next pillows being fabulous in red and white for the season.

Happy Week Peeps;)

New Tricked Additions In Pillow Form

October 15, 2016 By Katie 6 Comments

Seattle’s got Halloween kind of weather going on. We’re currently enjoying the light things up and warmth that electricity provides, but I have definitely put some thought into a list of backup chores for if it goes. My fabric shelves and scrap bins are due a serious clear out and that alone could easily eat a few days.

I’ve been joyfully moving stuff around all week. Decorations are up, and in their true place. Each year I love the hunt of a few well sought out additions, like these awesome lit pumpkins from Target for the top of my fridge.

And just like Christmas I allow myself a few new Halloween prints. Novelty print generally means pillows. You already know I’m seriously not lacking in pillows and nothing stops me from making more. I believe I’ve added five to the rotation this year for Halloween alone;). Last year my splurge was this zombie fabric by Riley Blake. A huge spiderweb pillow (more here) has become Roan’s perch when waiting for his morning carpool. Playing with this block ignited some new ideas.

Since it needed something matchie-matchie and I had left over test blocks I made a couple more.

These pillows I made last year are still my favorites. So in the Ghastlies print I made a couple long lumbars which are my favorite shape for comfortable couch lounging.

I generally buy the forms from Garnet Hill, though IKEA does carry a nice rectangle shape. They’re down-filled and puff out to the corners nicely. You don’t need tons of forms. Under Halloween lives the Christmas ones, and quite possibly another layer under that.

All have invisible zippers following my tutorial of course.

My favorite made addition of the year is the hanging candy bucket I created using this paper pieced pattern. I’ve collected a few new patterns for next year. There are so many more projects I’d like to do, but I think I might be considered borderline something at this point. I’ve been collecting them all on a Pinboard.

It’s probably time to think of a costume.

Happy week Peeps;)

Improv Patchwork Pillow Series

December 16, 2014 By Katie 16 Comments

sewkatiedid/modern patchwork workshop series II

sewkatiedid/modern patchwork block workshops series II

The first group that joined me in my modern patchwork series made it so fun and I enjoyed making the samples so much that I’ve decided to run it again in the new year AND I’ve added a second part to the series.The color combo is so wacked and I’m 100% smitten with it.

Each of these pillows I’ve made with techniques I love to use and teach. One of the things so enjoyable about quilting is figuring out new ways to do things and I’ve certainly learned some good tips to pass along with these.

Here goes (and if you were wait listed or unable to do all of the first session than you can also sign up via The Quilting Loft).

-Exploring Inside a Box-

Modern Patchwork Series II

Please sign up via The Quilting Loft’s site.

Take one session, or the whole series, to explore the merging of traditional and improvisational patchwork techniques, one block at a time. Katie Pedersen, author of Quilting Modern: Techniques and Projects for Improvisational Quilts will guide you through the techniques and skills needed for each block, variations in block design, and the secondary designs multiple blocks create. While we’re at it, we’ll get friendly with our design wall, touch on color and value theory, and cover the advantages of constructing a block that is either precise in piecing, or more willy-nilly.

*Even if you are a seasoned quilter you can up your patchwork game by adding improvisational techniques to your knowledge base.

*Session I- To the Point Triangle Workshop- Thursday, January 22nd from 6-9pm Learn the proper techniques for cutting and piecing equilateral triangles to create sharp points and a design with the most impact. How design is affected by color value, scale of fabric and placement will be covered in this skill building workshop. All levels of sewists welcome. *Session II- Psychedelic Baby Block- Thursday, February 26th from 6-9pm This modern block workshop combines improvisational strip piecing and a traditional foundation paper piecing technique to create unique string blocks that are both chaotic and controlled. Once we’ve constructed some blocks we’ll cover color and value placement so that we can play with the block’s unlimited quilt/pillow design potential. *Session III- Improv Curves- Thursday, March 19th from 6-9pm Fear the curve no more with this no pinning, no templates and no stress approach to the curve. This session gives you the class time to master improvisational gradual curves to be later built into curved emeba blocks (See Emeba Workshop below). Free-handing improvisational curves are manageable even for beginners. *Session IV- Tipsy Amebas Block- Thursday, April 23rd from 6-9pm (An Improvisational curves workshop must be taken to sign up for Amebas (March 19th or April 21st to sign up for this workshop) Now that you’ve mastered improvisationally pieced curves without pinning a thing it’s time to move on to creating organic shapes. Watch your ameba multiply as we cover a chain piecing technique to make more than one at a time and follow up by learning how to bring your blocks together on the design wall without noticeable block construction. Hope to see you there!

Improvisational Quilting Techniques Pillow Series

December 16, 2014 By Katie 17 Comments

sewkatiedid/modern patchwork block workshops series II

Here goes (and if you were wait listed or unable to do all of the first session than you can also sign up via The Quilting Loft).

-Exploring Inside a Box-

Modern Patchwork Series II

Please sign up via The Quilting Loft’s site.

*Even if you are a seasoned quilter you can up your patchwork game by adding improvisational techniques to your knowledge base.

::Hers and His Pillows::

May 4, 2011 By Katie 11 Comments

I needed to make demonstration samples last week for my Add Zip to Your Pillow Class and Roan needed a birthday gift for a classmate. Two birds, one stone…

For Sofia’s new pink bedroom. Little girls seem to still appreciate the handmade. Little boys, not so much.

Last time I tried to make a pillow for a boy gift Roan’s response was, “Oh, a pillow?! Can’t we just buy a toy?!” Add a whining tone to that.

Skip the gift wrap, that’s what all those selvedges are saved for.

And that two bird thing? Roan needed a new pillow cover and I had just a bit of this Alexander Henry fabric left from the back of his quilt. Still reminds me of the A-ha video.

My couch is still in need and I’m waiting patiently for this fabric to arrive.

In the meantime the floor was washed and this was basted.

Now, off I go, I have a date with a quilt and I’m happy to report the sun is shining in Seattle.

Happy Wednesday!

——————————–

p.s. In light of the past few days, I found this video on Ted is worth a watch.

::Zip It Up::

April 17, 2011 By Katie 17 Comments

This past week I’ve been working on getting samples done and Spring classes on the books. I’ve made many a zip pouch and thought a class would be fun.

They make such great gifts that every sewist should know how to make a professional looking lined pouch.

I figured while I was at it, I would kill two birds with one stone and get the end of the year teacher gifts out of the way.

Last weekend digging through Kathy Mack’s scrap boxes at the Pink Chalk Studio I came up with the scraps to create these beauties!

The Lecien is a new favorite for sure and the trip to her studio inspired me to pull out the covered button bin. Thanks Kathy!

Again, I dabbled in making Amy Butler’s Stash and Dash bags. The pattern is just so finicky, or maybe it’s just me?

I actually took the large one apart and put it back together AGAIN before I was happy with it. When using home decor they say, “no” to stabilizer, but I say, “yes.”

The set will go to my sister-in-law with Ethan and Ella’s quilts.

Off to sew.

::Blogger’s Pillow Party::

April 5, 2011 By Katie 20 Comments

I was late to the party last month, so here I am drink in hand.

There were projects made for the book that simply wouldn’t fit, or the technique wasn’t quite right. The Opposing Triangle Pillow was one of those.

The colorway took some time, like everything in your closet tried on and thrown on the bed.

I love the quilting, it was like adding makeup and jewelry.

This pillow might be considered a bit of a wallflower compared to the other party dress pillows I’ve seen, but I would notice this one in a room full of pillows for sure.

Daisy Janie was so sweet and sent me the Shades of Grey fabric before it even hit the stores for the companion pillows and I think they dress it up a bit. Kinda like a good looking date on your arm.

Invisible Zippers in all of them of course! Consider invisible zippers your go to LBD (little black dress) to wear to the party, no envelope closure flip flops here. Go dress yourself up for the pillow party with my add zip to your pillow invisible zipper tutorial and check out what all the other pillows are wearing.

A quilt like it is next.

::Opposing Triangle Pillow::

April 5, 2011 By Katie 20 Comments

I was late to the party last month, so here I am drink in hand.

There were projects made for the book that simply wouldn’t fit, or the technique wasn’t quite right. The Opposing Triangle Pillow was one of those.

The colorway took some time, like everything in your closet tried on and thrown on the bed.

I love the quilting, it was like adding makeup and jewelry.

This pillow might be considered a bit of a wallflower compared to the other party dress pillows I’ve seen, but I would notice this one in a room full of pillows for sure.

Daisy Janie was so sweet and sent me the Shades of Grey fabric before it even hit the stores for the companion pillows and I think they dress it up a bit. Kinda like a good looking date on your arm.

A quilt like it is next.

::I Told You…::

March 14, 2011 By Katie 14 Comments

in my last post, that I couldn’t leave good enough alone. Some free motion here,

more length there, and all around goodness.

Pattern by Bloom. A good Sunday Project indeed!

Flower Pillows

February 18, 2011 By Katie 5 Comments

Round One of this set of pillows:

Round Two:

I know. They look the same to you right?

The pillows in Round One had an envelope closure. Round Two pillows have invisible zipper closures. I’m so much happier with them.

Invisible Zippers are divine.

These pillows are going into my Etsy shop rather than my room. If you are looking for some fashionable pillows pop over. They are fully lined and serged for a professional look plus easy wash and wear. Thanks Sold!

While I was knee deep in the pillow making mood, I made myself a bootie pillow. I always imagined my studio to be aqua and red, but when I digging around for fabric I came up with the Veronique in red and pink. I knew I had my new tuffet and that pink was now officially added to the palette.

I’m thinking the aqua might make it into a sewing machine cover. Roslyn Mirrington of Bloom launched her sewing machine cover pattern this week. I’m going to trick the patchwork and follow the pattern’s structure.

and I might some day “need” this.

That’s next on the list.

Improv Pillows

November 14, 2010 By Katie 4 Comments

It’s THAT time of year again! Whatcha gonna make?

Want to try your hand at invisible zippers and make some pillows for your growing gift list?

Join in on my Invisible Zipper Class this Wednesday the 17th from 6-9 at The Quilting Loft. I’ll be bringing in my serger so we can create a professional polished look. Can’t make it? Tutorial here.

Who needs a pillow?

A little girl in your life?

Or Boy?

Or maybe a teacher needs a classroom gift?

Maybe you need some Christmas Cheer mixed in?

Or maybe you just have a fabric you love.

I noticed when I was in The Quilting Loft last that they had about a hundred bolts of Christmas fabric on their shelves. I was impressed! I think I’ll be making some with this. Pink Chalk Fabrics also has an amazing selection including this Michael Miller in all the color ways which is a favorite even when it’s not Christmas.

::Sewing Curve::

October 29, 2010 By Katie 22 Comments

So it’s official, I’ve joined the Cult of Bernina and haven’t looked back. With a new machine comes relearning.

A few months ago I taught an invisible zipper class and as usual my students brought something to my attention that I didn’t know of, an invisible zipper foot.

Good old number 35.

This foot actually opens the zipper and lays it flat as you feed it through. Produces the best results ever. No ironing and no fuss.

However, I was stumped on how to feed it in from the start of the zipper tape and see where the teeth of the zipper were so I could start stitching. The visibility was crap.

It only took me four zippers to figure out a simple solution. Duh, mark the start with a dot like in the picture.

This way you can see through the zipper foot where to start.

It’s a piece of cake from there.

P.S. Don’t fear the zipper.

——————————————————

Wanna have some fun?

February 16th Invisible Zipper Pillow Class

pillows

Alignment Optional Pillows

New Tricked Additions In Pillow Form

Improv Patchwork Pillow Series

Improvisational Quilting Techniques Pillow Series

::Hers and His Pillows::

::Zip It Up::

::Blogger’s Pillow Party::

::Opposing Triangle Pillow::

::I Told You…::

Flower Pillows

Improv Pillows

::Sewing Curve::

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