In between larger quilt projects, but with time up with sleeve and in need of a sewing fix, I thoroughly enjoy making pillow covers.
Emma from Ballarat Patchwork very kindly sent me a whole range of batting samples that I have been keen to work with ~ ranging from cotton, cotton/poly blends as well as 100% wool and wool/poly blends. The sample pieces are more than generously large enough for pillow covers and I have enjoyed this opportunity to try out a different batting as well as quilting designs.
I love quilting small projects! If you look closely at the quilting lines you may notice that I have used different colored threads for the horizontal and vertical lines of the grid ~ a green and a blue thread ~ although not immediately distinctive the colored threads do add small detail to the pillow cover.
The threads I have used are by Rowan and are designed to match Amy Butler's Soul Blossoms fabric collection. They are 100% cotton 50 weight thread - extra long fibers - which more simply translates into a lustrous and fine quality thread. Previously blogged here: Threads.
For the back of the pillow cover I have used Anna Maria Horner's Innocent Crush Home Dec (Lovesme Lovesmenot) in Leaf. The pillow cover has a zippered seam for easy insert removal and cleaning.
Pattern: Sun Glow is a free Amy Butler Pattern available HERE (pdf file): The pattern is for a large pillow measuring 24 inches x 24 inches and is well written with easy to follow instructions. I used my own method for sewing the quilted pillow top into a cushion with zip inserted in side seam.
Fabrics: Soul Blossoms by Amy Butler (quilting cottons)
Batting: Hobbs Heirloom 100% Cotton (which quilted beautifully and combined with the quilting grid created a texture that I hope to replicate on more quilts).
Thank you for stopping by,
Rita
