Summer Pillow Finish

I finished the "Summer" pillow this morning.

I used a similar backing fabric as the "Spring pillow." In other words by the same designer and in the same family of quilting fabric.

I found it in the bargain bin at the quilt store. They had two small pieces left. Win for me.

I loved the blue piece so much I would have loved to do something large with it, but it must have gone quickly because I went back right after I made the spring pillow and it was GONE. 

Summer on the left and spring on the right.

I like both, but I always find the faults. I liked the linen I used on the spring one better. Lesson learned for fall and winter. It was a closer weave.

I meant to do this for others who are not so good at all this finishing stuff. I know I am a home ec major, but I have been away from it all for a very long time.

To make the cording with no stress, I made two inch bias strips and put them on a piece of store bought piping. It makes it easier for me. The cotton on cotton doesn't slide around.

I then put it on the stitching side first. Also having it already stitched makes it a bit easier to work with as well.

I clipped corners to make it easy to spin it around.

Rather than have a seam to stitch up by hand after stuffing, I do two pieces on the back leaving a hole to stuff. I did this down close to the bottom so it isn't that noticeable, but makes stitching that piping on lots easier.

All of you expert finishers don't judge me too bad. I am getting better:)

HOWEVER, y'all were all so sweet in your comments to gently let me know that the top border was strawberries!!!

I need some stronger glasses.

Gus follows me everywhere I go. Lemony not so much. It is officially hot and she is smart enough to know I am coming back to the living room soon so no need to get up:)

I am hoping we are not dealing with a bad storm on Sunday. A little rain we could use so it this thing must come here a small quick moving tropical storm would be better than a hurricane even at a level 1.

Hubby had a graduation to go to last night, so I went to my sewing room and regrouped and reorganized patterns and all my stitching projects and thoughts.

Below is my latest project. A Golden for my son. The Golden will have a duck in its mouth and wading in water.

Have a great weekend,

Sandy