My Handmade Sunshine

I have been thinking a lot about my blog and what I want it to be... a place to share, to learn, to stretch myself, and a happy place. Goodness knows, happiness can make the world go round and miracles happen! So as I thought of how I pictured it looking, I wanted the handmade part to really shine, but the sunshine part (that we all are given a chance to create everyday- no matter the weather) was the basis of my blog. So I toyed around with quite a few ideas, and the buntings kept coming back to me. More ideas and then, the sunshine becoming PART of the bunting, hit me like a rock! I knew that's what it had to be. And I wanted BIG, so I went with a 20 inch square pillow form :)
So the work began...I sketched, sketched, and re-sketched what I wanted it to be, then finally had my perfect look. However, it was on a 3x5 card :) My pillow is 20" square! hehe- so the enlarging began :) I cut, taped, and drew til I had all the proportions just so, and then the crazy part. Figuring out the fabric came next- this was especially tricky since I do not have much of a "stash" just yet- I am still new to sewing and quilting in particular, so I had to really dig to get the colors I dreamed of. It would up being the exact colors I pictured though. I cut and laid the pieces on the paper and then transferred it a bit at a time to the pillow top.
Once everything was fused on, I appliqued everything into place. Some pieces I just "outlined" some I tightly zig zag-ed. It was fun being random! I hand embroidered the bunting hanging line and the sunshine's beams. I wanted a really crisp look, so I decided not to quilt the top- just leaving the applique and hand stitching. I added a bright, happy, sunny yellow back, with an envelope opening. Then on to the edging. I wanted the pillow to look similar to a mini quilt, so I made binding and actually binded the pillow :)

I love how it turned out- it gives me the calm feeling inside to know that is what I want this place to be, and it's an amazing reminder to me to always "make sunshine" wherever I am! I hope I remember that every moment!!

I am entering this pillow over at the Pillow Party at Rachel's blog- go check out all the pillow beauties :) FUN! http://www.stitchedincolor.com/p/bloggers-pillow-party.html

Spring Fever Pillow

I have had a severe case of Spring Fever this year, and I knew what my March pillow needed to be! Last week, we all went outside, on a particularly windy day, and had an absolute blast flying kites, of all shapes and sizes! It was so much fun to tire ourselves silly, running up and down the street!! Our faces were red from the wind, and our cheeks hurt from grinning so much- it was truly a fabulous afternoon... So that lead me to this pillow...

A reflection of our first kite flying of the year, and there needed to be some sunshine. Although, the day was not sunny; inside, we felt the warmth of being together and having a joyous time, thus the "sunshine"! I pieced some wonky "sun" blocks as a border for the kite adventures, and then just HAD to add a "sunbeam" ruffle that would further emphasize the joy we had! This pillow now sits on the chair in our living room - it's the first thing you can see as you walk in the house. And I like it that way!

I am entering this pillow in the Pillow Party over at Stitched in Color! Wish me the best of luck- it's my first offical entry. Either way, I am in love with my Spring Fever pillow and the memories it already holds :) Here's the link to follow along---

http://www.stitchedincolor.com/p/bloggers-pillow-party.html

Have a fantastic day, and may it be filled with Spring Sunshine!