[completed] halloween pillow cover

halloween pillow!

 First of all... Happy Halloween!

To celebrate the holiday, I acquired a festive print, and made a pillow cover for an 18 x 18 pillow form. I followed this tutorial for making a flanged pillow cover. I eliminated the muslin backing, because I did not feel that the pillow cover would need it. I think that would have stiffened the flange, but I'm okay with it the way it is.

front

I agonized over cutting the fabric, because the design wasn't printed quite straight, but I think the cover came out adorable despite any little imperfections. I just love this fabric. Halloween typically isn't my favorite holiday to decorate (I'm not a big fan of ghosts and ghouls), so I was happy to find something I liked. (Our house is all decorated for the treat-or-treaters thanks to my mother-in-law - hopefully we'll get some kiddos!)

back

The back has a simple overlapping envelope enclosure. That makes it quick and easy to change out the cover. I have to make another cover for this pillow, as Halloween will be over soon!

[completed] elephant mug rug

completed elephant mug rug!

Recently, I participated in a "Secret Pal" swap. My giftee likes sewing, elephants, and the color red. I decided to combine her interests into a little mug rug! I made up the measurements, and whipped up this little cutie! I put it in a gift bag along with some hot cocoa. Perfect for fall.

front

 I found an elephant shape that I liked through a google search, and used Steam-a-Seam to fuse the appliques onto the background fabric. Then I simply stitched around the shapes!

back

closeup of the stitching

 I used a small zig-zag to stitch around the shapes, and used red thread. I've since found different settings for the zig-zag that produce nicer, tighter lines, but you live and learn, right?

closeup of the finished mug rug!

I finished the mug rug by free-motion quilting squiggles and loops in the background, and then bound it in homemade matching binding.

Pretty cute, right? And super easy!

[completed] rainbow hexagon coaster

sassy being a goofball

So I have been crafting lately - I just haven't been documenting the things I made! Here's a mini-post with one of my recent finishes!

hexagon coaster!

I recently made a rainbow hexagon coaster, following this tutorial. It was surprisingly easy and fast to finish. I love it! I am super proud of a my rainbow hexagon coaster, especially because it was made entirely out of scraps!

closeup

coaster in action

It's almost - almost - too pretty to use.