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Sunday, March 20, 2022

Mostly Practical

Patchwork quilt as you go pillow by Heidi Staples of Fabric Mutt

Exactly one week ago I went to bed feeling a little off, not realizing that I had acquired an extremely nasty case of strep throat which is still raging as I type this evening. I'm on antibiotics, but it's going to be a slow recovery. Speaking and sleeping without coughing are a real challenge, and I've been utterly dependent on my husband who was off all this week on spring break. I'm both sad to have lost the week of activities we had planned and thankful that he was here to run the house and take care of me while I've spent the week in bed reading books and binge watching Remember WENN, an old favorite show that came out when I was in college. I like to think that I'm pretty good about going with the flow, but this week has definitely stretched my limits on that front.

I was thrilled to hear how many of you would like a tutorial for the little bag I shared in my last post! I have all the pieces cut out and waiting on my sewing table, and as soon as I'm well enough, I'll be putting it together and writing up the pattern for you. 

Patchwork quilt as you go pillow by Heidi Staples of Fabric Mutt

Since I don't have anything brand new to share, I thought I would show a few pictures of sewing projects I finished during my absence from the blog this past year or so. I'm afraid these photos aren't the best quality since they were originally just meant for family viewing. (I would retake the pictures, but at this point, these pieces are not quite in the same condition they were originally. Let's just call them "well loved.") The pillow at the top of the post was a quilt-as-you-go project I did for fun using some fabric I printed on Spoonflower using digital art I purchased from one of my favorite shops on Etsy after getting permission from the artist. Her retro designs are absolutely adorable, and I knew they would be perfect for fussy cutting. I had originally intended to keep this pillow upstairs in my bedroom, but it's become my husband's favorite back pillow when he's sitting in the family room at night.

Patchwork Heather Ross Pillow by Heidi Staples of Fabric Mutt

The next pillow is made up of patchwork squares from my Heather Ross collection which I made for the girls. Every evening our family reads a chapter of a book together (right now we're doing Little Women) and then we watch a show or movie before bed. During our movie time, my youngest daughter Mouse loves to curl up in front of the fireplace on her Test Tubes Quilt using this pillow as a headrest. 

Patchwork quilt as you go Bible cover by Heidi Staples of Fabric Mutt

A few months back my sister came to me asking if I could make a cover for her Bible since the paperback cover was coming apart. She gave me total creative freedom, but I tried to insert little details that fit my sister well. This was another quilt-as-you-go piece, and I absolutely loved making it.

I've found that my sewing of the last few years has been mostly practical -- making things for which there is an actual need rather than just for fun -- but I love that the practical can also be beautiful. I have a few more useful sewing projects in mind for the months ahead. We'll see how many I can actually accomplish, but it's fun to think about them. The planning stage is still my favorite after all these years.

Hoping that you're all healthy and happy today, my friends.

8 comments:

  1. I especially love the pillow at the top of the post, such great fabric choice. Get well soon. X

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  2. Oh, I miss those days of reading aloud together! I think practical things for around the house are some of the best projects. The Bible cover turned out really well!

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  3. All your makes are so beautiful and comfy-cozy pieces I would love to have around me! Hope you are feeling better and mending well! Can't wait for your next tutorial! Thank you so much!

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  4. Heidi, I am so happy every time I see a post from you! The bible cover is both sweet and gorgeous! I love your Heather Ross pillow. Please be well soon!

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  5. I'm glad you got medicine for your strep before it took over your whole body. I will look forward to your new projects.

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  6. This is great that you are back. Hope you are on the mend!

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  7. Your pillow is charming. �� I hope this message finds you feeling well. It sucks to feel badly when you have so many plans.
    Vicki

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Aren't you the sweetest for leaving a comment! Due to all the ads that bombard this section, I have to moderate everything first, but look for your comment to post in a day or two. Thanks so much for writing!