Tell Me a Story Pillow

I was so excited to hear that Amy Friend (During Quiet Time) had written her first book (Intentional Piecing) and couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy of it.

I found Amy and her paper piecing work as I began the journey of learning how to design my own foundation paper piecing designs when making a swap quilt. We connected through social media, eventually met at quilt market, and became east coast quilty friends.

I participated in her Tell Me Story block challenge and had fun making up stories for each block (you can see each block and it's story throughout my Kid Giddy IG feed).

Because I love to work small and fussy cut cute little images from fabric - I decided to shrink Amy's original block pattern by 50%. My blocks finished at 3" and went together as a basic 9 patch, which worked perfectly for a decorative pillow.

I added 3 borders, quilted the blocks and then quilted hopscotch print. I added cording to the edge for a tailored finish, because it's just better that way and finished it as a basic envelope pillow. 

Amy's book is not all foundation paper piecing. There are other great projects to make and piece together, using selvages or fussy cut prints and having fun. What I learned from this book - I need more fabric! Lol. When I had an idea for the fussy cut center, I felt I didn't have the best fabric for the outer border or vice versa. So I will fix that situation right away. Next up - the TeePee block!

Have you tried paper piecing and seen Amy's book yet? You can purchase a copy of her book through Lucky Spool and get 30% off using the code "FRIEND30". Thanks for stopping by!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of Amy's book to read and make a project because she's an awesome friend, but my opinions are my own. No affiliate links.

Sew Fun with Deborah Fisher & Giveaway

I met Deborah Fisher and her friend Kelly Doerge at Quilt Market in Texas, this past fall, when they both walked into the Sizzix booth. We chatted at length about the process of writing our books, and the excitement, or anticipation, of seeing the first copy. Deborah's first copies of Sew Fun 20 projects for the whole family had not come prior to market so I was anxious to get my hands on her book (I'm sure she was as well) to see her style and what it was all about.

I don't know how things are at your house - but when we get a new book - all the girls stop to take a look. My youngest daughter loved the Alexander Lion pattern that is featured on the front cover - she said it was her favorite pattern in the whole book. I have to say - I loved the Lions too - and like the way Deborah made the noses with scrap triangle pieces sewn into the seam. Brilliant.

My oldest daughter, as she looked through the book, agreed with me that it's about time we make some "Laugh at Yourself Slippers". Ever since seeing ELF - I have wanted to make some for everyone in my family - but never stopped long enough to do it. I think it's time, and hopefully they will be done before Christmas. Not that Christmas is the only time to wear "elf slippers" - since we all know I love Gnomes and fairies, elves and such all year round! lol. Actually, I have seen so many people putting little shoes and socks on table legs and thought it could be fun to put some Make Yourself Laugh Slippers on the girls bedroom dressers, as well as making mini versions for their favorite dolls.

Sew Fun has some great patterns to make with, and for, your kids. I think sewing with kids and teaching them the foundations is extremely important - so I can appreciate Deborah including sidebars that help to know what part of the project planning kids can help with. All the patterns are also full size and in an envelope in the back of the book (something I tried to fight for in my own book)...and I think that is so tremendously helpful.

For more information about Deborah and her book...as well as her two non-profit organizations - you can visit her on her blog Fish and Museum Circus. Deborah and Kelly will be at Quilt Market in May too - so if you see anyone of us - please say hello!

If you'd like to win a copy of Deborah Fisher's book, Sew Fun 20 Projects for the whole family, from Interweave - enter the rafflecopter below. You can also find Deb on Facebook at DebsFishMuseum. 

Have a wonderful week!

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of Sew Fun for review from Interweave. Opinions are my own. There are no affiliate links.

a Rafflecopter giveaway