Juicy Fruit :: Mini Pillows

This is kind of a double whammy, maybe even a triple whammy!  It all depends on how you look at it!

I decided to follow along with The Honey Pot Bee hosted by @Molli Sparkles.  You may have heard about it.  Basically, it's a virtual bee where two blocks will be shared each month.  You can make both, make one or make none!  Low key and low stress.  I won't be making all of the blocks, but I was a bit smitten with these little berries!

12" x 12" Berry Pillows 

One of the blocks this month is a strawberry block.  Cute as a bug, don't you think?!  I'm exploring my 'cute' side once again and couldn't resist!  (whammy #1)

The block is by @Skyberries Handmade, and the tutorial for it is available here: Strawberry Block.  



I was for sure going with pink and went with solids because...well, I like solids!  I ransacked my scraps and came up with 17 different shades of pinks.  As I was picking the colors I thought it would be fun to add one little print...mixing it up, taking a chance, giving it a twist...just having fun!



The pink berry was so cute I had to make another one in blue.  The plan for these two was going to be Mini Pillows for a couple who just bought their first house.  A house warming gift. Not only that, they have a son and are expecting a daughter in a few months.  Hence...pink and blue! (whammy #2)



With the blocks finishing at 7 1/2" x 10 1/2", I had to add borders around each side so they would fit my 12" pillow forms.  



The quilting took very little time.  Diagonal lines in the berry using coordinating thread, a little bit in the stem and leaves and 1/4" and 1/2" lines to frame each berry.  Honestly, I wish I had played with FMQ here, but my other machine wasn't set up and I really wanted to keep going with these.  

After the quilting I squared them up and searched high and low for the perfect backing fabric.  It was a good way to use something from my stash and add just a little more pizazz!



It seems every time I make pillows I use the hidden zipper method from SOTAK Handmade, which I love to death!  Even more so now that I glue baste the zipper before sewing it. Which brings me to Whammy #3!  I decided to show you how I glue baste zippers in conjunction to the tutorial.  I'll get that post together in a couple days.  



Berries, fruit, pink...bee's!  It seemed appropriate to me! 



If I had a blue insect, it would be here!  Instead a little frolicking puppy will have to do!



It wasn't until I got towards the end of finishing the pillows, I discovered I didn't have to extra forms like I had thought!  After a few kicks in the behind and freely flying swears...my only option at the time was to make my own forms.  I didn't want to stop progress and hey, that bag of polyfil from years ago...perfect!

They turned out adorable in my opinion!  The size isn't going to make a statement on a couch, but the size is perfect for two little ones to toss around!


Here is the tutorial::  ZIPPER GLUE BASTING TUTORIAL

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