Project Quilting 17.2 Scads of Plaid

Being creative during this time in the USA is challenging. I am trying to use sewing as my joyful defiance but find my imagination is a bit stagnant recently. Having some guided creativity can help. Cue Project quilting, check out last blog for more details. This week’s challenge was to focus on plaid. I do not have a lot of plaid fabric so decided to make more of a plaid design with my scraps.

Scraps are fun. I wasn’t sure what direction my block was going to take until I opened up my scrap boxes. I knew I wanted to work with strips of fabric to make my block. I haven’t completly figured out my best scrap organization but right now I cut 1.5”, 2.5”, 3” and 4” strips and blocks from left over fabric. As I pulled some strips, I was inspired to make a Valentine’s block with Pinks, reds and whites.

Fun with scrap

As the block came together, I grabbed one of my throw pillows and a fat quarter and decided to make a pillowcase. I love making envelope pillow cases. I makes it easy to change pillows for different holidays and seasons.

• I had a 16” pillow form so I made sure the block was at least 16.5” square.

• Then, using a fat quarter for the backing, I trimmed it to 16.5” wide by full length of the fat quarter. I folded each end over 1/4” (you could do this 2 times for a even more finished edge.) and stitch down.

• I cut the length of fabric so the 2 peices are about 1/3 and 2/3 of length.

• Placing right sides together and with pillow front on bottom, lay unfinished edges along top and bottom of pillow front. The 2 pieces of the backing will overlap. You want to the overlap to be at lest 3”. This will create the envelope.

• Sew around all 4 sides using at least a 1/4” seam allowamce.

• Turn right sides out and insert pillow!

I hope you can find the time and energy to stay joyfully defiant, even in dark times.