Saturday 7 March 2015

Scotties and the Simply Striped Pillow Blog Hop

The "Simply Striped Accent Pillow" Patchsmith Style
Sometimes a pattern comes along that is a rare find – a versatile, multi-use pattern that you will return to time-and-time again.  I knew, the first time I saw Susie’s “Simply Striped Accent Pillow” that this was just such a pattern.  
The Simply Striped Accent Pillow Pattern
This pillow can be made up to match any decor and that accent strip is suited to embellishment - whether that be patchwork, paper-piecing or applique.

I like all forms of sewing but I knew I had to put the Patchsmith stamp on my pillow, especially for this blog hop.  So I turned to a very early pattern of mine – the Scottie Dog Mug Rug pattern.  This pattern uses quick-fuse applique which is an easy way to add detailing to any item (you can find hints and tips on applique methods in the Mug Rug Basics tab at the top of this blog).  
Scottie Dog Mug Rug Pattern
The Scottie dogs in the mug rug pattern were just slightly too big so I printed the applique page at 80% of size to produce perfect little puppies. 

Once I had made up the pillow front according to the pattern (very easy) I hand-stitched three felt Scotties along the accent band.  (If you use felt make sure it is colourfast and can be laundered prior to use.)   I left a 1” gap between the dogs and the edge of the pillow to allow for the side seams.  
Three puppies waiting patiently.
No blankets were needed for these puppies - making this a super quick project.  All the little pups needed was a thin sliver of ribbon for their collars and some simple over-stitching for the eyes and noses.  
Simple over-stitched eyes and noses.

I just love the Simply Striped Accent Pillow pattern - it is versatile enough to adapt it to any pattern or you can add paper-pieced blocks, patchwork blocks or leave the band blank.
Three Scotties fit nicely onto the accent stripe

If you've been following along with this week's blog hop you will see that there is no end to the different embellishments and fabrics that can be added to this pillow pattern.  For my next pillow I am thinking three or four baby whales from my Animal and Pets mug rug pattern book.
Block 52 of my BAD (Block-a-Day) project   

What will you add to your
Simply Striped Accent pillow?  Will you use a favourite piece of fabric or add a unique and personal touch through applique or patchwork?  

To help you decide, hop on over to Susie's Sunroom to see what the other blog hosts have been up to this week.

Until next time ......

14 comments:

  1. Oh Amanda-- this is soooo darling!!!! And your signature gingham is just the right background for the Scotties! And the little whale swimming in the polka dot sea is also fabulous!!!

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    1. Thank you Sheri, it was so easy to do and good fun.

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  2. Hi Amanda! Love this pillow.... the scottie dogs are just perfect! Have a lovely weekend! :) x

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    1. Thank you Christine. You have a lovely weekend too - I am sure you will find time for another of those adorable hearts you are making.

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  3. What a wonderful new world is opening, as the stars of your mug rugs will be appearing on all sorts of projects! The pups are such a sweet accent to this versatile pillow pattern, and the little whale looks so happy in the polka dot sea!

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    1. Thank you Amy - you know I love a bit of whimsy.

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  4. You did a bang up job with your adorable Scotty dogs Amanda - they are just perfect for this pillow and i love the red gingham! You've gotten lots of new ideas percolating in my mind! The whales would just be darling in a stripe. I love how you have hearts coming out of their spouts!

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    1. Thank you - the whales have been with me for a while. I love polka dots and stripes and gingham - oh, heck I just love all fabric!

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  5. I'm not as creative as you with your doggies and whales, so I'd probably just add a fabric strip. But I LOVE the whales!!!!

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    1. Adding the doggies is very easy Deb. A little bit of felt and they are good to go. You don't even need to add eyes and noses if you don't want. Whatever you make I am sure it will be lovely.
      p.s. I love the whales too.

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  6. No surprise that your strip is the cleverest of them all! Love it all, gingham and Scotties. Mary Engelbreit should have a look!

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    1. I think your pillow was pretty awesome Miss Elaine Summercrafter extraordinaire. xxxx

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  7. your pillow is so cute. I like the idea of the whales too. I would probably use one of my special fabrics that I don't really want to cut up. That way I could highlight it.

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    1. It would be the perfect use of a special piece of fabric, Carrie.

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