Monday, April 07, 2014

shimmer feather pillow

Why hello there! Today I am happy to be a stop on Jennifer Sampou's SHIMMER blog hop!
Shimmer is Jennifer's newest fabric line (manufactured by Robert Kaufman) that is full of....well...shimmer! It's really beautiful.
It took me several weeks to decide on a project for these fabrics. I kicked around several ideas in my head, rearranged the charms a bunch of different ways, but that spark was missing, you know? One day it occurred to me that the fabric would be PERFECT paired with Anna Maria's feather pattern. That was the light bulb moment I was waiting for. (It's always fun when that happens!)
I love how it all came together! I made the feathers smaller than the original pattern so that 3 of them would fit on a pillow cover. I foundation pieced the shimmer fabric unto paper, then proceeded to assemble the feathers, figuring out the rest of the dimensions on the fly. It was a little trickier that I thought it would be-with all those angles-but nothing a little stitch ripping couldn't solve.
I cross hatched the background using purple thread. I know that's an unconventional choice, and very much out of my box, but look how much depth it adds to the pillow! I started and stopped the quilting lines at each feather, so I had a bunch of threads to bury. But it was worth it in the end!
To finish it off, I made an envelope backing with this fabulous olive colored fabric from my stash. I sewed a double line of stitching on the edge of the closure for a more tailored finish. I really like it! I'm sure I will be revisiting that detail again soon. (The only drawback about working with dark fabrics is all the lint it attracts, but what are you gonna do?)

The pillow measures 20" square. (It's so weird! Usually my projects are made from scraps. I'm so used to counting them toward my 101! Ha!)

Since this is a blog hop, you know there has to be a giveaway!
If you would like to win this shimmer charm pack, please leave me a comment in this post. I'll pick a winner in a few days.

Happy Monday to you!

365 comments:

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Karrie said...

I love your pillow! The feathers are perfect :)

ksmith8@emich.edu

Gunilla said...

I love the feathers! You used the charm pack very well.
Regards,
Gunilla

kt said...

Love your pillow! What a great way to showcase this great fabric!

suzanprincess said...

You're so right about the purple- thread quilting, and the feathers make great use of the shimmer line.

Anonymous said...

That pillow is gorgeous!!!

New Salem Homestead said...

That is one smart pillow! I love it and Jennifer's new fabrics. Now if someone could just create more time in a day to sew .......
Thanks for a fabulous giveaway!

Will Cook for Shoes said...

Didn't think I would love this shimmer fabric but I DO!!! And it goes so nicely with the deeper rich background that you paired it with. Great paper piecing pattern too! Overly, just in awe! :)

tgallop@mts.net
www.willcookforshoes.ca

Michele said...

The feathers was a great choice for that fabric!

Lynne said...

What a fantastic combination- the shimmer fabrics and the feather pattern. Looks like they were made for each other.

Dee said...

Your ideas are amazing-- I really missed you!!!

margaret said...

love what you have done on the cushion, these fabrics really stand out as something different, very appealing

Kacey said...

Oohoh, what quilter wouldn't like some bling?! Love your feathers and thanks for the chance!

Unknown said...

Who doesn't like a little bling. Very nice colours, and I love that pillow.

Unknown said...

The feathers are fantastic with this fabric! I love following this blog hop with this shimmer fabric. It's fun to see what everyone is creating. Thank you also for the link to the original pattern. I will have to give this a try! shopgirl7232(at)yahoo(dot)com

Swedish Scrapper said...

What a perfect use for this pretty fabric! Feathers really Do shimmer! I love your quilting too :) I think this line would be lovely in a simple geometric pattern, to show off the metallics!

Edige said...

I'd like to win it very much because I like it very much...
Thank you for the chance,
Edit from Hungary

Jeannie Gan said...

Gorgeous pillow! Love the feather.
jchiagan at yahoo dot com

Wendi said...

Your fabric feathers are just beautiful. Thanks for the giveaway.

suemac said...

I just bought some quilter's muftah for a backing. I love it.

Linda said...

The colors and pattern work beautifully together.! You did a wonderful job!

Ellie said...

Love the fabrics and the pillow is a perfect showcase ! Thanks for the chance to win .

Karen @runsewfun said...

That sweet feather pattern is turning up everywhere. I like it here in these fabrics best. Great job!

Bridgit said...

So beautiful. When I first saw the feathers pattern my head went directly to a thro pillow... Just lovely.

Molly said...

Beautiful pillow, I love the feathers with the fabric!

Miss Jean said...

Lovely ideas, thanks for sharing.

ConGhin said...

The burgandy seemed to be an unexpected choice compared to your usual fabrics. It is a perfect balance to the shimmery fabrics.There is a richness to this that feels very modern. One of the reasons I love reading your blogs posts is that you always surprise me - in an inspiring way!

Lisa said...

I love the way the metallics combine for a neutral effect!

Dyann said...

Love the colors and designs in these fabrics, I can think of a dozen projects that they would be great for! Thanks for the giveaway:) Love your pillow....another great idea for this fabric!

Josie McRazie said...

Fun pillow! And the fabric is wonderful! I love the movement it gives the feathers! Great giveaway! Thanks for the chance!

Grace and Peace Quilting said...

Love your feather pillow!! And can't wait to see shimmer in the quilt shop.

Unknown said...

I saw this fabric on another website and thought, "this fabric would make beautiful pillows!" When I saw your pillow I loved it! I would make a bag with the charm pack!

Linda said...

I really like your pillow. I feel the creativity juices flow when I read your blog messages. Not that I want to copy what you have done, but your projects trigger ideas in my head. Thabk you for sharing what you do.

Ginette said...

The pillow is gorgeous! I love those light bulb moments!

Unknown said...

Beautiful feathers and the plum hue with the coordinating stitching is gorgeous! I want to make that pillow!

chrikina1234 said...

Beautiful pillow! The fabric reminds me of Nantucket cobblestones and weathered island houses!

Cheryl said...

Beautiful pillow and fabrics, thanks for the chance to win.

jetvic said...

That pillow is so beautiful with those feathers! Love the colors of the fabric.

Unknown said...

I love the pillow - and would love to have fun with the shimmer fabric!

SuzyMcQ said...

Love your pillow. It's beautifully done!

I would love to win some Shimmer and would make a pretty pillow for my teen who is all about sparkle!

Unknown said...

love the colour combinations you chose to pair with this awesome fabric line
thanks for sharing!

Lynn said...

That is a beautiful pillow! Thanks for doing the give away for the charm pack.

Always Sewing said...

Oh" I love your feathers, the fabrics are perfect! Thanks for the awesome give away.

Nancy said...

Would love to play with these beautiful fabrics.. thanks

Joye with an e said...

What a lovely pillow. A great use of the fabrics and design. I would love to be challenged with that charm pack! Thanks so much.

Soverland said...

love the feather pillow.

Pattie Crum said...

Perfect use for this fabric, lovely pillow.

Nancycim said...

Your detail work is amazing.

Debbi said...

I love shimmer fabrics. They work well with plainer fabrics to give added emphasis to accent points. I love them in the feathers!

Chez Roo said...

Love your gorgeous feathers! Thanks for the giveaway.

Arita said...

So pretty, love the purple background.

Unknown said...

Love the purple thread you chose for the quilting. Beautiful!

lindaroo said...

What a perfect combination! If I win, I'm totally copying your idea!

sisqdiane said...

I love to add a little bling to my projects...This looks like it would suit me just fine. Love the pillow.

juliehallfeldhaus said...

love your pillow, and the shimmer!!

cjmont said...

beautiful fabrics and pillow. these fabrics would be perfect for a paper pieced dragonfly wall hanging i am planning.

Verna LaBounty said...

Very original and creative designs in this new fabric line. They will be lovely to work with.

Karen said...

Using the shimmer fabric for the feather pattern is genius! And now you must have oodles of new scraps in your stash. :-)

Rhona said...

Great idea for showcasing those beautiful fabrics, love it.

Kelly Wilson said...

I am really loving the variety of uses shown in this blog hop. The feathers are great with these fabrics - just the right amount of, well, shimmer I suppose. : )

Jen Barlev said...

This is so perfect! Love it.

Jenn said...

I would love to make this pillow! I love feathers! This is a great idea.

Patti said...

Oh I would love to win the charm pack as I have yet to try to make the feather pattern. Patti

Donna Bridges said...

Your pillow turned out great, love the purple with those shimmering fabrics.

Unknown said...

So awesome! I'd love to win.

Ann D said...

That purple made the shimmer fabrics pop. What a great idea...I'm glad you took the time to think about how you were going to use those charms. Hope I get a chance too. Thanks for hosting this giveaway.

Brianna S said...

Your color choices are always stunning!

Unknown said...

Lovely! I think I have ti add a feather pillow to my projects list!

Carole @ Fresh off the Frame said...

Your pillow is beautiful, and beautifully done. I think it would look great in MY living room! lol

LizA. said...

Wow -- that fabric line is perfect for that pattern. It would also look very nice in my home....I must get some.

JudyD said...

Love, love, love your pillow! Thanks for the chance to win the charm pack!

Unknown said...

I love your pillow. Beautiful colors! I also love your blog.

Denise said...

So glad you put that much thought into the right design...it worked! Great feathers and purple!

Donna W said...

Love your "light bulb" moment. And what fantastic fabric.

Lori H said...

Love the fabrics!
kanshop2@yahoo.com

bunbear said...

like the feathers! nice fabrics.

leanne said...

oh Amandajean - that pillow is just stunning and it really does shimmer - gorgeous fabrics !!

Ketra said...

Love these fabrics and the feathers!

Barb said...

This fabric is so pretty, thanks for the chance to win it!

Patti said...

Beautiful fabric. Thanks for a chance to win.

Patti said...

Thanks for the chance to win this beautiful fabric.

Anonymous said...

What a great pillow! Someday I'll try the feather pattern, looks difficult. kcannon@anwsu.org

Pattie said...

Such a small world: I'd just decided to make a lap quilt for my archery-loving husband, using the Feather pattern. But I couldn't decide on the fabrics. Your pillow is inspiring me - thank you for sharing!

Unknown said...

Really, really like your pillow!! I like the purple thread also. :)
craftyccain@gmail.com

pattiespea said...

Oh, My! That is beautiful material! I would love to win it,

Cindy Maki said...

I love those feathers. I have looked at the pattern for feathers several times but have yet to make them. Yours are lovely and inspires me to create my own. Good luck everyone.

Unknown said...

I've seen these feathers before but not against such a rich dark background - stunning!

Sarah said...

Really like your pillow! In the close-up, I don't see purple so who would have guessed that the feathers would work so well with purple? Thanks for the chance of this charm pack!
Sarah at scotthoughtonatverizondotnet

pizzaeater said...

Love your work. It looks wonderful.

Jennie said...

I love your feathers. I'm itching to try my hand at them. Go on and send me that charm pack. :-)

Simply, Sarah said...

I love the design and the fabrics!
And yes, the thread adds a whole different texture and depth to the fabric. I love it!

Unknown said...

Love, love the purple fabric and thread for quilting. It really makes the shimmer fabric pop!

Timtirim said...

Your works are wonderful! This pilllow too. Thank you for sharing! (I should learn colour choosing from you..)

Jan said...

Our WNY Modern quilt guild is making these feathers for a swap. They look great in these colors!

Richard Healey said...

Love the feathers. It was a fantastic choice. Thanks for the chance to win.

Crafty Coffin said...

I love the combo of the pattern and fabric! And the purple is a great choice, really sets it off.

Anonymous said...

Those fabrics are perfect for a feather! Great inspiration!

c said...

Never had heard of shimmer fabric, would like to have some to touch and love on. thanks

AKA Kingcooper0001@aol.com

Kalynn's Creations said...

Love the feathers... Thanks for the chance to win.

dottie bishaw said...

I would love to win this beautiful fabric!

quiltzyx said...

The feathers look just grand in Shimmer! I think it was definitely worth all the quilt math you did. :D

Maureen said...

Love your pillow, the fabric is perfect for feathers!

Emerauld said...

What a cute idea! I love it!

Emily Kim said...

Beautiful pillow!! I love the "quilted" look!!

Unknown said...

Those fabrics look wonderful, and I love your feather pillow. I am really looking forward to getting the new furniture for the patio so that I can decorate with pretty pillows. Nancy: rangerer@sbcglobal.net

Linda said...

Lovely design with beautiful fabric. Well done.

Hollie @ Just a Mom who Sews said...

What a great way to show off those shimmery fabrics! Loving the quilting on it.

Dvine Quilters said...

Amazingly beautiful!

Mel_Lind said...

The shimmer fabrics are awesome!

Margaret said...

Love the pillow. I want to try those feathers. It is on my bucket list. I think my list stretches the length of three football fields by now.

Anonymous said...

Bling/shine is always pretty!

Barbara said...

Beautiful pillow! What a great choice for these lovely fabrics.

LethargicLass said...

I like your idea of shrinking down the feathers :)

Dondi M said...

This pillow is so gorgeous and so sophisticated as though it came from a high end interior decorator. I love it!! I promise I am not a snob. It's just that this pillow has so much appeal to so many people on lots of levels.

Unknown said...

Love the rich purple. Feathers are so interesting and pure.

Karen said...

THIS I have to make! Beautiful pillow!

Jo said...

Great pillow I have really got to try one of these feathers.

Heidi said...

Your pillow shows off the shimmer beautifully!

Sandy D said...

I really like the projects I am seeing in this blog hop using Shimmer. Great job of the pillow.

Debbie said...

Your pillow is gorgeous. I've never sewn with shimmer. Could be fun!

Trisch said...

I love your feather pillow. I guess I need to put a feather project on my to do list!!! Thanks for the chance to win. : )

Unknown said...

Beautiful shimmer fabric and beautiful pillow!!Love the feathers!!

CandaceMakesStuff said...

Love your pillow.

Havplenty said...

You did a great job on the pillow with having to figure out your proportions while making it. One would never know that.

Priscilla Dugas said...

Great ideas! Love the colors!

Kim said...

Well that is one great looking pillow...nicely done Amanda Jean!

I loved to win those great looking fabrics thanks for the chance.

Happy Sewing

Anonymous said...

I like the feathers on the dark background. Beautiful color combination.

mherath said...

I love, love, love that pillow.

SewingKaren22 said...

The purple thread is perfect!!!

carla said...

HI!!! Love the feathers!!!! Great idea!!!!

Paige said...

Love your feathers, this fabric was perfect for them.

Pat B said...

Wow! The pillow is just beautiful. I think shimmery fabric is perfect for feathers!

Kristen said...

Beautiful pillow! I just love these fabrics! Thanks for the opportunity to win them!

Vicki said...

Love, love the shimmer fabric. Perfect with my new furniture!

Vicki H said...

Love the feathers and pillow.

Unknown said...

This fabric looks beautiful, I'd love to try it! Thanks

tdkcarpenoctem@hotmail.com

Susana Neiger said...

I love the feathers! Brilliant choice; beautiful fabrics! Thanks for another fun chance at a giveaway!

Melinda said...

I'm a great fan of yours! Love your inspiring ideas!

Diane M said...

I just love this fabric and your pillow looks great!

Sarah said...

Modern with a rich, royal flair. I love it!!

Unknown said...

You do such beautiful work. Love the feathers on the pillow.
akk_nana@yahoo.com

Lesauri said...

Very nice design on the pillow. Thanks for the chance to win.

Emily Carnes said...

Yay for charm packs! Making a 20" pillow has been on my to-do list ever since I discovered your blog. Always love your pillows!

rrjane011749 said...

This fabric is so pretty!

pippirose said...

The pillow is just gorgeous! Thanks for the fab giveaway!

Beth said...

Wonderful choice of background fabric. It is so rich and sets off your feathers beautifully.

Susanbkatz said...

Really nice pillow! And I especially love all your tips, like double stitching the edge of the envelope back. Thanks for your generosity!

Unknown said...

Interesting fabric line, crisp. Keep sewing.

Jittina said...

I've downloaded the feather pattern, thanks for linking it. Love you pillow.

Jantine said...

Waiting for the lightbulb was worth it! Those feathers are perfect for the fabric! It is a gorgeous pillow and I would love to have it on my couch as those colours suite my living room... so maybe.... when I win...I could do...

Barb Neiwert said...

Those buried threads were well worth it - excellent pillow. And what a great set of designs/colors in this charm pack. Thanks for the giveaway.

SIMPLESEW said...

Those tiny little pieces shimmer even this small. great choice

Carrie P. said...

the purple thread is the first thing I noticed and it is perfect. love your pillow. thanks for the giveaway.

M.W. said...

So pretty ...thanks for the chance to win
Shawn

Unknown said...

Love your pillow and love the shimmer fabric!
I'm glad you're back from your blogging break. You always have such wonderful ideas to share...so THANKS!

Bonnie said...

Love the feathers and the purple. Thanks for sharing and for the chance to win.

Unknown said...

Thanks to you and your sponsor for the opportunity. acbeier71@gmail.com

Sharmond said...

Elegant pillow! I have been wanting to try the feathers, but wanted them a little smaller. I got a gray paint chip to use as my guild challenge this year. Thanks for the inspiration, gray feathers may work for me!

TisaIrish said...

I seriously love your pillow! What a great color combination.

Leslie said...

Beautiful project with beautiful fabric.

Leslie A.

RunningHen said...

I love your feathers! Lovely use of fabrics. Thanks for the inspiration. Julie @ RunningHen.blogspot.com

Nicole said...

Your feather pillow is beautiful! Thanks for the chance!

Unknown said...

I would love to try this out. Thanks

Kristi said...

This is a truly beautiful pillow! I have been seeing this fabric pop up all over the place and would love the chance to work with it. Thanks for the giveaway!

Jessica Young said...

Great use of plum in that pillow! It seems to be a lot different from your usual projects in colors, but I think that is great! Well done...

Unknown said...

Fantastic fabric - there is something very different about it. I am smitten!

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