Friday, January 29, 2016

snowflake pillow

Welcome to finish it up Friday!

I made this single snowflake block about 2 years ago. It was inspired by the Health Partners logo that I saw at the top of one of their office buildings. Inspiration really does come from all places! :) Those white strips are 1/2'' finished....which I love!!!
Yesterday, I added some wide, simple borders to the block....
...and I quilted it quite heavily in dark thread, which ends up being very forgiving. I love that. And I LOVE the texture!
Then I turned it into a throw pillow, of course! It's still January, so we still have plenty of winter to "enjoy"....like it or not. Ha!
I finished it off using my envelope backing tutorial and this fun aqua fabric. Isn't it a nice compliment to the front? The pillow cover finishes at about 18" square. I'm so glad to have a finished object rather than having the block floating around my sewing room! Finishing feels GREAT!
 
Two other BIG finishes for the week....my business taxes are done for another year, which is always a huge relief. And....I shipped off my quilts for the new book this week. (Hurray!!!) It's amazing I'm still upright after all of that! I'm hopeful that things will get back to normal around here soon!
 
To celebrate those BIG finishes, I'll be picking 4 winners (two from the links and two from the comments) to win their choice of any 5 of my PDF patterns from my pattern shop!
 
Now it's your turn! Please link up your finishes for the week. Thanks for joining me for finish it up Friday!

188 comments:

Carie @ Space for the Butterflies said...

The backing is the perfect compliment isn't it - and stunning fabric in it's own right. I love that your inspiration came from the logo on a building, you'd never have guessed looking at the bloc, it just looks very appropriately wintery!

Bernie Kringel said...

Wonderful, modern and clean. Great finish this week.

Susan Holman said...

I always am inspired by your work. I love using scraps and yours are SO pretty! You put yours to good use. Lovely pillow this week! Good luck with the book too!

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

Wow, congratulations on finishing your taxes and shipping for your next book - those are huge accomplishments. I don't know how you find time to do everything and still make a finish a week. :)

alidiza said...

Great minds think alike;-) I made a different sort of snowflake pillow this week... now I might need another! Absolutely perfect!!!

Laura said...

I will eagerly await your new book. I love Sunday Morning Quilts, refer to it often, and my modern sewing group has made two charity quilts using the slab block technique.

Lisa Boyer said...

Very stunning pillow! And so perfectly pieced! Beautiful.

Deb E said...

LOVE the block - you're right...the quilting really 'makes' the block. It makes a lovely pillow.

Allison said...

I love that pillow! And I'm so jealous of the complete taxes!

KateKwiltz said...

love, Love, LOVE this!

Frances Meredith said...

Well done on that tax return - the pillow looks great!

Kamille said...

I really love the idea of having seasonal pillows (or quilts for that matter) to help us be excited about the season we are in!

Unknown said...

Love that pillow! Thanks for the giveaway chance.

Unknown said...

Perfect for a pillow--I saw a storm drain in a similar design last week and was also inspired by the pattern! I really love the navy and white--beautiful!

Lisa Boyer said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Empress Charlotte Handmades said...

Love your pillow. It looks simple but I know it wasn't easy to get everything so straight and lined up :)

Brooke said...

You are simply amazing and an inspiration!!
Can't wait to see the new book!

brooke@sillymamaquilts.com

Colleen said...

a new book ? WoW ! I can hardly wait ! That backing fabric on the pillow IS perfect !

Pieced Brain Quilt Designs said...

It turned out so beautiful! Great quilting choice.

✾Jamie Lee Cooley✾ said...

Hey that's great!!!! I can't wait for your new book! I was just looking at Sunday Morning Quilts for inspiration yesterday.

Jenny said...

congratulations...great start to the weekend!

Izzy said...

Love this! The block is beautiful on its how, but turning it into a pillow was brilliant. :-)

Unknown said...

Love the quilting on your pillow. Perfect compliment to the snowflake. Thanks for the opportunity to win some free patterns.

Unknown said...

I can hardly wait for your new book! I've got an upcoming project that I'll be using your good neighbors fabric for- unfortunately, too many things that I want to start and not enough time...

Heather said...

What a fun block! I love the clean lines of your snowflake! And, yes..the perfect backing!

nettieB said...

Very inspiring! Thanks for your great work. I would love to buy your fabrics here in Germany. ;)
ann.bee@hotmail.de

The Slow Quilter said...

Great clean lines. Love the designed. A a great finish.

Debbie H said...

I love the pillow - a perfect winter project!

SarahZ said...

It must have been a pillow-y kind of week! I just linked up my 2 pillows, also very geometric :) I love your snowflake, and the backing is perfect! I have always used your envelope backs for the several pillows I have made :)

Unknown said...

This pillow is great! I started a crocheted snowflake motif blanket years ago with a similar concept- maybe inspiration to get back to that project.

Anna said...

soooo great! Love the pillow. it's amazing!!! But even more excited that you shipped your quilts off!!!!

em's scrapbag said...

Gorgeous! I love it's simplicity.

Cathy L said...

I love, love, love this design!! Will there be a pattern?? The backing is beautiful too!

Stitchified said...

I love the pillow! It looks perfectly snuggly, with just the right pop of color. Congrats on your major finishes as well, I can't wait to get a copy of your book!

Michelle said...

Your pillow turned out awesome! I love the simplicity of the snowflake.

I haven't had any finishes lately as I haven't gotten to spend much time sewing. Having a mobile toddler isn't conducive to sewing time!

Kathy L said...

Congrats on your two big finishes! Always feels good to accomplish big projects.

Debbie said...

Very nice! Love the quilting.

Unknown said...

Love the aqua, love your blog. Thanks for the inspiration.

Cut&Alter said...

The cushion is just lovely!! Love the snowflake design - it would look gorgeous as a winter quilt .....

Dianne L said...

Love the pillow, especially the quilting. I really need to try something like this!

Ioleen said...

What a great pillow and the backing is perfect.

Myra @ Busy Hands Quilts said...

I'm excited to hear you're writing another book! I so enjoyed your first one.

Unknown said...

I love the snow flake block. That would make a great quilt. Love your patterns . Matsche.christine@yahoo.com

Joye with an e said...

A comforting snowflake, that's for sure (as opposed to the real kind). Very pretty. Thanks for the chance to win your patterns.
joyecox@yahoo.com

Shirley JB said...

Awesome finishes Amanda!! I can't wait to see your new book!!

Unknown said...

Lovely pillow. It is always great when you find the perfect backing fabric.

Kelly P said...

I love it! I'm on a pillow making kick right now. They're kind of addictive, I've discovered (much to my surprise ).

Little Black Cat Quilting said...

Congrats on 2 big finishes and one smaller one, that's awesome! How exciting that you've taken the next step in completing another book as well! :)

Unknown said...

Your snowflake pillow is simply elegant! As much as I love to throw together wild and unexpected color combinations, I love the simplicity of the navy and the white here. Very peaceful.

Cindy said...

Love your style! Congrats on the new book.

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

What a striking pillow! The back is perfectly coordinated, too. Really pretty!

Deb said...

I love the front, and I love the back...and I love that you have another finish! You're amazing...but i know everyone already tells you that!

Unknown said...

I would LOVE another pattern of yours. I just finished making about 10 of the in progress sleeves and love them along with the people I gave them to for gifts!

Carol said...

If the groundhog predicts six more weeks of winter, I will have to make one of these! Your work is beautiful and always inspirational.

Quilt Knightly said...

I love the texture created by the close quilting. I need to try that!

Kim said...

Love the pillow! I'm so happy you are writing another book; your first one is my favorite quilt book of all!

Lucy | Charm About You said...

The quilting is fabulous!!

Joann E said...

I love the pillow design and the colors. Sometimes I wonderhow you come up with a finish each week :)

LoBo333 said...

Love the pillow. Thanks for the opportunity to win some of your patterns!

Karen said...

I love thin strips too, and what bold contrast! Congratulations on getting your taxes done. I know how much that means!

Sharon said...

Love snowflakes! This turned out great!

Turid said...

I don't actually like snow, but snowflakes as yours I can like.

MyLittleBlueDog said...

It looks fantastic, I love it but it looks too fiddly for me!

Unknown said...

The pillow is gorgeous! Thank you for the give away.

Veronica Scott said...

Beautiful block & I love the quilting.

Kris said...

adore the snowflake block!

Teressa P. said...

So pretty! Your work is always so beautiful. Thanks for the chance to win :)

Noblequilts@gmail.com said...

I love that envelope tutorial. I have used it and it is easy and looks beautiful especially for the zipper phobic. Thanks for the opportunity to win.

April said...

The heavy, straight quilting looks very lovely and I adore that aqua backing fabric. Great finishes.

Cita said...

Great finish and I love the quilting! I wonder if you tied off each of the small sections before adding the perimeter lines, or did you QAYG then add the border? I envy your finished taxes...

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

Congratulations on both your big finishes!!

Joan said...

Yay for finishes! Love your patterns!

Sew Happily Ever After said...

I adore the pillow and the backing is perfect!

Little Quiltsong said...

Love your snowflake pillow. The two blues (front and back) look beautiful together!

farmhousequilter8 said...

I would love to win a pattern and I love your blog since i have found it. Paula in KY

Melissa Corry said...

Love the snowflake!! Such beautiful piecing and the beautiful border really sets it off ;)

Unknown said...

That's so beautiful! I wish it snowed here in Australia! Perhaps I need a few of these instead! I just want to finish sorting my fabric cupboard! Such a big job!

Unknown said...

That's so beautiful! I wish it snowed here in Australia! Perhaps I need a few of these instead! I just want to finish sorting my fabric cupboard! Such a big job!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on wrapping up the quilts for your book. Can't wait to see it.

Anja @ Anja Quilts said...

What a great finish. 1/2 inch?? Wow......

tahoe34 said...

I just love the clean lines of this pillow! And even more important, congrats on getting those taxes done! Such a huge relief when I finish mine.....

Unknown said...

The quilting is beautiful! What a great job you did. I'm inspired to get busy on two pillow cover tops waiting for some quilting. They won't look as wonderful yours, but they have been hanging around here too long! Haha.

Kelly Cline said...

Love the pillow and the quilting is perfect!

Unknown said...

I love the pillow. I have Health Partner's insurance and go to a Health Partner's Clinic. I should pay more attention to logos! Have used your envelope back tutorial, thanks for sharing that.

Lindsey F. said...

Pillow, taxes and quilts shipped. Woo hoo! Great finishes for the week.

EmileeHope said...

Beautiful snowflake pillow!

Eliza said...

Hooray for finishing major tasks!

Nancy L said...

Love your fabric choices!! Wish I had my taxes done, but I'll get there. Congrats on your happy week!!

Unknown said...

pieced or appliqued? that is the question ;-) Love the look - pattern?

Paula said...

Love your pillow!

Karen @runsewfun said...

Love your pillow! And congratulations on another book in the works. Very exciting!

Kath said...

Nice! Love the pillow (the backing too!) I'm about half way through your Craftsy class so am especially excited to read your new book. And I'd love to have any of your patterns! Thanks.

Dolores said...

I love that snowflake pillow. It is true - inspiration is found everywhere.

Unknown said...

The pillow is great! I can't wait to see the new book. Congratulations!

Unknown said...

A new book that's exciting...for all of us!

Joyce said...

Really great snowflake pillow! Can't wait to see the new book.

Mel said...

Very graphic cushion. I really like the wintery look. Lovely finish. Thanks for all the inspiration you give us. Mel

Unknown said...

What a great cushion!

Barbieann said...

It's always so fun to check out your blog each Friday to see what cute thing you have made! It is a fun and wonderful source for inspiration to me! Thanks! ✂️✂️

Mary said...

Congrats on the book! Please let us know the date we'll be able to purchase it.

LindaBee said...

Thanks for the envelope pillow tutorial, but what I'm most impressed with is that you got your taxes done AND the books quilts shipped. You must feel such a huge relief.

I also love your tiny 'mini-nines'.

Swedish Scrapper said...

Congrats on a new book And getting those taxes done -- no small feat! I love your pillow, especially the detail of using a bright backing. I've still got my red, white, and grey Christmas curtains up. They look great with the snow outside and will last till at least Valentine's Day :)

Sewmotion said...

I love your snowflake block, so neat and tidy with those straight lines, my OCD is very satisfied! The quilting looks very strokable too. Congrats on the tax and your new book!

Fridolin said...

It's a stunning pillow! Congrats on the finish of your quilts. That is a HUGE step, isn't it?

Christelle said...

Sooo inspiring to see your work, just love it and it makes me think one day I can make a beautiful quilt like yours!

Fridolin said...

And the tax :)

gigi said...

Beautiful design! Thanks for sharing.

talkingcat said...

The pillow and block are beautiful. Yes, lots of winter left to enjoy it.

Patti said...

Congrats on ALL your finishes!! Love the block/pillow, it's great for this weather!

Gill said...

I love your snowflake!!!

Barb Neiwert said...

Wow! Another book coming out soon - congratulations! Looking forward to seeing it. I believe your first book was the first 'modern' quilting book I purchased. Love it! Oh, and love the pillow, too.

JanetD said...

Love your pillow! I made a Scandinavian snowflake pillow last year and it's nice that it can stay on the couch past Christmas! Love your quilting! The texture those straight lines add- just beautiful!

Denise in PA said...

Wow, the pillow is awesome! And the backing fabric is perfect. I would love to win some of your patterns - thank you so much for the chance!

Pattie said...

Your pillow is beautiful, front and back: thanks for sharing it. SOOO excited to hear you have a new book coming out: I love Sunday Morning Quilts! :-)

Debbi said...

Love the pillow and your inspiration for it made me laugh!

Unknown said...

That is so nice! Its clean and crisp. Can't wait for the new book.
kpentondecker@hotmail.com

Subee said...

Ohioholman at all dot com
I am finally back to sewing after cutting off a rather large chunk of my left index finger with my rotary cutter😬!
I love your snowflake pillow. Wish we had some of that here in NE OH.

Whitney M said...

Love the snowflake pillow! Hopefully it'll snow enough for a snow day so I can sew

Aimee said...

Beautiful quilting. Need to try this technique.

Chopin - A Passionate Quilter said...

I like the pillow and the back fabric is very complimentary to the Snowflake.

Darlington Delights said...

I love the snowflake pillow. Is it made from bias tape? Id love to know more about the construction.

Unknown said...

This is so great! I'm like you and think you just can't have enough throw pillows ;c) Thanks for the chance to win! Your patterns are the best. shopgirl7232 at yahoo dot com

Sandal said...

Love the snowflake and the the backing fabric, too! Nice finish!

sewlucky said...

Never thought I would say snow is beautiful but that snowflake is beautiful.

Nancy in IN said...

Love the pillow. I have too many extra blocks hanging around. I need to make pillows.

Susan Baniak said...

That snowflake is beautiful! I've got to try it.

Jaime Vezurk said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jaime Vezurk said...

I love the snowflake pillow! Your work is always inspiring. Working with half inch strips takes patience!

Marla said...

Great pillow, and the quilting looks fantastic!

Melissa Koehn said...

Great pillow! Love to see what you make. Inspiring!

Unknown said...

Amazing where inspiration can be found. SIMPLY beautiful! Enjoy using it this winter. Good luck and Congrats on your book!

Mary W Quilts said...

OMG! Very inspiring! Love the pillow....

Sewhobby said...

I love getting your Finish Up Fridays. It's always so inspiring. Your pillow is gorgeous. Did you do free motion quilting with rulers?

Debbie H said...

I love the pillow - a perfect winter project!

cjmont said...

love the quilting on the snowflake pillow. can't wait to see the new book, thanks for the chance to win.

Lana said...

Love the quilting you did on the pillow in and around the snowflake. So cute!

Laurie said...

Nice pillow. I just got some more pillow insides from ikea so I need to make a few covers. Yay! I'm really excited to hear there's a new book! I love Sunday morning quilts!!!

Sharon Brown said...

Love the snowflake design, made a striking pillow. Reading your blog is so fun, so much eye candy! I, too,am always finding ideas for quilts in my surroundings. Floor tiles, buildings, wallpaper, you name it, there may be a quilt design there!

Natalie said...

Great pillow and finish after two years! I'm inspired to go back to some of my old abandoned blocks.

Daytona Damsel said...

I absolutely love that block and the fabric for backing. I am going to have to add this to the top of my To Do List. Debbie

Cherie said...

I have a logo from an insurance company pinned to my design wall. I think I'll dust it off today. Thanks for the inspiration.

Nancy said...

Great Pillow... Love your work. Thanks for the giveaway

Kim said...

I would love to make this pillow. Will you be offering the pattern or directions in your shop or is it in your new book?

margaret said...

this really is a stunning pillow. Have been trying to trace tour fabric here in the UK but looks like no one sells it here do you know if there are plans t make it available please

Donna W said...

Fantastic pillow! Thanks for the chance to win some of your patterns.

Marcelle said...

Love the texture of the parallel lines! Thanks for even more inspiration.

jo said...

Great Grahics!

Vera said...

Looks great! I like the graphic simplicity.

Unknown said...

Love this! I am looking forward to the new book. You provide such great quilty inspiration.

margaret said...

love the pillow. I do believe we will have more time to enjoy the snow this year.

Diane Beavers said...

I always get a kick out of where you get your inspiration from:)
Such is life as a quilter/sewist.
Love the dark thread quilting...such depth. The backing fabric reminds me of Sparklers and yep it's a nice finish.

bluestarof2(at)yahoo(dot)com

Shannon said...

Perfect use of this block! Love how it looks quilted as well!

jpink said...

I love the texture the quilting gave it and I LOVE your backing fabric. What great pillow.

Yorkshire Quilter said...

Well done on your book quilts and tax return, and especially your cushion. Its lovely!

Yorkshire Quilter said...

Well done on your book quilts and tax return, and especially your cushion. Its lovely!

Bewitch17 said...

So perfect love the contrast from front to back

Molly said...

I had no finishes, but I started another pillow top :)

Karen said...

I've been staring at the center of this snowflake and can't figure out how you did it! It's not bias tape top stitched, but they all meet and overlap in the center. Is there a tutorial or pattern in the offing? :) Love it!

Jacqueline Frances said...

Hi there Amanda,
I always love to see what's being finished all over blog-land! I don't have any finished items to share this week , but have contributed in the past. **'I am hoping to be selected a winner of your patterns(I already have your book!) as I really need to have the Scrap Happy purse and birch trees patterns!!!
Thanks!
Quilty Huggs,
Jaqueline
snausages22 at yahoo dot CA

SuperMomNoCape said...

What a gorgeous pillow! The quilting really enhances the snowflake. And that backing is perfect!

Unknown said...

Love, Love, Love the snowflake pillow!

Renée Welton said...

First time to your blog. I love that pillow. I'll be back.

Aunt LeAnn said...

Great pillow. Thanks for all you do.

Unknown said...

You are amazing !!! The quilting really adds to the snowflake. Love the back fabric too !

Melanie said...

Love this pillow! The quilting is perfect!

quiltzyx said...

That is a great pillow! And yes, the backing is the perfect compliment to the snowflake front. Great job!

NebraskaNative said...

Love the pillow; the quilting absolutely finishes it. Well done!

Di~ said...

I love that pillow! oh and "stay upright" I think I will start saying that to people instead of: have a good day! :)

Dawna C said...

Love the narrow quilting, it's perfect!

Lara B. said...

Strikingly beautiful design Amanda Jean! The quilting you did is perfect for it too!

patrice said...

Love the colors and the strong graphics of your pillow. Thanks so much for creating a forum for bloggers to share their quilts so that those of us who are too busy or shy to share can see all the creativity in the quilting world! And congrats on your taxes - what a relief :o)

PegS said...

Beautiful pillow - if only that could be one of the pdf patters to choose from! It's gorgeous!

Unknown said...

I love that you get inspiration from seemingly random things! Your pillow turned out spectacular - shows that keeping your eyes open can lead to all sorts of exciting and beautiful adventures!

Jennifer Scantlebury Vienneau said...

All your finishes are so inspiring and give me hope that I can get some of my unfinished projects done! Love your snowflake pillow!

Lori said...

LOVE, love, love the pillow!! Thanks for a chance to win.

Annette said...

Your snowflake block is gorgeous!

Lois said...

You have been busy! I agree with the feeling of finishing something - even something very small - it feels great and with me I can then tuck up my machine, close the door and relax:))

Debbie Faber said...

Your work is always so precise. Love your blog and your patterns! REally 5?!!!! Thank you. debfaber@verizon.net

Anonymous said...

I love the aqua back. And I can't wait for a new book.

Mindingmomma at AOL got com

Cheryl said...

Beautiful pillow, I love the contrast of the white snowflake on the dark background.

skyberries said...

I'm thinking this would look great repeated for a whole quilt. Imagine the secondary patterns that would make!

madmummy said...

Love your cushion and the fact that your inspiration came from a building.If only I could finish all of my WIP's 😢

LindseyAnne said...

I love where you got your inspiration for this. Great giveaway.

Sara said...

Wish I could have you over to help me finish up all my UFO's...Love the pillow....great inspiration as always, keep up the good work

tisha @ quiltytherapy said...

Congrats on finishing up your taxes. I need to finish my business taxes. More importantly, congrats on the new book! The pillow is lovely and now I want to make one.

Cathy L said...

Do you know the name of the backing fabric? It is gorgeous and looks great with your snowflake.

CraftyBeth said...

YOU never fail to inspire me with your projects! I'm running out of bookmark space on my Kindle!! Hehe

Anne / Springleaf Studios said...

I just love the simplicity of this design. Don't remember if I commented already since I read your blog through emails and then see them again on Bloglovin.