Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Curl Up With ...


 ... a Comfy Pillow, a Snuggly Quilt and a Good Book!

Welcome to the "Getting a Clue With Nancy Drew"  Blog Hop!


  I started with this bright and graphic charm pack.

When I signed up for this hop, I had a plan (or thought I did as there are rulers in this photo) for just what I wanted to make so I ordered this charm pack.   When the hop was delayed due to the slow shipment of this fabric to the shops, this went on the back burner.  When the charm pack arrived in December, it was off the stove completely and cooling on the shelf. 
Three blog hops and numerous other projects later, my machine went into the shop for servicing just when this finally got off the shelf and back into the mix.   

Ah ... problem ... I needed my machine for my original idea. 

Time for Plan B !


Quilt As Yo Go Hexagon Pillow Top!

For the how-to details, read on!

For My Giveaway and a list of all the blog hops stops today,
 scroll to the bottom of my post!

Pillow Tutorial
Plan B involves quite a bit of hand sewing and quilt as you go ... it was what I was planning for "Stitch Me Up" ... hmmmmmmmm ...
need a new plan for that one, too.

For now  ~~~~~~>

Cluing In with Quilt As You Go Hexagons!

Last fall when Superstorm Sandy took out my lights for awhile I also had to hand sew and quilts so I worked up my own method for making this fall table topper ...


 QAYG Hexies, 101.2
So for Plan B, Nancy Drew gets a QAYG Hexagon Lesson ...


Perle Cotton ... stitch through all layers


Katniss Helps


Ladder Stitch Down


Ladder Stitch Up


Butterfly Helps


Seam Complete


Front of Hexes


Press
Just keep sewing ... just keep sewing  ~~~~>


Katniss helps me piece the hexies together.
In this picture the magnifying glass is not a prop.  It is a tool. 
My eyesight is not the best.
Sometimes I need to use it when I am sewing.
I also have arthritis in my hands. I love to hand stitch, though.  This type of project is time consuming and I have to take frequent breaks.  I need plenty of light.  I turn on my music player.  As long as I keep to this system, I actually find hand sewing and quilting relaxing.


piecing the hexagons together


matching the intersections
As these are soft and flexible hand quilted hexagons, there are some slight variations which you do not find in the crisp English Paper Piecing method.  Or it in my piecing.  The hexagons may not all be "perfect" but they fit them together very well.  Because it is fabric, the corners and edges are forgiving and allow for user imperfections. 
The finished project will look fine. 
Or I think sew ;) ...


close up


a few more pieces to the puzzle ...

and pillow top pieced and ready for finishing!
This pillow will finish to the size for a 15" pillow form. 

 choosing fabrics for making the pillow


stay stitch pillow top layers
To make a nice flat but soft top, I cut a square of cotton batting and muslin and layered them and ran a line of stay stitching 1/8th of an inch from the edge.  At this point I did not worry about the hexagon shapes that were sticking out over the squares.  Trimming comes later.

By this time my machine had come back from the spa, all defoliated, oiled, pampered rested and renewed and ready to go ... :)


 sewing pockets on the back

For the back of the pillow I made a foldover so I could insert the pillow form in and remove it for easy washing.  I cut a red square 15.5 inches and folded over about four inches.  Then I layered a piece of the blue print, 15.5 inches by 10.5 inches with a fold under of about two inches at the opening to the left of the red square. I used an extra charm to make a square pocket with a muslin lining and I used two extra hexagons for two little pockets.

When you are layering to add a traditional quilt binding to a pillow, sandwich with the fronts facing out, just as you would for a quilt.

machine sewing on the binding
through all layers of the quilt sandwich
trim binding 3/4 inch away from your binding seam
 hand sewing the binding to back
Katniss helps me sew the binding
back pockets
pillow back
I really like both sides of this pillow.

I Spy a Katniss looking for clues!
Time for ...
 My Giveaway!
[This Giveaway is now Closed]
(Cat Not Included ;)
I have 10 Nancy Drew Charms left!

I put these together in a kit with one of my QAYG Hexagons,
10 hand-cut batting hexagons, my high-tech paper pattern, two John James embroidery needles and a twist of red 12 Perle Cotton for you to make your own mini project!
For this little starter kit to be yours, follow these easy clues ~~~>

For a chance to win, please leave my quilty kitties and I one comment. 
We love comments! 
You do not need to be a follower to win.

I will send my 10 charms anywhere in the world.

Please be sure that I have a way to contact you by email to tell you that you have won and to get your mailing address.

For a second chance to win, be a follower and

leave a second comment telling me you are.

Butterfly says, "Get a clue!" 
For a third chance to win,
you will need to do some sleuthing and answer this question: 
What is the name of the quilt that appears in pictures on the chair? 
(Hint ... I made this quilt for a recent blog hop... ;)



This Giveaway will close at Midnight EST March 15th
I will use a random number generator to select one comment and
the winner will be announced her on my blog on March 16th




~~~~~~~~ 
Sew you do not miss a clue,
visit all of today's bloggers:
Wednesday, March 6, 2013


Life in the Scrapatch (you are here!)









Today is just the start of this big beautiful blog hop.
To see all the creations follow: 
Full Schedule Here

Thanks to our great cheerleader, Carol at Just Let Me Quilt
and
Thanks to Madame Samm at Sew We Quilt

Looking forward to collecting clues from every post and every day of this fabulous blog hop!


Thank you for visiting My Scrapatch!

:)

178 comments:

Rebeckah Austin said...

Wow looks great! I used hexies for mine too :)

Amy said...

Love the hexies! On my to do list, which is growing quit long!

Carol Swift said...

I'm not brave enough to tackle those hexies, but you did a great job on them...thanks for the tutorial, too! I love the little pocket on the back of the pillow. Thanks for hopping with us!

The Thimblemouse of Country Crossroads said...

Just love what you did with the hexies - thanks for such a great tutorial!!!

Judy B said...

Love your hexie pillow and the back is fantastic! Thank you for sharing.

Judy B said...

I am a follower! Thanks for the great giveaway.

Judy B said...

You did say 3 chances! Quilt is a Dresden plate!

Anonymous said...

What a great idea for getting all the prints from the ND line into one project. I love your cats-I have 3 furry assistants and my little black female Bombay has figured out a way to pull out the pins in my projects with her teeth-she's a pistol. The two male tabbies are very mellow in comparison. From California, thanks for sharing.

Lisa said...

I absolutely love the magnifying glass pocket on the back of your pillow! So much fun!

Catherine said...

Great pillow. The hexies are brillant!

Sparky said...

Ohhh heavens, I love PLAN B....that pillow would go great with Carol's quilt....lol no really you did an amazing job..love the pic with the book and magnifying glass...you ladies are exciting me soooooo lol

Britt-Inger said...

I love your pillow. Such a great idea with the pockets on the back. Thanks for sharing your creativity

My Sister Made Me Do It.... said...

Thank goodness your Kitties were available to help out when your machine was in the shop! Love your hexie projects!

littlelixie said...

Love the idea of pockets on a cushion - never occurred to me before! I also adore your blog and the kitties helping you out.

Judith said...

OH My, Kitties to the rescue and I love your pillow. Judith, Texas

Theresa said...

Oh I love this pillow, it's gorgeous and I have plenty of charm squares leftover to have a go - thank you for the tutorial. Your cats are beautiful and obviously extremely helpful :)

Nati said...

It looks really good and so much work into it! Thanks for sharing and the chance to win!

Nati said...

I am a follower!

Susan said...

I remember reading nancy Drew books! Have always wanted to try a hexagon project! thank you!

Sowing Stitches said...

What a great combination: cats, quilts, pillows, books...I feel the need for cocoa, fire in the fireplace for a long winter's night read! :) Lovely project!!

charlotte said...

What a very cute pillow and you are so smart to find a way around your no machine issue. Great job.

Busy Quilting Mama said...

Your pillow looks GREAT!

Debby said...

Hexagons are my favorite shape! Love what you did for that pillow. very clever, indeed!

Betsy said...

Charming. I so love how you added embroidery to the hexies. Thank you for the chance

Quilt Doodle Designs said...

Love your pillow, great tutorial~ Thank you for the chance to win and sharing your project with us today!

Chiska said...

I love it! I love the quilt as you go idea too. Thanks so much for the chance.

Chiska said...

I'm a follower.

Unknown said...

Wonderful pillow filled with lovely drew colors. And your quilty is awesome....very nice job.

Thearica said...

That hexie pillow is just too fantastic!

Unknown said...

I am also a new follower to your lovely blog

Unknown said...

The Dresden blog hop

Jeanie said...

Plan B turned out wonderful. I know your cats were such great assistants, you couldn't fail!

Jeanie said...

And I'm a follower!

tubilinha tiacarminha said...

Sou seguidora.Parabéns por plano B,ficou muito linda esta almofada.Acompanhei a placa de Dresden,já estou de olho para fazer uma.Obrigada.
tiacarminhapezzuto@gmail.com

Patty said...

great projects. Thanks for sharing.

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

Very nice pillow! Wonderful that you did it by hand too.

Judy Cooper Textile Artist said...

You have been busy. Pillow with pockets is lovely! Photos of everything on post was time consuming but appreciated.

Judy Cooper Textile Artist said...

The quilt in photo is Dresden Plate.

Dorian said...

You did a lovely job on your pillow ms Pat! (You know I can't do handwork, so please dont include me in your lovely givaweay :) )

Quilting Babcia said...

Your hexie pillow looks great and very comfy. Fun project!

Siouxzq64@gmail.com said...

Lovin this blog hop! All the creativity is wonderful. Great pillow idea, and super idea with the little pockets in the back!

StitchinByTheLake said...

I haven't gotten hooked on hexies but I love the way your pillow turned out! blessings, marlene

thepiececorps said...

I love the idea of QAYG Hexies! Thanks for sharing. B-)

Quiltin Jenny said...

Love your hexies and your great problem solving skills. Nancy would be so proud!

Agnes B. Bullock said...

LOVE THIS!!!!!!!

Agnes B. Bullock said...

Am a devoted follower!

Rosa said...

Wow,it`s gorgeous.thanks for the tutorial.Thanks for sharing!!

Rosa said...

I do follow.Thanks!

tink's mom said...

Great idea for the pillow. The Hexies are a great size for showcasing the fabric. Thanks for the tutorial.

Teresa Quilts said...

I love your pillow! It is definitely a work of the heart. I love hexies and have made a few, just haven't done anything with them. LOL

Teresa Quilts said...

I am a new blog follower. I love what I've seen so far.

In stitches and seams said...

your hexies are great and a great tut to boot thanks.....
love a chance to win your give away.
I think it is nice how your kitties give each quilt a little lovin'.
in stitches

Dolores said...

What a lovely way to use lots of bits of fabric. My daughter is a Nancy Drew fan and all her books are still here. I love the way you 'quilted' the hexagons before sewing them together.

Lorene Holbrook said...

Love, love, love your pillow. And thanks for the great tut. Hexies are in my someday list.

sew.darn.quilt said...

I think your pillow is adorable! Great minds think alike...check me out on the 14th ;D, you'll get a good chuckle!

sew.darn.quilt said...

I have loads of fun following you and the kitties :)

sew.darn.quilt said...

That lovely quilt was your dresden plate entry, it's remarkable! Nancy Drew would look good in this too!

Tammy said...

I am a follower. Great giveaway. Thank you for the chance to enter.
conn_and_vans_mom(at)yahoo(dot)com

Tammy said...

Great pillow. I love love love hexagons.conn_and_vans_mom(at)yahoo(dot)com

Dolores said...

Hi there. The quilt you used as a backdrop is your Scrappy Dresden Square Baby Quilt. I loved the tutorial you did for it.
I love the back pockets on the pillow. Nice idea.

Unknown said...

One of the things I like about blog hops like this, is discovering new blogs--like YOURS! Love your hexie pillow. I'm almost finished (borders going on) with my Hexagon Beast. Came about after getting an Accuquilt with the hexie die. Then hand stitching in the evenings, boy oh boy, did that thing grow! (eek) It is going to go on my queen-sized bed. Can we say "obsessive?" lol

Needled Mom said...

Thanks so much for the fun tutorial. I love the great match with your quilt and it is deserving of a top spot for today.

Vicki H said...

The pillow is sew cute. I like the pocket on the back.

Vicki H said...

I am a happy follower.

Vicki H said...

Your pillow goes well the Square Dresden quilt.

Lori said...

Your pillow is wonderful. My kitty helps me all the time also. Its so fun to watch their antics. I really love the back pockets you put on your pillow.
quilting[dash]lady[at]comcast[dot]net

Anita said...

LOVE your Hexie pillow! perfect for this fabric!
The name of the quilt is Dresden square.
I'm a follower.

Mary said...

What a wonderful pillow and story. I love how you used the charm squares for hexagons. Congratulations for being in top 2 today.

Patty said...

Wonderful hex pillow. I always loved Nancy Drew, and Hexes too. Pretty kittens holding it all together.

Patty said...

Of course I follow you. Found you on the Dresden hop, where I saw your pretty quilt.

Rilene said...

I love your Nancy Drew hexies!

Cecilia said...

Your Plan B turned out great! I love working with hexies and the pockets on the back are such a cute idea. Thanks for the tutorial and the giveaway.

Cecilia said...

I'm a follower. :)

Cecilia said...

Your quilt if a Dresden Plate, I remember seeing it on the Dresden Blog Hop. :)

Jane's Quilting said...

Your Hexy pillow is adorable. I truly like the idea of pillows and it seems as your partners "in Crime" sure like them too. LOL

Kathy L said...

You are very creative.Love what you did.

✄ Erin @ Sew at Home Mummy ✄ said...

LOVE IT! And I ask you, who doesn't love hexagons?? lol!!

apple blossom said...

thanks for the chance to win your giveaway

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Laura said...

I love your pillow

apple blossom said...

gfc follower

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Gill said...

Thanks for your tutorial - I've only done EPP hexies before!

sandra said...

Love your pillow and the hexes are great. I to have very arthritic hands and have wanted to learn to do hexes so thanks for tutorial

Gill said...

Your quilt is the dresden square you made!

Lisa said...

Tell the kittie I think they make everything look better!
Thanks for the tutorial and the chance to win!
lisamcgriff (at) hotmail (dot) com

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Wow, does that look cozy! I just want to crawl in with my book. I am just starting to use hexies so thank you for all the help, I need it! You work ios amazing and thanks for sharing.

Calicojoan said...

Great pillow. Isn't a great feeling to be able to switch gears when necessary and finish a project? Our machines, like us at times needs a little TLC! :-) I must say, I was a little disappointed to see that your give a way did NOT include the cat!! hahahahaha Thanks for a wonderful tutorial!

Jane S. said...

Wow! I've never done quilt-as-you-go but I'll definitely be giving it a try now. Such a cute pillow. You did Nancy and her gang proud! :)

The Slow Quilter said...

Plan B was a winner, the hexies in this fabric worked great, and I most say I love your music on this site.

The Slow Quilter said...

I am already a follower.

The Slow Quilter said...

The quilt in the chair matches your Nancy Drew pillow. It is a Dresden quilt.

Emily C said...

Aww kitty loves to help. =)
I love your pillow, very nice hexies.

Michelle said...

Your pillow is gorgeous -- and I love your determination to get it done!

Unknown said...

Katniss and Butterfly, I have to say that you two look like expert kitty sewing supervisors. I think you should meet my sewing team someday...they are experts at helping as well. Of course, there are six of them at my house so they have to work in shifts! pbstrand@msn.com

OhioLori said...

Love your pillow!!! (& Gorgeous lil Helpers too!!) Would be thrilled to win your Hexie Kit! Have looooved Nancy drew since I read & reread them when I was in school!!

OhioLori said...

I've been a follower thru GFC for awhile already too! Love visiting your Scrapatch! :)

OhioLori said...

Your quilt is your wonderful Dresden Plate!!! Loved it on the Hop too!

Daryl @ Patchouli Moon Studio said...

Really nice projects.

InGa said...

Lovely pillow, and good description.
I would love to participate in your give away.. :-)
And your quilt I think is from Dare to Dresden...
Have a wonderful hop.

Kat said...

I love your hexagon method, I am definitely going to try that. Thanks for sharing, the pillow looks great!

Kat said...

I'm also a follower.

Frederika said...

looks nice these hexagons. Nice projects you made

Mary Ann said...

Fun! I love your hexies!

Mary Ann said...

I follow in google reader

Gmama Jane said...

Plan B is a winner! love your Give-Away as well!! I've not used hexagons before.
Blessings
Gmama Jane

Quiltsmiles said...

Thanks for sucha charming giveaway. Your ND pillow is great and I love your tutorial too. Jane

Scrapbook-ChickADoodle said...

Wonderful pillow! Great job on all the hand stitching. Thanks for the tut.

Scrapbook-ChickADoodle said...

I am a follower. Thanks for the opportunity to win.

Scrapbook-ChickADoodle said...

Your pillow looks great with your Dresden Plate quilt!

Jenn Fisher said...

I love your designs and especially the pocket on the pillow to slip a magnifying glass or some kind of clue into :)

Jenn:)

Marcy said...

Your pillow is lovely and oh but the cats are amazing. What good little helpers.

Corrie said...

The pillow is awesome. So well done!

Julie S said...

For some reason the hexies just go with mysteries. Great choice for using this fabric!

BizyStitches said...

Nice pillow, I like how both sides are usuable. Thanks

BizyStitches said...

I'm a follower

BizyStitches said...

3. was this quilt from the dresden blog hop

Joy said...

Oh what a cute pillow.. and thank you for showing your magnifying glass :) I have terrible eye problems.. many times I have to wear two pairs of readers on top of each other. LOL

Pieced Brain Quilt Designs said...

Great idea! Thanks for sharing...

Mommarock said...

Wonderful idea! I love hexagons, and I have an idea for hexagons to go, but not quite like this one. I'd love to win.

Mommarock said...

I am a follower of your blog via GFC.

Mommarock said...

Is the pattern called Sunburst?

Michele T said...

The other day a quilting friend and I made a pact to try hexies for a small project next... a pillow cover or mug rug would be perfect! Love your projects!

Michele T said...

I am already a follower via GFC, thanks for another chance!!

Michele T said...

I remember the blog hop... it is the Dresden Square!! Thanks for one more chance!

Linda said...

What a great way to use the fabric! I love it!

Sally said...

Hi Pat (waving madly)--love the hexie quilt, WTG!

Debbie said...

Love your hexxies and kitties! Thanks!
gussek at hotmail dot com

Debbie said...

I'm a new follower! gussek at hotmail dot com

Debbie said...

Quilt is a Dresden Plate. thanks
gussek at hotmail dot com

Vickie said...

Your pillow is just to fabulous !

Barb66 said...

I love the Hexies and I need a hand sewing project right now as my husband is starting chemo treatment.

Lyn said...

What fun this is! Thanks for sharing. I love your pillow and would love to learn to make Hexagons!

Mara said...

I love hexagons, I have never thought of doing a QAYG hexagon, thanks for the tutorial and a new lesson, I love your pillow and the pockets.

Unknown said...

Cute use of the charm pack. I think even I could make the pillow top.

Unknown said...

Cute use of the charm pack. I think even I could make the pillow top.

Unknown said...

Cute use of the charm pack. I think even I could make the pillow top.

Pamela said...

I love the pillow, especially with the striped binding. Thanks for the great tutorial too. I never though of using charms to make hexagons. I'm going to try this. Thanks so much!

Pamela said...

I have started following your inspiring blog! Thanks!

LJ said...

Cute pillow! Love the hexies and the back pockets.

Susie Johnson said...

I am actually about 40 inches into my first Hexie quilt!

Susie Johnson said...

I am a follower!

Cindy said...

Your pillow looks wonderful. Great job with all that hand stitching.

Jenny said...

what a lovely pillow.....all those hexies, so cute!

Soma @ inkTorrents.com said...

What a great pillow!! Love the kitties :)

Suze said...

What a great pillow! Thank you for the tutorial(s). A great idea to make a reversible pillow. I like the cute pockets on the back. Your work is outstanding. I can hardly wait to see what you've created for the next hop. Thanks for participating and be a great inspiration.

Suze said...

I'm a follower (fairly recent). Thanks for the inspiration and giveaway.

Suze said...

I'm glad the kitties are not included in the giveaway. I don't think my two kitties would like a new addition to our family. The pillow looks great with your Dresden Square.

Cliodana said...

love the hexi pillow thank,s for the tutorial beautiful
have a nice hop

Bonnie58 said...

Gorgeous hexi pillow. I would love to win the kit. Thanks for sharing and for the opportunity on a wonderful draw.
bonnielarson58@gmail.com

Bonnie58 said...

I am a follower. Thanks for sharing
bonnielarson58@gmail.com

krislovesfabric said...

Love your quilty kitties and your project!

Linda C said...

Wowie, did this turn out wonderfully! I am with you on the stiff hands and loving hand work. I figure some of it is exercise to keep limbered up but makes for some aching for our craft, right? Congrats on top 2 for the day!

Linda C said...

I am a follower-- after the last hop, actually. VBG

Linda C said...

And your lovely matching quilt is Dresden Square.

Alcea Rosea 31 said...

Lovely hexies, I have not tried this way of making them.

Alcea Rosea 31 said...

Now I've discovered your blog, thanks to Nancy Drew, I have joined, to follow.

Brenda said...

Pillow and quilt are wonderful! I made that same fall table topper last fall, so you know I love Hexies.

Brenda said...

I am happy to be one of your new followers!

Shanna said...

What a fun set of Projects, very nicely done!

Tricia said...

Hello Ms. Pat.... I love you Nancy Drew Pillow and I see the Kitties are helping again.
The colors are a prefect match to the pictured quilt which I'll name in another comment.
I thought your tut was great and I think I might be trying soon as I've done a QAYG item yet.
Thank You for the chance to win you great prize kit.

Sincerely,
Tricia

Tricia said...

Me again Ms. Pat the answer to your question of what the quilt is......

Dresden Square

Thank You for the chance to win.
Sincerely,
Tricia

Michelle said...

Wonderful pillow and tutorial. I love hexies!

Tricia said...

Hee hee I love the "Get A Clue" look on Butterfly's face. And me and the "Girls" are followers too.

Sincerely,
Tricia

Susan @ Blackberry Creek said...

I love the beautiful pillow, the quilt behind it, and the lovely kitties. Thanks for sharing.

Kathy H said...

I love your hexie pillow. Hexies and nancy drew! Wow, so much fun.

Kathy H said...

I am a follower.

Sewgirl said...

You got very creative with your hexies when you no long had your machine available. Nice job!

Sewgirl said...

Looks like the quilt in the photo is dresden plate?

gtcoursey said...

I love your pillow. I have a charm pack sitting here of the same Nancy Drew fabric. This may be my project. Thanks.

gtcoursey said...

I am now a follower

Sallie said...

Great job and tutorial! Thanks for the giveaway!

Sallie said...

I'm a follower.

Sallie said...

Dresden Square. Thanks for the chance!

usagypsy said...

Love your pillow! I did a whole hand-stitched hexagon quilt for my daughter! It actually didn't take as long as I thought it would, it is relaxing! I love the Nancy Drew fabric!

Sarah Craig said...

That is a great pillow! Thanks so much for sharing - whoop whoop!!

nicolesender said...

I love the Hexagon Pillow Top.
nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

nicolesender said...

gfc follower: nicolesender
nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

nicolesender said...

The quilt on the chair is Dresden Square.
nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

Scrapatches said...

Thanks to everyone who made this another wonderful blog hop. My quilty kitties and I thank you for all the kind comments!

THIS GIVEAWAY IN NOW CLOSED

Please join us again in our next giveaway coming soon!