Monday, November 15, 2010

ANOTHER GIFT FINISHED

First, here is my stack of strip blocks.  I think I have enough for another quilt to donate.  It is so easy to make these and I really love the way they turn out.
I sew the strips to an 8 1/2" piece of telephone book paper.  Then I turn it over and cut off the edges sticking out.
It looks a lot better after being trimmed!
This was going to be a Christmas present for DS#3/DIL, but since we decided to just give stocking stuffers, I will say it is a combined birthday present (since one birthday is in November & one in December).  The pillow is about 48" long and I made it for their bed.  It will go with the quilt I made them a couple years ago.  
I put a zipper in back and piping around the pillow.  This is the first time ever that I put piping on a pillow and I didn't really enjoy the experience, but I'm glad I did it.  Before this, the only piping I applied was to some Christmas stockings.  
The pillow fit perfectly - what a relief!  
How is your gift shopping/making going?  I still have a little shopping to do.  Have a wonderful week!




15 comments:

  1. Shopping? Making? What? Guess I'm behind! (Actually, I am doing a little of both, but not enough to be ready on time.) The string blocks are looking great, but I don't think I'd enjoy getting all that paper off... And the pillow is really sweet. I'm sure it will be much loved.

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  2. I love your string quilt!! This is a fun, fast, easy way to use up so many scraps.
    Your pillow is wonderful. The piping looks really terrific and was worth the hassle. I'm sure they recipients will love it.

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  3. Haven't even started. And will not do much. No grandkids yet and we are all strapped for cash. We may just enjoy each other's company!

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  4. I have a lot of gifts made, but I will have to do some shopping too.
    Love the string blocks. They are going on my list of things I want to do. My scrap pile is getting tall, so maybe I should just start stitching.
    Your pillow is beautiful. All the extra time and effort for the piping was worth it!

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  5. I like the long pillow you made. I made a long pillow a good while back but not as long as yours.
    We get so many telephone books. Using those pages for the piecing is a good idea.
    Your package will be on the way today. I finally got an envelope to mail the items in.

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  6. Shopping? Is it that time of year already??? Time is flying by!!!
    I love that pillow you put together. I've never tried piping....not sure if I would;) Are you taking the foundation off before or after you sew those into a top?
    Happy Quilting!!

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  7. I haven't done a single thing for Christmas. Today is the deadline for Christmas Wish Lists from family members so I can start shopping tomorrow. I do most of that online. I think there will be only one handmade gift this year. The pillow you made is wonderful. I have never done piping - it sure set off the pillow nicely though!

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  8. I bought a little tool and directions several months ago (haven't tried it yet) called Piping Hot Binding. It's supposed to make it easier but I haven't worked up the nerve to do it yet. I do love your pillow though and the embroidery. blessings, marlene

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  9. That pillow is gorgeous! The piping was totally worth the aggravation - it really frames the whole thing so nicely. And I love the phone book/string quilt idea!

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  10. I agree those blocks are fun to make! And your pillow is really special! ---"Love"

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  11. I just love your string blocks Ruth and can't wait to make some of my own. The pillow is fabulous! What a lovely gift. Ann :-)

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  12. Your cushion is wonderful. I'm sure they'll love it.

    I've never tried to make string blocks, but I keep thinking I will have a go.

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  13. I do love that pillow! I have a pattern for a Spring stitchery that I wanted to make into a pillow and I might just have to do the half square triangles like you have. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  14. That is a beautiful pillow! I need something that size / shape for my couch.

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  15. What a wonderful gift that pillow is!! I love it! I've never done piping nor put in a zipper. Would love to know how to do both.

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