Cathedral Window Pillow (aka Birthday! part 1)

Two of my loveliest friends had birthdays last week, and I couldn’t help but pull some things together for them. I could picture in my head exactly what I wanted to make for them, and no matter how many times I tried to think of something store-bought that would be just as good, I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t settle.

So I just did it.

First, an oh-so-fun Cathedral window throw pillow in red and lime green, to match her bedroom makeover! (Lucky girl got some really cute beadboard and shelving in there too!) She said it matched just right, and I’m so glad. A few fat eighths of Ruby by Bonnie and Camille for Moda and some white yardage and I was on my way!

I’ve wanted to do a cathedral window pillow for quite some time, and lucky me, there was a great tutorial on the Moda Bake Shop that walked me through it. I was SHOCKED at how much fabric it uses. So much folding! It’s like origami magic with fabric.

Super fun, super time consuming, but super great results. I’m going to have to refrain from making about 5 for my own room, whenever I get around to redoing it. (In case you’re curious, the walls in my bedroom are a striking shade of mauve, a gift from the previous owner. I avoid my bedroom in daylight at nearly all costs.)

I’ve got one more gift quilt to finish for my sweet baby nephew (I’m in love with him) who’s already 3 weeks old (mini-Swoon, anyone?), another for a sweet little girl fighting cancer, and then I’m on to spring pattern writing frenzy! I’ve got all the quilts made up, and several of the patterns written and tested, but I’m waiting on fabric for the last two.

Have you ever made a Cathedral Window pillow or quilt?

xoxo

April

PS Stay tuned tomorrow to see the quilt I made for my other awesome friend’s birthday…she used to be a Disney princess.

Happy Anniversary Week!

Yay! It’s been one year since I launched Prairie Grass Patterns, and boy has it been a ride! Some of you have been here with me from the beginning, and some of you are brand new friends–and I’m so grateful to all of you. I can’t tell you how much it means to me that you would give a little bit of your time and caring to support me and my dream. Really, truly, it just…there aren’t words to describe it. But thank you. Sincerely.

Enough with my jibber jabber…let’s get on to the party part!

Giveaways galore this week–so let me explain. Before I show you the goodies, here’s how it’s going to work: A comment on this post will get you your first entry. Any comment you leave on other posts this week (Today, October 3 through Sunday, October 9th) will earn you additional entries. Winners will be chosen Monday, October 10th.

Here goes!

There are 3 AMAZING giveaways this week, something to suit each level of quilter–from beginner to very advanced.

Beginner Basics

A copy of Elizabeth Hartman’s The Practical Guide to Patchwork

Rotary cutter, mat and ruler (Yes, those are mine, but I’ll send you new ones, I swear!)

Charm pack: Countdown to Christmas by Sweetwater for Moda

Stash Builder

Fat quarter bundle from AdornIt! in their newest line, Vintage Groove, Grey colorway.

Layer cake: Jovial by Basic Grey for Moda

Jelly Roll: Spirit by Lila Tueller for Moda

Charm Pack: Clothesline Basics by Darlene Zimmerman for Robert Kaufman Fabrics

Quilting Queen

Russian Rubix

Fat Eighth bundle: Ruby by Bonnie and Camille for Moda

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There they are! The three amazing giveaways I have for you this week. To enter, tell me which of the three prizes you would LOVE to win.

And that’s not all…

“Like” Prairie Grass Patterns’ Facebook Page for a chance to win an additional Grand Prize! If the Facebook page gets to 300 followers, I will do a special Grand Prize giveaway next week, so be sure to share with your friends!

Finally, for Happy Anniversary week, use coupon code HAPPYWEEK to get 20% of your ENTIRE ORDER in my shop! Code expires 10/10, so be sure to use it quick. (And you just might notice, PDF PATTERNS ARE HERE!!)

Hooray for Prairie Grass Patterns, and for one year anniversaries! Be sure to check in all week for more fun freebies, recipes, and tutorials, plus my day to share my block for the Quilt Uberfest is coming up too. Today it is Karen Linton’s turn, with her block “South for the Winter.” Head over to get your free PDF!

Monkeying around (or How to Make a Sock Monkey)

Get a pair of knee socks with contrasting toes and heels.

Follow this tutorial. (But use a zig sag stitch when machine sewing. Trust me on this.)

Make a couple more.

Bask in the praise of rejoicing children. Then, brace yourself for the meltdown when you tell them you’re giving them away. (Ask me how I know.)

No, seriously, I made a few of these…BIG hit. And of course, why wouldn’t they be? They’re adorable, if I do say so myself, and a GREAT idea for birthday party gifts. I threw these together in under 2 hours a piece, and that was with major three-year-old distractions. Just grab up some knee socks when you see them and have them on hand.

What is your go-to birthday gift? I need ideas, because as cute as these are, I’m not sure I can give them for every birthday from here on out. Enlighten me!