Back done with the dreaded minky.
I have been seeing this cute pattern around the internet for a while but when I saw the pillows that Jayne over at Twiggy and Opal made, I really wanted to try it. They are SO cute! And she made it look easy. Maybe for experienced seamstresses but for newbies, not so much. Let me explain . . .
Let me just say, all minky is NOT created equal. Right, Anja? (grin) The backing was a from a scrap left over from Kenzi's quilt and I thought for such a small project, it wouldn't be that difficult. Think again. I've used other kinds which sewed up beautifully. This stuff is stretchy and furry and thick. It's going to be super cuddly, but I did not enjoy sewing with it at all! Oh the hazards of ordering fabric online.
The piecing part was easy and I probably got that cut and sewn in just a few hours. I am beginning to realize that piecing is probably one of my favorite parts of the process.
I made this for my daughter and she wanted the version with glasses. I've never used fusible stuff before so this was my first try at it. The stuff I got worked ok but I have to tell you it sure wasn't because of the good instructions. I had to guess at a few things. Poor instructions are a pet peeve of mine.
I would love to hear any tips and tricks about how to keep the edges looking smooth when you do the stitching around the edge of a fused piece. Especially what kind of stitch to use and what stitch settings. Mentor me, please!
I've already learned that I should have made the background part a little bit bigger than the instructions said because the quilting I did on the pillow turned my once square pillow top into a rectangle. Oh, well. She's still cute. And I definitely learned a thing or two so it's a win/win despite the difficulties.
And even though it isn't a quilt, YAY for finish number one! Yes, I am whooping it up!
Linking to:
Your hedgehog pillow is adorable, Janice! I've never worked with minky, so no advice from me, but I have heard it can be finicky. I hope your daughter loves her pillow!
ReplyDeleteShe turned out very pretty and now is super cuddly as well. That's what counts for your daughter. Lesson learned for the minky and now I know I will stick with fleece.
ReplyDeleteWhen I’ve used fusible web (I prefer Steam a seam 2 lite), I trace the design on the fusible web, then fuse it on the back side of the fabric, then cut out the design/fabric and fuse the fabric down ...and then I use a stabilizer (Stitch and Tear) on the back side of the piece to machine stitch the design (the glasses, in this case) down. The stabilizer (which is removed after stitching) helps keep it from bunching up while stitching. And to stitch it down, by machine, I generally use the blanket stitch. Some people prefer a small zig zag stitch or the satin stitch when doing the stitching by machine. It’s best to test stitches out on a sample first to determine what you like best. I hope this helps ...
ReplyDeleteShe's adorable. The glasses look great. Hoping your find a better quality minky.
ReplyDeleteLove this hedgehog pillow. I know what you're saying about seeing stuff and wanting one yourself - happens to me ALL THE TIME! And one day I'll actually make all the patterns I've bought because of it!
ReplyDeleteA fun finish for you, congrats!! Your daughter will love it. I have not used Minky and have no desire to do so!
ReplyDeleteit looks cute - I have never tried Minky and from different things people have said I don't think I want to :)
ReplyDeleteWhoop Whoop - great finish!! and it is so CUTE!!
ReplyDeleteThat is absolutely adorable. I always use the crafted applique technique when I do fusible applique. It doesn't add stiffness and the edges stay intact.
ReplyDeleteLove your Hazel!!!! She's super cute. I have used both Crafted Applique method for fusibles and fusible web/paper backed adhesive, so if you have questions, send me a message. One thing I will say is that the glasses are really thin (I've also made a Hazel with glasses) and that makes it harder.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute pillow! I love the glasses and have a very similar pair on my own face :) I can't help you with the applique or the minky, so I hope you get some mentoring elsewhere!
ReplyDeleteJanice, she’s adorable! I haven’t had the urge to Sew with minky........
ReplyDeleteSo very fun! Glad you stuck it out and finished it up. Minky is on my "no" list. I'm just not that brave. So congrats for being brave and for a very fun finish.
ReplyDeleteHazel is adorable, I'm sure your daughter will love it. I've never tried working with minky...but I bet it makes the back of the pillow super soft. And applique master I am not. I've enjoyed read the comments to get ideas, I'm in the same boat as you. I have used Crafted Applique and I like how it works on a project. Congrats on your first 2018 finish!
ReplyDeleteThis pillow is sew cute!! Did you measure the finished pillow? I'm wondering if the quilt lines play a trick on the eyes making the pillow appear longer but in actuality it is still square. Either way, the pillow is still gorgeous, functional, and even with that dreaded minky is adorable!
ReplyDeleteWhat a charming pillow. The glasses are adorable; definitely worth all the effort you put into it. I agree with Laura that stabilizer while stitching keeps the top smoother.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations.
Hazel looks very sweet! Minky must have been very hard to work with, but I have a feeling that this will be a very loved pillow.
ReplyDelete-Soma
Mom! You are the most adorable person alive and I stinking love my hedgehog pillow.
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous, I love you too!! :)
DeleteJanice--your pink Hazel Hedgehog is just divine!
ReplyDelete