Monday, April 07, 2014

shimmer feather pillow

Why hello there! Today I am happy to be a stop on Jennifer Sampou's SHIMMER blog hop!
Shimmer is Jennifer's newest fabric line (manufactured by Robert Kaufman) that is full of....well...shimmer! It's really beautiful.
It took me several weeks to decide on a project for these fabrics. I kicked around several ideas in my head, rearranged the charms a bunch of different ways, but that spark was missing, you know? One day it occurred to me that the fabric would be PERFECT paired with Anna Maria's feather pattern. That was the light bulb moment I was waiting for. (It's always fun when that happens!)
I love how it all came together! I made the feathers smaller than the original pattern so that 3 of them would fit on a pillow cover. I foundation pieced the shimmer fabric unto paper, then proceeded to assemble the feathers, figuring out the rest of the dimensions on the fly. It was a little trickier that I thought it would be-with all those angles-but nothing a little stitch ripping couldn't solve.
I cross hatched the background using purple thread. I know that's an unconventional choice, and very much out of my box, but look how much depth it adds to the pillow! I started and stopped the quilting lines at each feather, so I had a bunch of threads to bury. But it was worth it in the end!
To finish it off, I made an envelope backing with this fabulous olive colored fabric from my stash. I sewed a double line of stitching on the edge of the closure for a more tailored finish. I really like it! I'm sure I will be revisiting that detail again soon. (The only drawback about working with dark fabrics is all the lint it attracts, but what are you gonna do?)

The pillow measures 20" square. (It's so weird! Usually my projects are made from scraps. I'm so used to counting them toward my 101! Ha!)

Since this is a blog hop, you know there has to be a giveaway!
If you would like to win this shimmer charm pack, please leave me a comment in this post. I'll pick a winner in a few days.

Happy Monday to you!

365 comments:

1 – 200 of 365   Newer›   Newest»
Unknown said...

That's one classy + modern pillow. Thank you for all the ideas! Take care.

Karen said...

Loving the purple, what a fantastic contrast with the gorgeous shimmer fabrics!

rsb said...

Clever use of the beautiful fabrics!

Unknown said...

Great looking pillow. Love the feathers. Thanks for the chance to win. Matsche.christine@yahoo.com.

Neva said...

Beautiful fabric!

Anita said...

Love those shimmering feathers on the solid background!
Great pillow!

Skaapie said...

So pretty!

Anya said...

Love the pillow, and thanks for the chance!

Dottie's Daughter said...

Beautiful pillow, wonderful fabric.

Potted Farm said...

Love the pillow! I'm just getting into quilting and you offer so much inspiration.

Kay said...

The feathers really are a perfect choice for this fabric. I have to say that the fabric is very different to anything I have used but would be fun to try. Thanks for the giveaway.

Betsey said...

Love this collection of muted colors.

Heather said...

Oh, how pretty! Thanks for the chance!

Aliceart said...

This is a fabulous new collection. Love your feather pillow!

Anne said...

Would love to win this lovely fabric. The feather pattern is on I've been using too; love it!

Coser Tejer Crear said...

Thats a great pillow! Im going to try something like that. My scraps and a Snow background. Thanks for the giveaway!

Nancy said...

beautiful use of the shimmer material--feathers usually do shimmer in the light! Would love to try this

Quilting Tangent said...

Pretty feathers!
24Tangent@gmail.com

Amy said...

Great choice for these fabrics. Love your quilting. The feathers almost look real in your photos.

Adtski31 said...

That is beautiful. I love the purple with the blues and grey.

DianeY said...

Such a pretty use of these fabrics" I'm really excited to get some of my own!!

Malinda said...

That feather pattern has always scared me, but I know I could put those charm squares to good use!

Tina Short said...

Inspirational choosing to make feathers - they really do 'shimmer'.

elizabeth said...

Beautiful pillow!!!:) I love the cross hatch quilting.

L said...

What a great use of this fabric!

JodyT said...

Beautiful fabric and I love your pillow!

Kathryn said...

Your feather designs are always winners.

Gina S said...

The pillow is beautiful!

Gill said...

Fabulous use of these stunning fabrics!

Michele said...

Love your pillow-- and the purple background and quilting. Wow...

Janet M said...

I love what you did with the fabric & the feather pattern. Shiny fabric is out of my comfort zone but you showed me the possibilities- thanks!

quilt for fun said...

I didn't love the feathers - until I saw them on this pillow! Fabulous. I really like this shimmer fabric on the dark background. Great job!

Kristen said...

Beautiful fabric and I just love the feather pillow!

vkh6210 said...

Love the pillow! The feathers really stand out on the purple.
Thanks for a great giveaway.

Cathy said...

I would love to win this charm pack. Your feathers are fantastic. Hugs

Caro said...

What interesting fabrics! Thanks for a chance to win.

SilverCat said...

Love your pillow, that AMH pattern is great. I've made something similiar but I up-sized and had three feathers on a double duvet cover. Maybe I should make some cushions like yours to match!

Anna @FreshDewDrops said...

Beautiful pillow! love the color and use of fabric.

Renee said...

I love the shimmer fabrics in the AMH feather! Such a good idea!

Dot Moore said...

Fabrics are beautiful and I love, love how you used them in the pillow. Very nice!

senovia said...

Those are beautiful fabrics. I went to a quilt convention in my town yesterday and am super inspired!

Heidi [Banks of Frog Creek] said...

Beautiful choice! The fabric is perfect for feathers!!

teresa said...

The pillow is beautiful!

Claudia said...

Beautiful prints! I like these fabrics contrasted with the dark purple for a more modern look.

Rebecca said...

You would think that fabric line was made for feathers... Great idea!

Amy Verne said...

What a great idea!
raverne at comcast.net

Denise in PA said...

I'd love to win that Charm Pack of Shimmer! The line looks beautiful! And, your feather pillow is fantastic! o:)

Cynthia Brunz Designs said...

The dark plum is perfect with those shimmery fabrics. Thanks!

babiesdoc said...

I love the feathers
a pillow is a nice way to try a pattern and use just a little fabric.
thank you for the giveaway

Leanne Parsons said...

What a beautiful pillow! I love the purple cross-hatching. Thanks for a great giveaway!

Sara said...

Gorgeous fabric and I love the feather design you chose. Thanks for the chance to win!

aayancey said...

Beautiful choice of a project for the Shimmer fabric. I really love the contrast of the dark fabric. Most of all though, I love your top--stitching! Your work is exquisite! Taking the time to hide all your tails shows such a high level of mastery and a desire to do fantastic work. I have not been to your blog before the blog hop but will be a regular reader from now on. You are nothing short of amazing. Thanks for sharing!

Brent Ewers said...

I love the purple background with the shimmer fabrics. Beautiful pillow.

Lori V. said...

Love the feather idea! Might have to do the same...

Annaliese said...

Your "aha" moment was on point! the pillow is a great way to highlight those shimmering fabrics!

Sharon said...

I really am liking those feathers!

Heather said...

I am now sold on those feathers...your pillow makes the look so great! I've never seen the Shimmer fabric line in person, but wow...l have it on my shopping list now!

Alisa said...

Ive always loved anything shiny! Such pretty fabric and a lovely pillow.

GO STARS! said...

Perfect project. Your background fabric makes your feathers sing.

Kat said...

Awesome pillow cover! I love the purple and green together.

Tiffany said...

I really need to make more pillows...

kimberlier said...

What a great idea & your piecing is beautiful! I have been pinning ideas in hopes of making a feather quilt one of these days.

giggles said...

BEAUTIFUL !!!

Katie said...

I love the purple quilting. Adds so much!

Unknown said...

Really love your choice of purple on plum quilting--lovely work and project. Thanks for the giveaway! belopminata@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Love the pillow and the crosshatch quilting!

Sharon T said...

Love Shimmer! Love your feather pillow!

Sandy said...

Your pillow is fabulous!! I would love a whole quilt. Hmmm...may have to do that! Thanks for the opportunity to win!

quilter said...

Looks great, thanks for the giveaway.

Fabric Fanatic said...

How wonderful...I can't wait til these fabrics show up locally so I can see them up close.

Hannah said...

This looks great!!! The whole feathers thing is very slowly growing on me ... good work :) and Happy Monday!

Mara said...

Beautiful Pillow, thanks for the giveaway.

Unknown said...

Thanks for the great giveaway.

Michele T said...

I've never made feathers and I'll bet they look amazing with this Shimmer fabric!!

*Tyler* said...

Gorgeous fabric! Thanks for the chance to win

Jenny said...

i love your purple thread choice!

Slowpoke said...

Beautiful pillow and fabrics!

Sue said...

Simply gorgeous. What more can I say :-D

Teressa P. said...

Pretty feathers! Here's hoping to win that great charm pack :)

Karen said...

What a beautiful use of the eggplant solid, and a great way to show off the shimmery fabrics. I can't wait to see this line in person!

WhoMom said...

Love the feathers, it really shows off the shimmer in the fabrics. The dark purple thread is wonderful, but it's my favorite color too. What can I say.

Angela said...

I love, love, love your pillow! Especially live the purple crosshatching. Those fabrics are beautiful.

Vera said...

You made lovely cushion out of those pretty fabrics. The quilting is really cool too.

Laurel09 said...

I've been trying to pick a pattern to make pillows for a dear friend... seeing this project I am feeling inspired to do feathers for her. Thanks for the inspiration and the giveaway!

Unknown said...

I don't know why I don't make more pillows. They are such a fun and easy thing to change up your decor and I never do it. This pillow is fabulous! Just love it!

Amanda S. said...

Love the pillow

Judith said...

What a great way to introduce a bit of subtle shine to a room. Thanks for the chance to win.

Amve_2012 said...

love the pillows! great job!

Katherine McNeese said...

love the shimmer feather pillow!
thanks for the giveaway!

MoeWest said...

I already loved AMH feathers and they look fabulous sewn up with Shimmer!

Glynette said...

Truly beautiful!

Anonymous said...

I love it when that "ah huh" moment comes. Your pillow is beautiful. Thanks!

Carol said...

I've never used a shimmery fabric. Looks fun!

thepiececorps said...

A feather is a perfect way to use the Shimmer! Luv it! TIA! B-)

Unknown said...

I love everything about this pillow. I really need to get past my mental block about making pillows and make one. Or 50...
Love the shimmer fabric too - thanks for the giveaway:)

Jusmom1 said...

Such pretty colors! Thanks for the giveaway!

margaret said...

these would be awesome in my coin quilt and little twister twin quilt.
love the feathers!

Leah Spencer said...

I think I like the feathers themselves more than the fabric. :)

Kim @ TiesThatBindQuilting said...

You're right! It is perfect for the feathers! Love your pillow!

Four dogs and one quilter said...

Lovely pillow. Purple was the perfect choice for the background and stitching.

cakath said...

I love everything about your pillow. The feathers really showcase the Shimmer fabric - great choice!

OhioLori said...

LOOOOOOVE your Pillow!!! Have a Jon that would love it for his Living Room!! Would match like Custom Made!!

Grrrrrrrt job too!! Love those Shimmey fabrics, don't you?

Unknown said...

Fabulous feathers and beautiful fabric!

Unknown said...

The feathers are perfect for the natural/ nature colors. great light bulb moment!

Hayley said...

Gorgeous pillow!! And I just read your post on burying threads - how did I not know this. I suspect I'll still hate burying threads but at least it'll look neater.

Pieced Brain Quilt Designs said...

What a great idea! The contrast to the background was just what the fabrics needed. About burying those threads... I still don't like to do it...

Deborah said...

Great Pillow!

Rachel said...

The dark burgundy really makes those feathers pop. Beautiful.

Donna Baker said...

this is stunning!! I love the purple thread on it, wise choice

MellieWo said...

Would love to have a little shimmer! Love the purple on purple! Hope to do something with the feather pattern myself someday. Thanks for the chance!

Kathleen said...

Your pillow turned out beautifully! I have yet to attempt that feather pattern.

Rita said...

Beautiful fabrics! Thanks for the chance!

Anonymous said...

What gorgeous fabrics! And I love the colours you chose for the background and the back of the pillow.

Kristine said...

Love the pillow! Fun fabrics.

Baukje said...

Your beautiful feathers contrast perfectly with the rich purple,and you quilting is also perfect.

Tawnya said...

I'd love to see that fabric in person! Fun project.

Katie said...

What a lovely pillow -- I have been admiring this fabric for some time and can't wait for my fabric diet to be over so I can indulge.

elle said...

great job on the pillow! very classy

Frances Meredith said...

Firstly, you made a perfect choice for your project, Anna's feathers are adorable. Secondly, who wouldn't want a Shimmer Charm pack! (I think a shimmer is a touch more sophisticated than full-on glitz ...)

Sue H said...

The feathers were a perfect choice to show off this fabric collection. Love the pillow!!

Jenny said...

Beautiful feathers, beautiful pillow, beautiful fabrics. You have done a great job!!!

Unknown said...

I really am liking those feathers!

Anne D said...

What a beautiful pillow. Perfect for the gorgeous fabric!

karenbbsnow said...

Gorgeous pillow! The dark purple really does make the feathers pop.

Debbie said...

Gorgeous fabrics. Thanks for the chance to win!

Nana Jo said...

I love how the feathers turned out with Shimmer!

carolann said...

What a lovely giveaway! carolann427@aol.com

Willow River Piecemakers said...

Gorgeous fabric and lovely pillow as always!

VickiT said...

Great looking pillow. I really love the purple thread.

Anonymous said...

I've been wanting to make a feather quilt for my son and his wife. Glad I haven't begun yet. I would really like to add shimmer to the feathers.

sonia said...

What a perfect idea! The feathers show the shimmering fabric in a very attractive light. Amazing quilting job too. congrats!

ShellyKay said...

Love Your pillow, and that purple quilting, Fab.u.lous!!! Looks fantastic!! He shimmer fabrics just POPS on the solid background! Did I say I loved your pillow? Well, I just love this project.

Unknown said...

Beautiful pillow! And beautiful use of Shimmer with dark solids.

Unknown said...

Love the shimmer, its so fun!

Rhonda said...

Enjoying the blog hop and all the fantastic projects. The Shimmer line is beautiful.

Birlot said...

I love the deep plum colour with the shimmer. Great inspiration. I wonder whether a leaf on green would also work? Thanks

Lisa England said...

Wow, feathers were a perfect choice for the shimmer fabrics. Beautiful!

KathySue said...

Love your inspiration - the "shimmer" feathers look great against the rich background color. Look forward to finding this fabric at my LQS and playing! kathleendotlutzatcomcastdotnet

Sewing In CT said...

I like the feathers idea! The fabric has lots of potential.

sara said...

Great idea! I might have to steal it!

Linda F. said...

Thanks for the chance to win some of this pretty fabric.

jmj said...

wonderful fabric love the metallic shine!!!!!

Jennifer said...

You know, I am not much of a purple lover, but I think that is changing. I recently took over... ahem, I mean moved into our never-used guest room, and painted the floor the same eggplant color as your pillow (at least, purple *looks* like an eggplant color). I really like it (much to my husband's dismay)! Those shimmer fabrics look fantastic with that dark purple!

Flamingo said...

The background really sets it off. Nice choice.

Audrey said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous pillow! Excellent use of the Shimmer collection. Thanks for hosting a giveaway.

Lisa in Port Hope said...

Love the color combo of the backing with the top. I would love to sample this line by winning a charm pack!

Diane Kersey said...

I love the metallics with that rich plum color. I'm seeing a lot of feathers recently. How about a tutorial?

Anonymous said...

Beautiful fabrics made even more beautiful by the dramatic contrast of the purple! -- soparkaveataoldotcom

Wendy said...

Thanks for this opportunity. Wendy

Amy said...

Welcome back! Sure did miss your updates but it is so nice to take a break to recharge. I love the pillow. I have never tackled feathers but I may have to put them on my some day list. Thank you for the inspiration!

Anonymous said...

Great pillow, love the purple and the shimmering fabric.
Thanks
Dee
dw7645@charter.net

SuperMomNoCape said...

What a beautiful pillow. It has a lovely tailored look and would be a great gift for one of the men in your life.

Thanks for the giveaway and the chance to win.

J Stelpflug said...

The fabrics are beautiful and gives me so many project ideas.

Sandra said...

That's one gorgeous pillow. Such lovely fabrics.

Daytona Damsel said...

What a fabulous pillow. Love the feathers.

KathyinMN said...

Happy Monday right back at you. As a Green Bay Packer fan, I'm just not a fan of purple-but wow it really works here. And thanks for the shot at the charm pack too.

Lisa S. said...

I am really looking forward to getting my hands on some Shimmer. Wouldn't mind winning a little bit! :)

lindawwww said...

What a unique pattern for your pillow. Shimmer makes it sing!

Unknown said...

So far my favorite use of the fabrics......really clever!

scottylover said...

I've seen these feathers done in all different fabrics, but I love the way they look in the Shimmer fabric!

Sandy A

Sharon zisos said...

Love the feather pattern. Thanks for the chance to win!

Tamie said...

I love your pillow. It would be perfect in my living room!

sewhappy2bsewing said...

I think that you may start a trend. Looks great... and such a modern look. I just love the contrast. Great job!

Anita said...

What an innovative use of some beautiful fabric.

Cindy said...

Shimmer,not something I would normally look at but you've done it again girl. Love the feather pillow pattern.

Helen said...

Cool pillow! And gorgeous charm pack to try our own pillow.

Diane Beavers said...

great pillow to rest your sore back upon. feathers as wispy as they are, make it inviting. The stark contrast with the thread is astonishing. I'm a Tangerine fanatic and stitch with indigo, olive and fuchsia to add that texture to a quilt.
BTW adore Scrappy Vortex:)
Thank you

Lorna McMahon said...

What? Another pillow? Of course! How well the feather design shows off each of those gorgeous fabrics. And the cross hatch quilting really makes them stand out beautifully! Well done!

Sarah said...

WOW, what a beautiful design, and the fabric is perfect for it! sarah@forrussia.org

Janarama said...

Your pillow is stunning!

Anonymous said...

I love following your blog. You are one of my favorites and your projects are so inspiring. Love the feather pillow.

Melinda Kiefer said...

Love the pillow!

Cecilia said...

Your pillow is gorgeous! I like the purple thread, too. Thanks for sharing and for the giveaway.

Sew Happily Ever After said...

I love it! The fabric is beautiful!

JANET said...

Like your pillow. Thank you for the giveaway.

Sewgirl said...

Ohh, I love your feathers!! Great use of the fabric.
Thanks for the chance at the giveaway,

Patti said...

I'd love to have a little "shimmer" lol! Seriously, your pillow is absolutely inspiring. Thanks for the chance to win!

Unknown said...

I love the purple cross hatching! The feathers look gorgeous. Great job!

Linda B. said...

I've been wanting to try the feathers...your pillow is my inspiration! Thanks for the chance at the fabric.

Jamie said...

That pillow is just my favorite thing ever. Purple and green are the best colors. I normally don't care for the feather pattern, but you rocked it.

Delores said...

I would LOVE to win - looking at making table runners for my girls who have modern decor, I think it would be great!!

Unknown said...

Great pillow, makes me want to redo my family room to include that purple. Working up the courage to try those feathers one day. Love the Shimmer

Mama Said Sew said...

Great looking pillow! I love the look of the purple thread for quilting.

michelle said...

I would love to work with those fabrics. My granddaughter is getting a bedroom make-over. Dancers, butterflies & fairies - all of which could use some shimmer. Michelle

Miss Dream USA said...

Love it the fabric and the pillow!

Cindy said...

Really loving the feather pattern in the shimmer fabrics. I could see making a whole quilt of them!

Patrick said...

Thanks for the giveaway! I've never made a pillow before, but you are continually reminding me that I need to try it!

Catherine said...

I have feathers down on my "to do" list so would love the giveaway. This fabric gives a great texture to the feather

ruthsplace said...

Oh wow! That pillow is fabulous. Gorgeous fabric too.

jirons42 said...

What a pretty fabric collection

Lisa Merkley said...

Oh wow! I'd love to win this because it's way out of my usual comfort zone. It would get me to experiment more!

lisamerkley at gmail dot com

GranChris said...

I love the feathers. The fabric is beautiful.

nicolesender said...

Shimmer fabric would be so much fun to sew with! Sorry for comment repeat. Rec'd an e-mail that comment was not delivered.

Ginger said...

I am in the process of making an AMH Feather quilt--- no easy task. I am impressed that you scaled the blocks down. Again, no ready task! The feathers turned out gorgeous in these fabrics however, so well worth your effort. I love them with the purple background.

Jeneta said...

I wasn't that fussed on the fabric line until I saw your cushion. It looks great sewn up as feathers!

Wizzyh said...

Love the feathers!

Julie said...

Love the pillow :)....and the fabric line. Thanks

Sam said...

Beautiful fabrics and wonderful pattern - I love it!

Unknown said...

Love the results of the light bulb moment. Patience really paid off waiting for that moment as it turned out beautifully

Lee said...

Lovely - I love the color of the binding and the pretty purple thread!

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