Autumn is slowly making itself felt around here as the nights get cooler, the morning mists start to appear once more and the first of the leaves slowly start to fall. Those falling leaves and the colours of autumn were the inspiration for the pillow I made for the autumn round of the Flickr based Pillow Swap Four Seasons.

On hammockThe individual leaves were created using English Paper Piecing (EPP) and then each was appliquéd in place on the linen background I choose for the pillow. EPP really has become my favourite method for such designs. I love how versatile it is, how it adds a lovely depth to the design, how it allows me to use a whole cloth background, which I much prefer when working with such fabrics as linen, and how I am not constrained by block size or orientation when creating my design.

As I wanted the front of the cushion to be lightly padded I applied a layer of fusible fleece before appliquéing the leaves in place. This had the added bonus of giving the linen more stability and making it easier to accurately appliqué each leaf individually. Once hand stitched in place I then used free motion quilting to add stem and vein detailing to each.

QuiltedThe pillow was finished with a simple invisible zipper closure and is lined on both the front and back to add extra stability to the linen.

Cover and pouchAs an added extra I made a small pouch for my partner, also using linen and autumnal fabrics. It’s a simple button closed clutch type pouch. My original intention was to make the pouch with several pockets that would include a selection of sewing notions but then I came across the cutest travel sewing case and I couldn’t resist including that instead.

Filled pouch2 Sewing case insidesI made the planned pockets larger so that they would easily accommodate the case and tucked it inside the pouch with a couple of other goodies before sending it on its way to their new home where they were delightfully received.

As one pillow left my house another one entered. This is the stunning pillow that I received from my swap partner in the autumn round.

Pillow receivedShe couldn’t have chosen a more perfect colour scheme. The colours of this pillow are all that I love about autumn, the vibrant sunsets and the rich tones that seem to wash over the forests. There is so much warmth and vibrancy in this design and it is a real pleasure each time I sit down and enjoy it.

There were goodies in my parcel too, one of which was a lovely pouch featuring more of these beautiful autumn tones.

Pouch receivedNow if you know me you’ll know how much I love pouches and how quick I am to find a purpose for each and every one that enters my house. This one now houses my new EPP maple leaf collection and all I need to add to it. Pouch in use

Inspired by how well my cushion turned out I’m going to slowly add to a new collection of maple leaves as I would definitely love to incorporate them into more projects in the future.

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4 thoughts on “Pillow Swap Four Seasons – Autumn

  1. You autumn leaf pillow is just so gorgeous! The photo really doesn’t do it just…the colors are so strong and vibrant! Your FMQ is perfect!! That sewing kit is perfect for on the go with a perfect carring case too! Wonderful job, Paula!

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