Dog Bone Pillow

It's been a long time since I've made a dog bone shaped pillow! I use one just about everyday while taking an afternoon (and evening) nap in my recliner! I have no idea where I put the pattern I used. I made several... one each for my elderly parents, and the one for myself.

I'm thinking other seniors, and the homeless, would also love a small little pillow like this.

I went online to find a pattern and happened across Apron Strings and Other Ties that Bind's tutorial straightaway.

I printed out two copies of her pattern design, trimmed the paper (with "paper" scissors) and joined them together at the center with tape as she directed. I then cut out the 4 pieces, snipping a bit at the end marks where she indicated on her pattern.

This is here where I went off her directions a bit. But, I did use the 1/2" seam allowance she recommends. Oh, also, I totally agree ~ I did NOT clip the inside seam allowance anywhere!

I pinned the right sides together of the two sets and stitched from the mark, to the mark, on each "unit". I also ~ according to her directions ~ back stitched when I started and stopped, being careful not to go beyond the mark.  

After pressing the stitches to "meld", I got my iron inside and pressed the seam flat on each unit.

This dog bone pillow will be given to the same homeless person I'll give the messenger bag I created the other day. Remember the latch hook I attached on the outside of the bag?!!! That's why I've pinned a grosgrain ribbon loop on the pillow! When not in use, the pillow can stay with the bag and not get lost!

I'm sorry I failed to take a picture of pinning the two set units together! Oops! My bad!

This is what I did: I opened up the two sets and placed right sides together, matching the marks, pinning all the way around the two set units. Because I have a tendency to start daydreaming while sewing, I wanted to go ahead and get the opening done. I started sewing at the top mark, then around to the narrow bone part and stopped, back stitched, then left about a 4" space, then started sewing again (back stitching when I started up again) and on around to the mark.

The final edge to stitch was then a snap! There wasn't anything I had to remember except using a 1/2" seam allowance rather than the "normal for me" 1/4" seam allowance!

Oh, when I stitched over the ribbon loop, I back stitched and straight stitched over it within the seam allowance several times!!!

I'm ready to stuff!

I'm ready to hand stitch the seam allowance at the opening closed and it's done!

My pitiful dog bone pillow... maybe I ought to make me a new one!

NOTE to SELF: When making this again, extend her pattern about 3" longer. 

Orphan Blocks

It works out this way sometimes - I make too many blocks for a quilt top! Maybe I counted wrong in the first place, which is not unusual for me! Or, I’ve decided after-the-fact to make wider border(s) rather than another complete row of blocks. But, now I have orphan blocks! What to do? I can’t waste the fabric, or the time involved to make the blocks. I just can’t do it.

I also like to “play” with different designs with the scraps, but they end up differing sizes. That’s not a problem. I simply add a “sashing” around the smaller one(s) to get them all the same size. That’s what I did to make this banner….

Sorry it's a fuzzy photo! But you get the idea!

One day while playing around, I used one inch scraps to make a couple of braided star blocks...

I may make more, someday. Every now and then, I glance over and see them, and think, what can I do with them?

I’m thinking “out loud” here…

Maybe coasters? My sewing machine sits on an oak desk. I will not place a coffee cup, or an Iced Tea glass down on the wood without protection. Right now I’m using an up side down tin lid! Tacky, I know! A quilted block with extra protection from liquids will be just the thing to spruce up my sewing room!

Maybe a pincushion? Momma came up with a great suggestion! She thinks I ought to make a pincushion to hang from my neck to use while I’m loading a quilt top on the long arm frame! I have it on my “to-do” list!

Maybe a placemat? We have an antique repurposed library table with a glass top sitting between our recliners. I use an old yucky placemat now for our Iced Tea glasses (and my wine glass). I do believe a quilted orphan block with a nice border around it would be lovely there!

In fact, I made a wall hanging for our living room…

This picture was taken shortly after I made it! It is not hanging here permanently!

I have a much better spot, but don't have a picture of it right now.
This was a quilt-as-you go technique I was attempting to learn!

And have two blocks left over (as the wall hanging was long enough!) and they would make the perfect “placemat” for the coffee table! Where's my to-do list I started?

Maybe potholders for smaller, say 6 inch block leftovers… I have the insulated stuff needed for heat protection!

Which reminds me – I need something that when taking my iron to a sew-in gathering, that I have a bag large enough to carry a hot iron back home! Again, I have the heat insulation stuff needed! A couple of orphan blocks would be a perfect thing to use!

Then there are table runners. I wouldn’t mind a new quilted one for my oak buffet!

What else?

Oh, totes! Of course! Set your timer so you don’t lose track of time, then check out Pinterest for all the wonderful ideas!

  

Some folks are into pillows… I personally am not… but ~ again ~ Pinterest is full of ideas on quilted pillows!

What do you do with orphan blocks?