Prairie Points For You

I don't think I have shared this on the blog previously, so here's a little surprise!

About 4 years ago, I was inspired to try filming a little video and create a YouTube channel for myself.  So I came up with an idea and one night my videographer (aka Husband Bob) worked out a little video for me.  I had been using a tool called the Prairie Pointer to make a bunch of prairie points to be used in a pattern called the Prairie Point Pillow.  Say that sentence 10 times fast!  Anyway, I added in a demo of inserting the pillow form.  Now, you might not think that this task is something that requires a demonstration.  After all, we do it all the time, right?  But I really like to make the back side overlap deep enough to eliminate any chance of it gaping open and naked pillow showing.  This has caused me some trouble with getting that pillowform inserted without straining the seamline stitches to the point of tearing.  Then, I had a lightbulb moment!  I was visiting with Terry Atkinson, well known local pattern designer, about the pillow patterns she was showing.  I got really brave, not wanting to show my ignorance, and asked her just how she managed to get such a nice back side overlap without any rippage.  She promptly showed me how to do it, and that's what became my lightbulb moment, and that's what I show on this video.  Check it out!

The Showy Lady Slipper

Our Minnesota state flower is the elusive Lady Slipper.  Not frequently seen in everyday gardens and roadsides, but occasionally spotted in protected spots and wild wetlands.  In fact, it is an imperiled and vulnerable plant in many states.  A member of the orchid family, it blooms only a short time in the spring.  But if you ever catch sight of a group of these in full bloom, it is a wondrous vision.  And you should count yourself among the lucky on that day!

This artistic rendition of our state flower has been created and stitched by Mary Herrschleb, the creative genius of MH Designs.  Well known for her excellent paper piecing patterns, Mary also loves some hand embroidery.  Her drawing has been transformed into a very life-like image, using an accent from crayons to add shading.  Very easy to learn, the basic embroidery stitches and coloring technique are well-explained in this pattern.  This new design of the Lady Slipper is gorgeous, and the pattern will be available exclusively at Bear Patch.  Plus, a limited number of kits for this pillow will be packaged.  

Call to request and reserve yours now!  651-429-1039

Prairie Point Pizazz

I have worked up a little demo to show you 2 new techniques that might be useful for some of your projects. First, an easier way to insert a pillow into a pillow cover that has an overlapping back. Then, a tool that helps make crisp little prairie points.



The product info:
the pillow pattern that started this is 'Pillow Trio' by Atkinson Designs
the pillow that I made is Prairie Point Pillow by Seams & Dreams
the pressing tool is the Prairie Pointer by Susan Cleveland at Pieces Be With You
Mary Ellen's Best Press is available in several scents and sizes. We use it for all our sewing projects.