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!

Again, Top the Table!

Which Way?  Thata way!

This quick and easy tabletopper comes to us from an excellent Minnesota designer, transplanted from Iceland, Gudrun Erla of GE Designs.  I just learned that she is celebrating 10 years in business.

In true GE fashion, it is quilt-as-you-go, so work is saved by combining seaming with quilting.

All of the triangles are actually prairie points, so you get a little special dimension.

I try to give credit where credit is due, but I am not 100% sure of the maker of this sample.  I'm pretty sure it was Anne, and if that is wrong I will follow up with a correction.

And if you are looking for a slick way to make those prairie points look oh-so-fabulous, you need to get your hands on the Prairie Pointer tool, created by Susan Cleveland at Pieces Be With You, again another Minnesota designer.  For a quick explanation of the tool, take a look at my amazing youtube video, starring moi!

It's really kinda funny!

Only a couple days remaining before the 2013 MN Statewide Shop Hop begins on Friday.  Fingers are flying to get everything ready for our customers, and you won't be disappointed!  Everything I have featured here on the blog over the past several days will be displayed.  Many will be available in kit form.  Multiple bolts of the limited edition fabric will be stacked up to delight you!  Patterns, rulers, tools, etc., will be on hand or available to order.
And there will be treats, too!
Call 651-429-1039 for more info.

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.