"Inspire 1" Pillow

I designed and made this pillow recently and I'd like to show you how...

I wanted to thank my wonderful violin teacher, Mrs. Clark, by making her something special. Since the name of her non-profit is "Inspire One" I decided to design her one of my "personalized pillows" (see Pillows ) that I love to make! 

The first step is the fabric... once I had picked it out, I cut it the size I wanted my pillow and then cut out a paper template for my "1". I tried it on the fabric to see if it was the right size:

Then I pinned the template on a sheet of felt and cut out the shape.

I pinned it my felt "1" on my fabric...

And then began to hand sew it.

After I sewed completely around the "1", I made myself a template on thin tracing paper for my "Inspire", and sewed on op of the paper on the fabric. When I had finished, I tore away the paper, leaving behind my stitching! Some pieces of felt I had were perfect for two little birds... I sewed them onto the fabric and added feet, eyes and beaks. I think the finishing touch was the two, small black notes, ( even though it took a little while to get the right shape).  :)

Here is a close-up of the stitching and appliqué. 

 

I added a piece of interfacing behind my stitches, the size of the fabric.

Here is the back of the pillow:

I put both pieces right-sides-together and sewed around the edges, leaving a opening.

This is the opening!  

I trimmed all the corners close to the stitching, to make the corners more smooth when I turn them.               Like this.

 

This is the turned pillow:

Now, I stuffed it to the fullness I desired.

And hand-stitched the opening up.

 

Now the "Inspire 1" pillow is finished!

Here is a picture of it on our couch!

Let me know if you liked my pillow pictures...

Love, the hope maiden