Ree was never really planned. It just sort of happened one day when I was trying (unsuccessfully) to sort my thrifted sheet stash. These particular patterns just fell together and I thought they would go lovely with linen. And I think they really do…

As with the flutters quilt, it was sitting unfinished for a few months and I finally got to it in September. And then it sat until two weeks ago when I took these pictures. But I think the pictures do not do it justice. It looks and feels so soft and cozy in person. Something I just cannot see in these pics. The linen gives it that special feel and touch. Maybe the light was not the best. I am not sure.

Initially I thought I would free motion quilt this one all over, but then I changed my mind for two reasons. First – the linen and a few other fabrics were a bit stretchy and that would not be so fun to quilt (and I did not want to try starch for the first time). Second – I thought maybe too many quilting lines would make it busier? So I quilted only the outline of the pieces…

For the backing I used another thrifted sheet, this time a flannel. This one was brand new – otherwise I would not buy a second hand flannel – I’ve seen a few second hand used ones, and they were terrible. But this makes this side a little warmer and cozier. You can see the backing in the pic below on the lower right.

If I had a shabby chick kind of house this would fit perfectly.

They are about 16″ sq and instead of linen being framed by contrasting fabric (as in the tutorial) in this case, I framed the vintage sheet pieces with linen. I used a very soft linen (not sheer though) in natural.

I said I like linen, but working wit it, sometimes, can be a pain. This linen in particular. It is a bit stretchy, and silky, so it moves a lot; changes shape. Pair it with a super-soft and delicate vintage sheet… ah… it took forever to pin before sewing. I need to invest in some starch. I’ve been told it helps when working with linen.

But I am happy how they turned out. Really happy. I like the combination of linen and vintage sheets. Next one will be in blue tones…

These will be listed in the shop shortly.

Just a sneak peek of what I have sitting on my sewing desk since before Thanksgiving. A new pillow inspired by some aerial photography and fabulous work by Victoria Gertenbach. I have not had a chance to get into my sewing room for almost two weeks. This is almost finished – two more patches, already cut, are waiting to be sewn on and then just the back of the pillow to finish it off. Maybe today.

I have about two weeks before the school is out for the winter break and we are off for some skiing and family time (not really looking forward to freezing cold temps, but eh, what to we do for love… I don’t ski, it’s my hubby and now my son who fell in love with it last year) so there will not be much sewing going on during December. I don’t want to make huge plans, I will be happy to simply finish a few pillows for my little guy’s teachers. And maybe start a new knitting project (hey, I already made a swatch. what, I did not take a photo?!)

The pillow is finished. It measures about 14×14 in, and of course, all my pillow inserts are either smaller or way bigger. So only a “flat” picture. The linen I used is not really great for a project like this. Is is very soft and a little stretchy. Very tricky to quilt. But overall I am satisfied how this turned out. By the way, it has an envelope opening in the back. I prefer them to any kind of zippers or buttons – the less hardware the better.

I call this the Pink Quilt. Very imaginative, I know! Here it is, all finished. I have to say I am very happy how it turned out, and I am very happy that I decided on a smaller project. To warm up.

A little clseup of the fabrics.  The larger squares are all diferent fabrics, some quilting fabrics, some fashion fabrics that are either thinner or heavier than the typical quilting fabrics. Two also has some stretch to them, but this is patchwork, any fabrics will do. That’s the idea, right? The white fabrics is upcycled sheet that thad just the right weight – I added a 4in border all around – gives the pattern a bit more focus, I think. As I mentioned in a previous post, I had some challenges keeping the seam at 1/4in, so my squares are actually a bit smaller than 3×3 in, so the quilt measures roughly 26×26 in. The back is a simple red checkered fabric.

And, of course, the “folded” picture. Now a dillema: I have many squares left from this project, as I scaled back. Do I start another “pink” project or cut some more fabrics. Maybe something blue this time?

I Heart Handmade Linen Items (via iheartlinen)