In addition to all of the oggling, fondling, cutting, packaging, shelving, and shipping of fabric we do here at Hawthorne Threads, I thought it was high time our wonderful staff got to do a little sewing on the job! I know I'm preaching to the choir here, but there's nothing quite like crafting something with your own two hands. It's tough to beat that feeling of pride and accomplishment - unless of course you get to be the one that sees that shy, almost baffled smile crawl across their face as they hug thier newly sewn pillow. Yes, I'm pretty proud of the wonderful and eclectic artistry on a single theme here.
These two pillows really sewed the seeds, if you'll pardon my pun, for this idea of sewing together. While making them, I thought about the sheer variety one can achieve with such a simple log cabin design. Afrter enough oohs and aahs at the shop I thought it would be great fun for our entire staff to sew along together and, for some, to learn a lifelong skill while on the job. Very cool indeed.
I think what I found most interesting about this fun endeavor was how much you can tell about a person by the fabrics they choose. In the same way you can tell a lot about someone by the shoes they wear, or the music they listen to, a handmade piece is personal. It offers not only a insight into what we like, but also a glimpse of who we are. So, without furhter ado, here they are!
If you've not yet given the log cabin block a whirl, here's a great tutorial over at Oh! Fransson!, and if you've already got the bug and want to try new tecniques you'll want a copy of this Modern Log Cabin Quilting book. The variations are nothing short of genius.
And you know what was bound to happen with all of those pillows floating around...
Truly, our Jen had that one coming to her as she left her pillow at home...
All nicely done! I think my favorite would be Lindsay's. I loved the yellow and gray combo. I would so love to work with you guys!
Posted by: Marilyn Rogez | Nov 05, 2012 at 11:05 PM
Bravo! Love them all! Thank you for taking the time to photo & blog about the pillows. I love the log cabin design, so quick and easy. Also a great way to showcase the fabrics. A home can never have too many pillows!
Posted by: Ani Hudson | Nov 05, 2012 at 11:23 PM
Love the pillows and it was fun to see the different fabrics that each of you chose: thanks for the fun!!
Posted by: Helen Lebrett | Nov 06, 2012 at 12:13 AM
Love those pillows! How fun to see how different everyone's fabric choices are, and how different the same pattern looks in them!
Posted by: Mary | Nov 06, 2012 at 12:52 AM
I loved the pillows. My favorite fabrics choices were those of Lindsay, Alyssa and Peter. They were all great, though! What were the names of the fabrics they choose? I'm ready to buy! :0 Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Rosemary | Nov 06, 2012 at 01:19 AM
How fun & such cute pillows. But tell me this - where's Charley's?
Posted by: DianeY | Nov 06, 2012 at 08:35 AM
What fun!! Amazing variety using a single block pattern.
Looks like you have a talented and fun-loving team.
Posted by: LeAnn | Nov 06, 2012 at 09:18 AM
Would you be able to give us a close up of the green elephant one please? They're all so nice. Some simple, others busy and bright, but they're all fabulous!
Posted by: Caroline | Nov 06, 2012 at 11:28 AM
Good stuff, thanks for sharing. The pillows are all amazing.
Posted by: Julie Shoemaker | Nov 06, 2012 at 04:40 PM
They all were wonderfully cheerful and used fabric in a very imaginative way. Wow what a fun place to work.
Posted by: Joan Trautwein | Nov 08, 2012 at 12:05 AM
So wonderful! Thank you for sharing! Loved seeing these.
Posted by: Cal | Nov 08, 2012 at 07:02 AM
How inspiring. I may make everyone pillows for Christmas now. These are all wonderfully created. A feast for the eyes. Keep up the good work and fun.
Posted by: Suziq | Nov 08, 2012 at 09:35 AM
Cheyenne, you gave me an inspiring IDEA, I have the scraps left and some pannels for OUt to sea and my Gson needs this pillow.. I think everyone looks like they are having FUN!!!
Posted by: shirley tener | Nov 08, 2012 at 11:34 AM
I admit that I liked Lindsey's fabric choices best, too.
Obviously I like a bit more coordination in my life.
A bit "matchy-matchy" is what my friend calls me.
Love that Stella line and of course Joel Dewberry's, also!
Posted by: Teresa | Nov 09, 2012 at 12:02 PM
This is a great idea for showcasing your fabrics and how well they can be co-ordinated in such a simple yet stunning way. I am also looking forward to your next project...I am pretty new to quilting and just getting back to sewing creatively after a 20 year hiatus, so looking to get some inspiration from you all. All pillows look fab, my faves are those made by Iga and Tara...well done everyone!
Posted by: Karen | Nov 11, 2012 at 05:20 AM
LOVE ALL THE PILLOWS. ITCHING TO MAKE ONE MYSELF. LOVE ALL THE FABRICS. BEST SHOP ON THE WEBB.HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE.
Posted by: ODILE | Dec 02, 2012 at 08:44 AM