Patchwork

This week Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge is all about PATCHWORK, whether you like to take paper bits and craft them into quilt-like patterns, patch together some scraps, a quilt, or even work with Tim Holtz fabric, we would love to see where this weeks challenge takes you!

I've recently purchased some of Tim Holtz fabric Eclectic Elements Charm Pack. These pieces of fabric are 10" x 10" and were absolutely perfect for this project. I've also recently purchased a new sewing machine, however, I rarely sew but I do love to add machine stitching to my cards. This week I thought I would challenge myself to work outside my comfort zone and create a rag quilt pillow. This was a real challenge for me as I am absolutely hopeless at sewing!

Simply cut the pieces of fabric 5" x 5". I cut 18 pieces of square fabric and 9 piece of batting. Sandwich the batting in between two pieces of square fabric and then machine stitch across the diagonal to secure. Repeat the stitching on the opposite diagonal to give a cross of stitching on each square piece of fabric.

Sorry about the lighting on this picture I was working late at night! If you look closely you can see each square has machine stitching to create a cross in the centre of each panel. Place the panels onto a flat surface and decide on your arrangement then sew the panels together to create three strips of three. It is then simply a case of machine stitching the panels together, pinning the patterned side of the pieces together. Once all machined together you then add a panel of fabric to the back, I used hessian for a really natural feel to my cushion. Remember to leave a gap to add the stuffing to pad your pillow out. Once completely sewn together, you then simply snip into the seams, remembering not to cut into the machine stitching, the snipping gives the pillow that rag quilt appearance.

I now have this pillow in my spare bedroom to coordinate with the neutral colour palette.

There is a real charm and rustic feel to this piece I love it.

I also love the eclectic mix of fabrics.

From this picture you can see the machine stitching I added to each square panel.

Snipping into the seams to give the rag quilt appearnace really makes this pillow so tactile.

Whilst I was working on my pillow I also thought of another idea, a patchwork like card using the Simon Says Stamp Full Card Hexagons Die.

I began with a scrap of white card which I brayered with Gathered Twigs Distress Ink.

At this stage I decided I wanted to add a lighter contrasting colour to the top.

Scattered Straw Distress Paint was then brayered over the top for some contrast.

To add further interest to the background I applied Scattered Straw Distress Paint to the background stamp from the Classics 4 Stamp Set and then stamped onto the painted background.

I do not work with an acrylic block for this stage as this gives a more random effect to the stamping.

The stamping really pops against the backdrop. Repeat this process until the card is covered with random stamping.

Dry the completed piece with a heat tool.

Once the background was completed I decided to die cut the hexagons from the card.

Tape the die into place and then run through a die cutting machine.

I then decided I needed further dimension on my card and so cut the Grand Peony die from Tim Holtz Crowded Attic Paper Stash. I applied Gathered Twigs Distress Ink to each flower.

Before assembling the flower I added some shape to the edges of each petal.

The Grand Peony really does add wonderful dimension to my card.

A Hitch Fastener has been added to the centre of my Peony.

I love the patchwork of hexagons in the background. Before adhering each hexagon I also applied Black Soot Distress Ink to all the edges to lift the pieces from the backdrop.

I added 'Happy Birthday' to a banner stamped onto Crowded Attic Paper Stash, colouring the edges of the banner with Gathered Twigs Distress Ink. To complete I added a black crow from Wendy Vecchi's Embellish Your Art range.

At this stage I still had the negative piece left from die cutting the hexagons which I also loved so I created a second card.

This time the Grand Peony was cut from a darker shade of card from the Crowded Attic Paper Stash. Again a Hitch Fastener was added to the centre.

I love the open hexagonal piece in the background which also adds an alternative patchwork to the background which I backed onto a piece of Crowded Attic Paper. I added 'Be happy' to the bottom of the card and included a Bee for further dimension again from Wendy Vecchi's Embellish Your Art range.

For more great ideas please pop over to the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge blog and take a look at my fellow team members they have created some inspirational projects. Remember there is also the chance to win a $50 prize from Simon Says Stamp.  I always look forward to seeing your creations each week.

Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment, much appreciated.  Enjoy your week. Tracy x x 

Products Used:

Tim Holtz Fabric Eclectic Elements Charm Pack
Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous Classics 4 Stamp Set
Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous Simple Sayings Stamp Set
Tim Holtz Crowded Attic Paper Stash
Tim Holtz Idea-ology - Hitch Fasteners
Simon Says Stamp Full Card Hexagons Die
Simon Says Clear Stamps Be Sentiments
Distress Paint - Gathered Twigs, Scattered Straw
Distress Inks - Gathered Twigs, Black Soot
Ranger Inky Roller

Heat Tool
Non-Stick Craft Sheet
Spellbinders Donna-Salazar Grand Peony Die
Ink Blending Tool