Adorable Appliqué

I have been meaning to blog about several fun things...however, somehow in one of my busiest months of the year, I have contracted another terrible head cold...I have been doing everything in my power to overcome it, as I am headed to Excelsior Springs, MO this weekend to teach a large event. I do have some fun, creative things to share with you...I'm just needing a little extra rest for my health....I will try to get a couple things posted this week before my teaching engagement....

Isn't this small appliqué owl pillow just the cutest??! I have several baskets throughout my house that have fun little handmade pillows and pincushions in them and this is my newest addition. The pieces for the owl were cut with the Slice Fabrique using the Animal Frenzy Piecing design card. I was given one of these handheld, cordless, digital design cutters by Making Memories as a gift...and it is quite a unique cutting tool - I am still learning, and have found it a bit more challenging than the videos I have seen - but as I learn, I am sure I will find it a wonderful addition to my sewing studio - I will tell you, from my limited experience, if you are in the market for one of these cutters - try one first and see what you think...and if you make the purchase, make sure you follow the directions exactly for decent results. I cut 5" squares with my AccuQuilt GO! fabric cutter for the base and back...and then machine appliquéd the owl. I thought it would be fun to use a little jumbo rick rack around the perimeter and a couple buttons for the eyes. I absolutely LOVE doing machine appliqué, so this was a very satisfying project!

For now, it is back to work - I am going to finish up some class preparations for this weekend...and start deciding which models and charts to take for the mini shop...and if I am lucky, I will get a little extra sleep, as I am feeling quite miserable....