Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Modern Quilters of Ireland Christmas Swap

I should have told you about this finish a month ago, but just never got around to blogging about it.  Back in October I signed up for the Modern Quilters of Ireland Christmas swap.  We were each to make a 18 x 18 inch cushion cover and one tree decoration.  I hummed and hawed for quite some time, looking for inspiration.  I knew my partner, which helps a HUGE amount.  We also received a little description of our partner's likes and dislikes, too: "Love fresh modern designs, cute whimsical ideas and colours, playful characters for a house of young people".  I waited for inspiration to strike.  

Finally I found a tutorial on Fandom in Stitches with a free pattern to paper piece Rudolph!  Oh, the happiness!  After a bit of fabric shopping with my parents over Thanksgiving (I'll tell you about that later)  I started creating my child hood friend in fabric.



The pattern is easy to follow - just sew on the line.  However, it's the most involved, intricate pattern that I've ever tried.  I will say it came together without a hitch, thank goodness.  As the block finished at 10 inches, I added on two Kona white borders to lighten the cushion up a bit, followed by a red peppermint print to bring out his nose.  It's quilted in concentric squares - nothing earth shattering, but I thought the focus should really be on Rudolph himself, not my quilting.  

The back was made from a cute Riley Blake print of Rudolph and his lady friend.  It was perfect.


I feel like I should explain the setting of my photoshoot - I carried this cushion around for 2 days hoping to get a bit of sun to snap a photo or two.  It was dark before work, dark after work and rained during the day.  I had to bring it to work and photograph it on office furniture in the building's atrium.  You would not believe the weird looks passing in my direction.

And finally I used this tutorial to create my ornament. I really really really enjoyed the process of making this ornament and see myself making more in the future.  They'd be a great project for when travelling.


To see what others in the group created, check out this post.  Thank you, Fiona (my swap mama) for organizing - I enjoyed this swap so very much!  Thank you, too, to Louise.  I received the most beautiful scrappy wonky star cushion from her.  We all know I love scrappy stars!  It's a total hit, Louise.  




15 comments:

Annabella said...

It's beginning to feel....oh shoot, it's been and gone :-) Sooooo cute!

Mamasqd said...

Love it...turned out gorgeous! Glad you like the wonky stars....definitely on the to do list for my house:)

Canadian Abroad said...

Love that cushion!

Sarah said...

Beautifully pieced! Such a cute swap gift.

helenjean@midgetgemquilts said...

Your cushion was absolutely fantastic Cindy and I am sure the little ones loved it. The little tree ornament was great too.

Archie The Wonder Dog said...

I love him!

Jacinta O' Shea said...

This has been a real focal point in my house this Christmas. Everyone commented on how fantastic this was. I am going to miss Rudolf from the sofa as I pack away my Christmas bits thanks again Cindy xxx

Katy Cameron said...

I can totally believe the weird looks, I get weird enough ones announcing at lunchtime that I'm popping over to the multi-storey to take a quilt photo!

He does look grand though :o)

Tina said...

He's adorable!

Kirsten said...

Such a cutie - love his red nose!!

Tomomi McElwee said...

He is just so cute!!

Judith, Belfast said...

That's one adorable Rudy! Jxo

Nicky said...

He is totally gorgeous and a bit Banbi like too

Ruth said...

I can definitely see bambi in him - so cute! I'd have trouble packing him away for a year too!

Unknown said...

Wow great pillow!! Love the fabrics!

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