Happy Dance Pillow

There's been one finish this week using (those orange and pink) scraps that had been piling up. The combination of such warm and happy colours remind me of summer - think peaches, apricots and raspberries.  A very fitting finish for the last week of August!

Starting with the smallest scraps, I make scrappy "blocks".

 I love seeing all those tiny bits of pretty fabric finding new life and purpose in my pillow.  Piecing for this was totally improvised - I just matched up cut sizes as best as I could, trimming only when necessary.  This method lets the "block" develop rather organically and makes each one quite unique. 

 

Once the smallest bits have made the center of my blocks, I can add in longer strips - or even piece odd bits to make strips.  It really doesn't matter to me, as long as my patchwork piece grows (while my scrap pile shrinks ;o)!

 

My new sewing machine has a built in wavy stitch that I had been wanting to try, so that made my choice for quilting my pillow cover easy.  I think it makes a playful complement to the happy dance of colour on this pillow. 

 

The pillow was finished off using a scrap of orange corduroy for the backing, a stashed zipper and a piece of leftover self-made piping. Love all the stash busting this pillow incorporates. ;o)

 

I'm linking up my latest finish with Amanda Jean and friends over at Crazy Mom Quilts for

 Finish it up Friday

and  with Gosia over at Quilts My Way for her summer sewing link-up party;

  Hello, Sunshine!