Published – Fancy Cat Pillow

Posted in Finished Projects, Gift Ideas, Home Accessories, Published by lorimillerdesigns

I have the good fortune to again be published in the Quilting Arts Holiday issue. This time I am sharing my design for a little modern fancy cat pillow. Whether you want to make a nice pouf for your kitty or a fun pillow for a kitty lover, this pattern fits the bill. This fancy cat features cute coral bow ties, this coral color is so fun and I found some fabric with metallic accents. This would be also look pretty stitched up with red bow ties for the holidays too.

This issue is always filled with lot of inspiration and ideas for handmade gifts for the holiday season. I think the striped trees on the cover by Jennifer Heynen are just adorable.

Pillows are a great way to try out your quilting skills too. I used straight stitch walking foot quilting as seen here as well as free motion quilting. This pillow is an envelope style, so you can just cover a pillow form you already have if you want.

Even Cookie Cat approves of this fancy cat pillow. He is always helpful like that when I am trying to take pictures. 🙂

Check out this issue, it should be available now in US stores. Happy Stitching!

7Dec2014

Handmade Holiday: 10 minute Christmas Elf Stocking

Posted in Patterns for Sale by lorimillerdesigns

Today I am sharing some goodies made from one of my own patterns, the Christmas Holiday Elf Stocking. This little stocking stitches up in about 10 minutes and you can use it for everything from an ornament, a gift card holder, a holder for a message from Santa, or to decorate a package to even loading it with silverware to decorate your table. It takes very little fabric and the whole thing can be stitched on your home sewing machine.

There is just one pattern piece to cut out of two coordinating fabrics.

Here are some of my latest combinations. I did iron the fabric. 🙂

You stitch the top together and then fold it in half and stitch the rest.

One piece forms a lining and the contrasting cuff on the stocking.

You can add a ribbon hanger or even a jingle bell to the toe to make it extra cute.

I made six of these little elf stockings for my Holiday place settings. Doesn’t it look cute holding my silverware? I think I will add a candy cane too.

Enjoy!

25Nov2014

Handmade Holiday – Personalized Zip Bags

Posted in Finished Projects, Sewing Accessories by lorimillerdesigns

Last month at my Modern Quilt Guild Retreat, my friend Vicky gifted everyone at the retreat with a personalized zip bag. She tried to personalize the fabrics she chose to match each gals personality too. It was so thoughtful and so cute. It was a wonderful idea and I am not too proud to say that I stole it. I thought it would make great holiday gifts for all of my sewing friends and family. I have a huge stash of sewing themed prints that I have picked up along my travels. It does not take much fabric and who doesn’t love something homemade?!

Here is the bag that Vicky made for me. It features a see thru vinyl zip pocket and on the back there is another pocket.

The pattern is an embroidery pattern where the bag is sewn entirely in the hoop! It is made by Lisa from Pickle Pie Designs.

I have an old Bernina 630e Embroidery Machine and I was able to squeeze it in the mega hoop that I own. All the details for the pattern, size of hoop needed, and types of embroidery machines she supports is on her website. She has a lot of other cute patterns too that you might want to try. You have to have your own alphabet and pattern for any personalization.