A Change of Pace

As much as I enjoy making quilts and dyeing fabric, I have to admit that the occasional out-of the ordinary custom order helps to keep things exciting.
Most times the request is related to something I already make, but involves a bit of a twist.
A while back, someone contacted me about making her a pillow cover. Now, that isn't unusual; I make pillow covers practically every day. It was the pillow she wanted to cover that made this a new and slightly challenging project. She had an already existing bench cushion that she wanted to brighten up. She selected the fabric on this pillow and requested that the sides of the bench cushion cover feature that fabric as well. She also wanted a coordinating hand dyed solid along the bottom and a contrasting edging for the sides.
Before I continue with the images I should mention that when I was in eighth grade I took an aptitude test where I scored well on standard academic pursuits like reading, writing, and math, but failed miserably in the section that determined whether you had a mind for engineering. Ever since then, whenever I manage to "engineer" something, I stick out my proverbial tongue at that stupid test. So, it is with great pleasure that I show off this bench seat cushion.




The customer also wanted a wee little round pillow to match the cushion.



The round pillow did not require any new engineering as it is a lot like this pillow.



I designed it for the Spring 2009 issue of Stitch. So, though it was fun to sew, I didn't have that chest-swelling feeling that comes from proving something wrong. But I did get to enjoy doing something just a little out the the ordinary.