Island Dreams Pillow: Foundation Pieced Pillow With Art Gallery Fabrics Mediterraneo Collection

I realize that this isn't quite a beginner pattern, but I need a place to post this tutorial, so here it is. :)

Pattern and yardages are for a 20" pillow insert.  This is an envelope style pillow, so no zippers! 

PRO PILLOW TIP: For 20" pillow insert, your finished pillow cover will actually work out to about 19x19.  This ensures that your pillow is nice and plump, even in the corners! 

FABRIC:

For this pillow I am using Katerina Rocella's new Mediterraneo line for Art Gallery Fabrics.    I have chosen to use 5 different contrasting fabrics for the front and a large scale pattern for the back.  

In addition to fabric you will need:

• 2/3 yards of batting (your choice.  I actually used two scrap pieces of white felt yardage and seamed them together because that's what I had handy.  I also use warm & white from Joanns.)
• 20x20 pillow insert  (see below)

I  highly recommend a down filled (or down substitute) pillow filler.  They are more expensive but can be plumped back to their original shape, unlike basic pillow forms.  Here are a few:

• THE ABSOLUTE BEST: https://www.rowleycompany.com/products/down-feather-pillow-inserts-25-75.asp  (choose "Sign in as Guest" to shop)
  
  
  Other Options:
  
  
  https://www.michaels.com/20-x-20-down-pillow-form--595/D004739S.html
  
  
  https://www.amazon.com/20in-Feather-Down-Pillow-White/dp/B002C97HAS
  
  
  https://www.crateandbarrel.com/down-alternative-20-pillow-insert/s604326

• thread
• pompom trim (I found bright pink trim at Joanns that was a perfect match!  It was not on their website or I would have linked it.)
• copy paper or foundation piecing paper (I used Carol Doak's)
• optional: lightweight iron on apparel interfacing
• optional: button for center

1) Slice into that beautiful fabric - yikes!

Here are the pieces you'll need for the foundation pieced blocks:

Please note:  These are the smallest recommended sizes and are actually a bit smaller than usual for foundation piecing because I wanted to save fabric.  Use larger pieces (and purchase additional yardage) if you want to make your life easier. :)

There are 8 total blocks, 4 of each direction.  This pattern has been re-sized and is here for you to print and use with the kind permission of Cheryl Netter, who originally created this free pattern in 1997.

Because the pattern has been resized, you'll need to trim the outside seam allowance down to 1/4" when you trim up your block, before you piece the blocks together! 

Click here to download: https://www.dropbox.com/s/txqtulz0jltg6sk/marinerstar.pdf?dl=0

2) Start piecing your blocks!

I find that it's easiest to piece 1 or 2 in a row and to finish all of one direction before you switch in order to minimize confusion.  

General foundation piecing tips:

- replace your needle after piecing
- reduce your stitch length so that the paper pieces will come out easier (I went down to 1.8)
- if you stitch a piece wrong, you can take it out! (i messed up so many!) Lay your block down with the fabric side facing up and gently rip every other stitch, then gently pull the offending piece off the rest.  Do your best not to tear the paper further!

I felt that it was really hard to explain this block in text so I made a video to show you how I did one of the blocks (mistakes and all!).  Please keep in mind that this is not the easiest of patterns and that there are WAY better explanations of foundation piecing on YouTube if you're still struggling. :) 

3) Seam your blocks together with the paper still attached!  I made sure my points all lined up and pressed my seams open to minimize bulk.  Trim block to 1/4" seam allowance, then gently pick away the paper.  It should come out pretty easily if you reduced your stitch length. I actually used a little tool that came with my Silhouette cutting machine - it's perfect for getting under the paper!  I recommend changing your needle at this point so that it doesn't cause any tension issues due to dullness!

4) Add borders. Yay!  Your compass is done!! That was the hard part!  Now we can get on with our pillow!  Cut the inner border at 1" x 2 or 3 inches longer than the compass block. Cut your outer border (maps) at 3" and 6 inches longer than your block + inner border.  I actually ironed lightweight apparel interfacing to my border strips in hopes of keeping them from getting wonky and I do think it helped somewhat!  Add your left and right inner border, then then the top and bottom.  Then do your left and right outer border and trim.

5) Make your quilt sandwich.  I used a piece of felt I had lying around and stuck a piece of muslin on the back since the cover is removeable.  I used basting spray to put my layers together.  For the products I love and my sandwiching process, click here. 

6) Quilt as desired.  I chose to match my thread to each section.  I also added a vintage mother of pearl button to the center of my pillow because it felt a little empty!  I've included a photo of the back so that you can see the design better:

7) Trim your quilted pillow front to 19.5" x 19.5"

8) Cut your backing to the width of the pillow front and twice as long, especially if you need to play with pattern placement:

9) Cut your backing piece in half and press and sew a hem onto each piece (make sure these are the two that will overlap in the middle of the back of the pillow)  - I used a nice wide hem for a luxurious look.  I chose to overlap my pillow by 6" or 7" to be sure that my filler wouldn't show!  Pin the overlapping pieces together and trim so that they end up 19.5x19.5" when overlapping

10) Clip or pin your front and back together RST with pom pom trim in the middle and your envelope overlapping.  It is VERY important that the pom poms face INWARD!!!  otherwise you'll cry when you flip it right side out! :)  I found that clips were more effective than pins!  Pretty much a sanity saver actually.  I have also found that name brand clips are SO not necessary - I got a super reasonably priced set of 100 on Amazon and split it with a friend!  Identical set here: https://www.amazon.com/MumCraft-Multipurpose-Sewing-Package-Assorted/dp/B001PNIWT2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1523706440&sr=8-3&keywords=quilting+clips&dpID=51tryiUuN4L&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

11) Carefully stitch your layers together, checking frequently to make sure the layers don't slide.  I used my walking foot for limited slippage but next time I will use a zipper foot so the trim doesn't get in the way as much! As for seam allowance, I did just under 1/2".  Because this is an envelope opening cover, you don't need to leave a spot to flip :).  

12) Check to make sure you didn't miss a layer somewhere, then clip corners and turn right side out.  Rejoice!  Your beautiful pillow/cushion is complete!!!

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