Pillow Patter Needed for a Finish

Last weekend I decided to give the Double Wedding Ring block a try. Actually, my plan was to make a small quilt. That plan evolved into a pillow.  At the beginning I loved the fabrics I chose. 

Then I found that they were too traditional. I tried a couple of different approaches, but nothing really worked. 

 Then I hit on the idea to par down the project into a pillow that would require less of what I was afraid I would not like.

I'm not sure that my idea was an easy one. I had to rethink the process several times since I didn't have either a pattern or a clear idea of what to do or how.

Never the less, I had fun figuring it out. Once the two round pieces were sewn, I discovered that I had to float them on the long-arm to quilt them. Floating a quilt means just placing the top on the batting but not pinning or attaching it in any way. 

This allows the fabric to move outward as the quilter works from the center toward the outer edges. It takes patience and slow moving to make sure that you don't quilt one section too much because that will cause creases and distortion. 

I also wanted to use different motifs to add dimension and texture to the pillow.  I was afraid that might cause problems, but working slowly and methodically seems to have been the answer.

Of course, because it's round, there are some dimples on the outer edges, which will take a great deal more work to move the filling around, but I didn't have the time or patience.  I'm sure a grandchild will gladly pat the pillow for a while this weekend.

I'll gladly reward the pillow patter if it means I don't have to work the filling toward the edges.

 Have you paid a pillow patter? I'm curious what the going rate is. 

And, my goodness, I have joined some linky parties this week! I thought that since I have such a good resource of bloggers who hold linky parties, I should take full advantage. If you'd like to do the same, click on the link at the top of the page that reads, "50+ Linky Parties."  Really, there are over 50...I counted!

So this week we're linking up with

Really Random Thursday at Live a Colorful Life

Needle and Thread Thursday at My Quilt Infatuation

TGIFF hosted by Quilting is More Fun than Housework

Whoop Whoop Friday at Confessions of a Fabric Addict

Sew Fresh Quilts  (Let's Bee Social)

Free motion Mavericks at Lizzie Lenard Vintage Sewing
Finish It Up Friday at Crazy Mom Quilts

A very special thanks to our many hosts.  Now, go! Visit! Have fun linking up with like-minded quilters.