You’ve heard me refer to this one in the weekly newsletter a few times, which is why I’m so excited to finally be getting this Refracted Star big stitch hand-quilted pillow on the blog for you!
It’s been an unexpected quilty adventure that kicked off years ago, when I was invited to curate a custom fabric bundle! You just never know where a stack of fabric might take you.
Read on to hear how a bundle featuring my least favourite colour then led to the most loved pillow I’ve made to date, which is saying quite a bit given how many I’ve made – ha!
For more fabric pull inspiration, check out:
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Colour discussion
Are you a brown lover?
What are your thoughts on stitching with the colour brown? I used to be anti-brown. Nothing against the colour, it just wasn’t my jam.
Then something strange happened.
I was working on a quilt and it was missing something. It wasn’t until I pulled in some Curry that the colourway felt harmonious and complete. Never in a million years would I have thought that this puke brown colour would be the missing link to a happy fabric pull, but it was!
Ever since that quilt experience, I’ve looked at brown with a fresh perspective. Good thing too, as brown kept popping up on my radar.
- It was mentioned in a design video that brown was making a comeback
- I was asked to curate a fabric pull featuring brown.
- I was sent Chocolate fabric by mistake.
These incidents led to me accepting the universe was sending me signs that I needed to play with brown. So, I did!
First project featuring brown
The first project was this wall hanging I tested for Wendy when she released her Urban Quilting book. I then used the scraps left over from that project to create this improv quilted wall hanging.
And remember that fabric pull I curated? Well, that one sat in my fabric stash for a while until I was drafting the Refracted Star quilt block for the Quiltmas Spectacular in 2022.
Pillow details
Orphan block
I quite liked the original test block in these warm shades of brown, cream, and sand, with a pop of colour from light and deep turquoise. Guests who visited while I was working on the blocks were instantly drawn to this earthy version.
So, I decided it needed to be used instead of languishing in my WIP pile. Since my little brother had an important birthday last year, I decided to turn the orphan quilt block into a quilted cushion.
Modifying the design
To bring it up in size, I added some borders. But instead of just going with simple borders, I opted to add a little detail to continue the design into the border area.
It was a simple change, but I love how it elongates the design on one side, while still keeping the focus on the central Refracted Star motif.
The quilting
When it came time to quilt her up, I initially thought I would opt for machine quilting. I even had my threads selected.
But, for some reason, I had a change of heart and felt she needed to be hand-quilted. I’m so thrilled I decided to follow my heart and not stick with my original plan – ha! The big stitch hand quilting really adds lovely texture and dimension to the final design. Those stitches just make you want to reach out and touch it!
The pillow backing
I went with an improv backing. I thought my brother might like having the option to flip it around and get two looks in one.
And since I love a good improv quilting session, that’s what I went for.
The final design is quite simple, but what I love about it is how it connects to the front design. I thought it was cool to have that continuation between the front and the back.
Have you tried something similar?
The closure detail
You know my love for details, I truly believe it’s paying attention to those smaller details that elevate your projects.
While inserting a metal zipper takes longer than a simple envelope pillow closure, I love how sturdy and complete a zipper closure feels. I particularly love the weight and prettiness of a YKK Zipper. They open and close smoothly and seeing that shiny metal makes it feel more elevated.
If working with metal zippers intimidates you, I hear you. I was on the fence wanting to use them for years before I finally dove in and played around. I share some of my top tips with you in this How to Insert a Metal Zipper Tutorial.
Make it Your Own
To add similar details to your own Refracted Star Quilt Block Pattern, here are the materials and notions you’ll need:
- Refracted Star Quilt Block Pattern
- Kona Cotton in:
- Borders
- (2) 4.5″ x 12.5″
- (2) 4.5″ x 20.5″
- 50wt Aurifil thread for piecing
- Pearl cotton thread for hand-quilting
- Sewing machine
- Cutting mat
- Rotary cutter with these blades
- Ruler – long
- Ruler – short
- Iron
- Wool pressing mat
- Pins
- Small scissors
- Pin cushion
- Erasable marking tool
- Feather pillow insert – these are my fave!
Shop my most used notions here.
For more pillow sewing ideas, check out:
Quilted cushions are a great way for you to explore new ideas without committing a crazy amount of time or materials. If you haven’t tried stitching them up, I encourage you to give it a go. Just be forewarned, once you start making pillows it’s hard to stop!
Download your Refracted Star quilt block pattern to get started today!
Happy quilting!
xo
Shannon
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Brown can be such a useful color in quilting. I love seeing it paired with mint here in your pillow and I’m glad you were open to exploring its possibilities when the universe was so clearly opening the door. 🙂
We’ve got to stay open to the creative possibilities, right?! That’s definitely been a learning in my quilting practice to date. It’s a good reminder in life too 😉
About 2 eons ago, I made a brown quilt. About the same shade. Light, soft, color almost tan. A Grandmother’s Fan pattern. That was during my “learn to quilt with $0.99 fabric.” But it’s every one’s favorite for cuddling, tv movie night. “Mother Earth tone” Love your pattern and the color combo. Thanks!
I love that, Joan!! And you’re so right about the colours being mother earth toned, can never go wrong with that!!