I’m originally from Missouri and wanted to make a pillow with the shape of the state. Luckily it has a cool shape and isn’t just a square like Colorado or Wyoming.
I’ve had my Echino by Etsuko Furuya linen for a while and haven’t really used it. Since it has a patchwork look (and I combined two different prints) I thought it would work well.
This pillow had 2 ‘firsts’ for me. Applique using the Freezer Paper Method* and hand quilting. This was a small quilting job and I didn’t hate either process. Who knows, maybe I’ll try it again.
I made a zipper back because the envelope backs don’t hold up very well around here.
The front blue fabric is Kaufman Quilters Linen and the back is a Moda Bella solid. I did add a strip of a 3rd Echino fabric. Love those blue cars!
For the machine quilting on the back I used Aurifil Mako 2813, it’s a variegated thread that matches the front fabrics perfectly.
I printed a shape of Missouri off Google image search. This is the first time I’ve appliqued like this and I really like how the Missouri shape kind of pops out of the fabric. It would be fun to do a pillow for a kid’s room using the letters in their name.
Labels
These are great for all sewing projects and quilts. I purchased them at Ikaprint on Etsy.
Use coupon code 627HANDWORKS for 5% off your order. They are made in France and shipping is really fast!
Freezer Paper Applique Method
- Trace your shape onto the non-waxy side of the freezer paper
- Cut the shape out of the paper (not the fabric)
- Iron the freezer paper onto the right side of the fabric
- Trim your fabric around the shape leaving a 1/4″ seam allowance
- Peel off the freezer paper
- Place the freezer paper non-waxy side down onto the back side of your fabric
- Fold the seam allowance over to the waxy side of the freezer paper
- Iron down the fabric seams onto the waxy side of the paper (At this point your shape should have smooth fabric edges with the raw cut edges ironed under)
- Heavily pin your applique shape onto your main fabric
- Blind stitch all the way around and remove pins
- Turn your fabric over and cut a slit in middle of where your applique piece is, careful not to cut the applique shape
- Trim out the fabric of the main area out leaving a 1/2″ around your stitches and pull out the freezer paper
Thrifty Pillow Tip
Use old sheets or store bought sheets for the interior lining. Only you will see it! I also save scrap batting from quilt projects to use for pillows and smaller projects. The lining on this pillow is part of a sheet set I purchased at Target on clearance. A lot cheaper than fabric or muslin and it’s fun when you unzip it.

July 16, 2013 at 5:38 pm
love it!! Nice to have things around that bring up good memories!! By the way, were do you get your labels? They look fantastic!!
July 16, 2013 at 5:51 pm
Ikaprint on Etsy! They come from France but shipping is surprisingly fast. http://www.etsy.com/shop/ikaprint
July 16, 2013 at 5:54 pm
So cool!!! I love how you did the patchwork. Thanks for the easy applique tips too! I must try this!
July 16, 2013 at 6:10 pm
That’s so cute, I love it! The cars are the bee’s knees!
July 16, 2013 at 7:41 pm
I love those tags! And the pillow, of course.
July 16, 2013 at 8:20 pm
Amazing what you can learn , Nice pillow. I save old bed pillows and after a good wash they make great stuffing for my grand daughter’s small pillows that she has been making with me for her family and friends for 3 years, (she’s 9 now) so I will teach her the freezwer paper method next. Thanks for the Method instructions.
July 16, 2013 at 8:28 pm
That turned out awesome!
July 16, 2013 at 11:12 pm
See that third purple dot from the left? That’s where I live, Jefferson City!
I love your Show-me pillow!
July 17, 2013 at 1:25 am
I alway love hand applique and hand quilting.
July 17, 2013 at 6:57 am
I love your pillow and the fabric is beautiful. Also loving your little label. Where do you have them made up?
July 17, 2013 at 1:49 pm
Use code 627HANDWORKS for 5% off your order.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ikaprint
July 17, 2013 at 9:15 pm
Thanks so much Julie!
July 22, 2013 at 8:22 am
I grew up in MO so of course your design caught my eye. I love it! I was raised outside KC in Plattsburg and as a teen moved to Lake of the Ozarks region near Camdenton. Now I live in East TN a lot like lake only bigger mountains!
Great idea for RV
October 17, 2013 at 10:30 pm
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July 18, 2013 at 12:03 am