Another project complete

I just finished the first pillow for my granddaughter and I actually weighed it on the scale to see how much fabric I used and it was a bit over a pound and a half.

I took pictures of the two empty bags of poly-fil or stuffing I had opened for other projects and used the remainder for this pillow. Not only did it empty two bags and I didn't have to buy anymore for the pillow, it got rid of these from under my feet in my sewing closet. Now, I have leg space!
I couldn't get my camera to pick up the thread details, but what I actually did was based this on a crazy quilt from Marguerita McManus and her daughter Sarah Raffuse book, Crazy Shortcut Quilts.

I didn't borrow any of their patterns from the book, but I borrowed their ideas of using batting for a stabilizer behind the fabric and then, I sewed each seam with a different stitch.


What I am so happy and excited about is that this was the first project I have ever completed that didn't pucker or bunch up somewhere.

With following the directions in the book, I ensured my fabric was ironed, my batting was ironed and I pinned the straightened and straightened and pinned until I knew it was right.

The results came out great and even hubby said he was surprised at how fast I had it quilted.

Has Anyone Tried These Products and New Projects

I am wondering if anyone has tried any or all of the following products for back pain or to correct your posture? I found them in Gaiam and they are a tad bit pricey, so if they are good products, I may try one, but if not, why waste my money?

1. Ergonomic Seat Cushion for proper posture and back alignment? Approximate cost is $43.
2. Back Joy, a bit smaller and designed differently, but supposed to help with back pain and the approximate cost on this is $49.
3. Tush Cush, has a wedge designed but relieves back pressure. Approximate cost is $39 and while Gaiam used to carry this product, they no longer do, but you can go to tushcush dot com and buy it directly from the manufacturer, a family owned business.
4. The backstrap deluxe, a belt with thermal balls designed to give acupressure relief at this time on sale for $49.99 regular $100. Yowsers!
5. The ball chair? Looking for someone who has used this at work on computers or for sewing?

So, please let me know if any of you have tried these products or give me your opinion as I value all of your comments.

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NEW PROJECTS!
I have actually decided to start some quilting, but start out slowly and small since I can't sit for hours at a time. So, I ordered a small project I can take my time with and put up on the hall quilt rack & anyone who knows me, knows why I got this one. It came from Connecting Threads and it was on back order for awhile.

It has adorable little snowmen on it and really cute borders and some embroidery work that sold me on it. The embroidery says:
'Let it S***, Let it S***,' you fill in the blanks.

I am not allowed to say the word until at least December as my hubby and several other people are pretty convinced I am a S*** Witch and can make the beautiful white flakes of cold float down from the heavens just by thinking of it.

Come to think of it, today is a gray and gloomy day and the kids would be so happy if they looked out their school window and saw the sun! Gotcha, some of you thought I was going to say the other "S" word didn't you?

The other thing that arrived yesterday was this wonderful book by Marguerita McManus and her daughter Sarah Raffuse who are 2 amazing women that I follow on a regular basis and it is a book about how you can cut lots of time making crazy quilts! If you quilt, you really must follow these 2 wonderful women as they have lots of wonderful things to say, are gracious to share with you, and do wonderful helpful You Tube videos! Do not miss the chance to meet these two awesome ladies!

I am also going to start up my giveaways again in the next few weeks, so please, look for them and tell others about them. The first one will be all sewing related!

Can't Afford a Quilters Ironing/Pressing Board

I don't know about many of you, but when I think about how expensive it can be (over $100) for a quilters ironing board, I somehow wish I had another hobby.

While they are wider than most ironing boards, the same width all the way across and longer, I just can't seem to part with that kind of cash in todays tough economy and with me not knowing how much longer I will be unable to work.

If you want to learn how to make your own board, simply and much more reasonably, click on over to Crazy Shortcut Quilts and watch Marguerita's video on how to make your own and if you have a closet, you can just tuck this one out of the way.

I really think this is the best way to go for those of us who don't have an entire room dedicated to quilting. For me, I could tuck this behind my china cabinet as I do my large table sized cutting mat.

If you get over to Crazy Shortcut Quilts, be sure to tell Marguerita, you heard about her from the Quilting Ranny.