Just over a year ago, when I first started sewing, I came up with a list of things I wanted to make. At the very top of that list were new throw pillows, placemats and pot holders. In all that time, I’ve only managed to make one pillow.* The other items were left by the wayside as more exciting projects caught my attention in quick succession.

The home dec projects now have a new glamour for me. It’s possible the chilly weather we’re experiencing here in the mornings has reminded me of the approach of the cold, dark rainy months ahead and the need for bright and cheerful comforts.

I’d been hoarding a bunch of Joel Dewberry fabrics and thought it was high time to cut into them. They’ll be appearing in a lot of my next few projects. The pillow on the left was made by following Dacia Ray’s tutorial for a Log-Cabinish pillow. I recalculated the size of the pieces for my smaller pillow form. It was fun to make.

The pillow on the right was inspired by a project in The Impatient Patchworker. I’m hoping the free motion quilting becomes a little less stressful as I practice it more. I have a hard time keeping my loops smooth and rounded rather than sharp and pointed. I had to take a long lie-down after quilting that one. Luckily, I had some nice pillows to cushion my head.

The cooler weather is also making baking very appealing. I used up a little bit of zucchini, carrots and apples in these muffins. They’re good, but a bit like eating a thick vegetable slaw. I’m going to make something decadent and totally lacking in nutritional value next. Sometimes, you just need to indulge.

*Oops. I’ve actually made two other pillows. I forgot about the shark pillow.