my first pillow

I am new to quilting, and there are just so many different patterns that I want to try out, but unfortunately having a full-time job seriously restricts my sewing time.  Pillows are a fun and quick way to learn new techniques without having to commit to an entire quilt.  This is my first pillow and my first spiderweb block (though definitely not my last of either!).

I used the spiderweb tutorial written by Elizabeth Hartman from Oh, Fransson! for the Sew, Mama, Sew! sew along.  Her technique uses a fabric foundation rather than a paper piecing. 

A tiny deer!  My sister makes fun of my love for baby deer in Japanese fabric...

       ...but nothing compares to my obsession with pigs!    

I first quilted on both sides of all the diagonal seams and felt that it still needed more but was worried that the center would have too many intersecting lines if I kept on going.  My husband suggested stopping the vertical and horizontal quilting just short of the center, and I am pleased with the results - much less busy than if I had continued the stitching straight through.

I added linen borders and bound the edges like a quilt.

I love this guy!

another detail...

The back is finished with an envelope enclosure and a strip of the binding to hem the opening. 

    

I've entered this pillow into this month's Blogger's Pillow Party.