Here is a simple project to get you ready for Fall. It originally appeared in my newsletter last November. If you would like to receive my free e-magazine, The Art of Home, in your inbox- just fill in the box at the upper right to sign up for your FREE subscription. I am working on a new Fall issue right now! 

Last week, I showed you a wool applique project that I have been working on forever.… I promise that this project will be much quicker! You can complete the hand-applique part in just a couple of evenings. I love wool applique because there are NO EDGES to turn under, like in traditional applique with cotton fabrics. Just cut out the pieces, pin them to the background, and start sewing. It’s (almost) instant gratification….

Wool Applique Acorn Pillow Project

Materials:

• Wool or felt in assorted colors: brown, green, orange, gold, red
• Green and Gold pearl cotton, wool thread, or embroidery floss for applique and blanket stitch around
• edges of pillow
• Muslin or scrap fabric to create pillow form
• Poly-fil or other stuffing for pillow
• Applique glue or pins
• Click here for pattern PDF

Instructions:

Trace and cut out pattern pieces (note where patterns overlap). From brown wool, cut out 2 acorn shapes (1 as shown and 1 reversed). From green wool, cut out 2 acorn cap shapes (1 as shown and 1 reversed.)

From gold wool, cut 2 strips about 6 ½ x 1/8” for the stems. Cut 10 leaves from assorted colors of wool.

Use different shades of orange wool for background. Piece and machine stitch together randomly until you get a piece that is about 13 x 22”. Cut piece to 12 x 21 ½”.

For back of pillow, you will need a piece of wool that is also 12 x 21 ½”. This can be pieced together as above, or it can be one continuous piece.

Arrange acorns, stems and leaves on orange pieced pillow front. The acorn caps will overlap the acorns slightly (see pattern sheet).  I put my acorn design on the side of the pillow front with the seam allowances (in other words, the wrong side) to add some extra interest to my pillow. If desired, you can place your design on the “right” side of the pillow front (the side without the seam allowances.) Applique pieces should be at least ½” from the edge of the pillow.

Pin or glue applique pieces to pillow front. Hand stitch in place using green thread. (See above photo.)

Make the pillow form- Cut 2 pieces of muslin or scrap fabric 12 ½” x 22”. Sew together along edges, using a ¼” seam allowance, and leave an opening about 4” long. Turn right side out; stuff with poly-fil through opening. Stitch opening closed.

Place completed wool pillow front and pillow back wrong sides together; pin together. Use gold thread to blanket stitch around edges. Leave an opening about 10” long; insert pillow form into wool pillow cover; complete blanket stitches around edges.

(The instructions and pattern pieces can be found in this downloadable PDF. Click here.)

Are you getting ready for fall (or as the rest of the world calls it, Autumn)?? I am ready for cool breezes and cups of hot cocoa and tea… but I have to say that I’m NOT a fan of the shorter days. I will miss the long days of sunshine!