Christmas Is Coming...A Quick Tutorial

I decided to make these into pillows instead of potholders. I'm not sure I could see a grease stain on these. With pillows I can take them out once a year and they'll last a long time. So many of you asked how I made these, so I put together a brief tutorial. Start with a really cute picture that your children have drawn for you. The first step is to transfer the essence of the drawing into a simple line drawing.

I used my studio window as a light box and taped the drawings to the window, put paper over them and traced. You might be able to use a copier too. I added little details like the belt, mittens and buckle free hand. I just traced the outline to get me started, but you can trace it all if that works best for you.
Now, go to your copy machine and make several copies of this drawing. Cut out the shapes that are in the drawing. Be sure to extend the legs and arms (those will tuck under the body).
When you have your paper patterns cut, you may want to mark them with an "X" on the right side. This will prevent you from cutting parts upside down.

Prepare your fabrics with fusible web following manufacturer's directions. I use heat and bond light. Trace your patterns onto the paper side of the fusible. Be sure to put the "X" sides down when you trace.
The next step is to prepare your background. I used some recycled linen. Your background will need to be stabilized, or when you do your raw edge applique stitching, your piece will pucker. I use a lightweight fusible stabilizer. I iron it to the back of my fabric and then I have a nice stable surface for stitching.
Place your pattern pieces in the correct positions. Use the original drawing as a guide. When you are satisfied with the placement, fuse in place. I usually do this work on my pressing board, so there is no moving involved.

Now it's time to add the life to your piece. This is done by stitching around the pattern pieces with black thread. I stitch as close to the edge as possible. Don't worry about retracing your thread. This is a child's drawing. A little whimsy is a good thing. I usually have to do a lot of stopping and starting with a piece like this.
If you want to emphasize something, stitch over a line a couple of times. I did that on the arms and hands on this one. Add the eyes or other details with French knots or other embroidery stitches. I did the letters by machine. Go slow and easy on curves and leave your needle down and adjust every couple of stitches.
I added borders and quilted them to make pillow tops. These are 14" pillows. I think I'm going to give these to my mom and make another set for myself. I'd like them a little bigger.

A couple of hours and you've got a quilty memory. I think they'll make a great Christmas gift!