Autumn Vibes Pillowcases : :

I'm a little later than I had hoped getting to my blog today, but I had a super productive sewing day. Hooray! I sewed from 8:30am to 2:00pm and I was able to complete & cross off  SEVEN small projects from my Sun Kissed to-make list. I'm hoping to make many of these new-to-me projects again with Autumn Vibes, once Quilt Market weekend is over, but for today I want to share one of my favorite Autumn Vibes sewing finishes to date -- these gorgeous pillowcases!



I would love nothing more than to have a set of sheets for our bed made using each of my fabric collections. Wouldn't that be dreamy? There's always a few standout designs that are so perfect for bedding, that now when my rolls of advanced yardage arrive, making a set of pillowcases for myself has become tradition!



I love picking and pulling prints from the twenty quilting cottons that make up each collection to begin my pillowcase making! Have you ever tried to make your own? It's incredibly simple and is such a great way to admire your most favorite fabrics!

I've made so many over the years that I've been sewing, always using FITF's Pretty Quick Pillowcase tutorial, which includes fancy French Seam instructions that result in a beautiful finish. I love making them so much that I offer orders anytime for custom pillowcases in my Etsy Shop!



For these first two Autumn Vibes pillowcases I used,

Pressed Ablossom Royal + Cozy Ditzy Plum + Harvest Trails Vanilla - -



Foxes In Fall + Fall In Love Serene + Midfall Trellis Pumpkin - -

I made both of these pillowcases in just a short sewing session and would love nothing more than to make a dozen more, mixing and matching my Autumn Vibes prints all day long! Recently I shipped a quilt order inside of one as a special thank you gift to my customer, and now I think that will become my go-to for all quilt orders that come through my Etsy Shop. They're so much fun to make and I'm always so pleased with how they turn out!



I really hope today's Autumn Vibes project inspires you!  xo Maureen

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* You can find the list of online retailers currently carrying Autumn Vibes under ----- MY ART GALLERY FABRICS

Garden Dreamer Sewing : :

Today I thought I'd pop in to share a few more of my recently finished Garden Dreamer projects! I've been working on some very fun sewing for the upcoming LookBook which I'll be sharing in full very soon.

Using all twenty pieces in the quilting cotton collection I had to whip up a patchwork holiday stocking. I love making these so much, how could I not treat myself to one in Garden Dreamer!



Always searching for a way to make use of my collection of knits, I chose to line this one with my Diamond Fragments knit. I love the way this substrate works for lining both these stockings and the bags I've been making lately. While making these projects I've noticed that I'm becoming more and more comfortable sewing with knits, so hopefully I'll be ready to tackle some garments soon enough!



Perhaps my favorite thing about making these stockings are the flower clusters I dress them up with! This one is a combination of Garden Dreamer, wool blend felt, and recycled sari twine purchased years ago from Anthropologie that couldn't be more perfect!



I also made a set of cozy pillowcases using my Twinkle star and Bumble prints in both of their colorways to showcase how well these work for sewing for both boys & girls. This first one features Twinklestar Blue with Bumble Buzz!



And this one is Twinklestar Berry with Bumble Beez!



Such a sweet pairing for bedding! I'm really looking forward to seeing these used in garments, as well!



Finally I have just a peek of my Garden Dreamer Herringbone Quilt. I offer this pattern in my Quick Quilt As You Go Craftsy Class and it will forever be a favorite of mine. I can't wait to see this one photographed as a whole!



I'm pretty certain I added in every color of AGF Pure Element solids that matched Garden Dreamer that I had in my stash and then I finished it with my yellow plaid, Terra Firma in Sunlit print for the binding. I'm so happy to finally have such a sunny yellow to sew with, it's one of my most favorite colors!



If you're looking, Fat Quarter Shop,  Llama Fabrics,  Lady Belle Fabric, and  Circa 15 Fabric Studio are all selling full collection stacks of Garden Dreamer in a variety of cuts! I'm so excited that AGF releases such beautiful LookBooks to celebrate the launch of each new collection. I'm really looking forward to sharing it with all of you and I hope you love these fabrics as much as I do!

♡ Maureen  

The Nightfall Parade | | Nightfall Pillowcases : :

Today begins the second week of the Nightfall Parade!! I hope you're all enjoying this series of projects featuring my new Nightfall collection for Art Gallery Fabrics!



I would love nothing more than to have a set of sheets for our bed made using my Nightfall fabrics. Wouldn't that be dreamy? These designs are so perfect for bedding and I've already figured out the math for making a custom queen size set! When the advanced yardage that I receive as a fabric designer for AGF arrived, it was a sincere consideration. But these rolls are precious and with all the sewing I do each week, they seem to dwindle down so fast as it is. Since I couldn't commit to a sheet set just yet, I settled for the next best thing -- brand new Nightfall pillowcases!



I love making pillowcases! Have you tried? It's incredibly simple and is such a great way to admire your favorite fabrics!

I've made dozens over the several years that I've been sewing, always using FITF's Pretty Quick Pillowcase tutorial, including French Seam instructions that result in a beautiful finish! By now I could probably make a pillowcase using this tutorial blindfolded, so I stuck with what I know to make the ones I'm sharing today. Still, I have to direct you all to the amazing tutorial kelbysews just shared for her own set of Nightfall pillowcases & matching pouch! Kelly used the Nightfall prints that were included in this month's Stash Builders Box, a subscription for makers that's delivered to your door each month including 3 yards of designer fabric, thread, a signature pencil, and an exclusive pattern -- how awesome is that! Below are the beautiful pillowcases Kelly made and her tutorial can be found right HERE!



Kelly's work is such a beautiful example of how well both my Bird of Night owls and Moon Stories prints work for making pillowcases, so I decided to make my own this morning using different fabric variations, specifically to showcase my Magical Gust print in both colorways!

First up, Magical Gust in Fog + Aura Fletchings + Nox Iridescence Aglow - -



I chose the creamy white colored Aurifil 50wt from my thread set to pair up with this collection of fabrics and it made such a pretty combination!





I love the Aura Fletchings as the pillowcase trim here, I think this print was the perfect choice to divide the main floral from the dragonfly accent fabric, I love it!



For the second pillowcase I used the other Magical Gust colorway in Crisp as the main fabric, my Labyrinthine in Dawn blender as the trim, and my Lunation in Bright moon phase print for the pillowcase cuff.  I chose a Jade thread color from my Aurifil set to use for the exposed stitching. I love the contrasting blueish green color against the yellow fabric and how visible it is this time!







I made both of these pillowcases just this morning and would love to make a dozen more, mixing and matching my Nightfall prints all day long! These might just become my go-to Christmas gift this year, they're so much fun to make and I'm really happy with how they turned out!



I really hope today's Nightfall Parade projects have inspired you, too!  ♡ Maureen

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* You can find the list of online retailers currently carrying Nightfall under my SHOP my Fabrics page -----> https://maureencracknellhandmade.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html

A Scrappy Arrow Stitched Pillowcase : :

It's been a couple of years now since I've made a pillowcase. I've made them for a pillowcase drive and with a friend, but never have I made any for our very own beds. This morning I pulled this Arrow Sketch Stitch patchwork from my work in progress basket and decided to turn it into a first quilted pillowcase for US!



A quick glance at the Pretty Quick Pillowcase Tutorial with French seam instructions that I've always used for pillowcase-making and I felt confident turning my abandoned patchwork into something fun and useful!

I used some leftover Folk Plaid binding for the trim, easy & perfect!



I found just the right piece of a Honey Pure Element solid in my scrap bin to use for the cuff. The French seams really make a perfect pillowcase finish inside and out!



I love these colors & fabric prints so much together and my Aurifil thread arrow sketch, with all the Janome built-in stitch details, really makes it special!!



Haila approves, hooray!



♥ Maureen

New Sewing Projects : :

I'm definitely enjoying the one night a week I'm allowing myself to indulge in a new sewing project. I have so many orders and unfinished wips right now, the most I have ever had for sure, so I'm sticking to a schedule and list for the most part. Permitting myself just one night a week for something new, for now, until I'm all caught up. If that ever happens!!

Last week was a Glimma quilt! This time, I finally gave into my craving to make something with just solids! Enter -- Buffalo Check!



A simple idea, I know! Beginning with lots of 3.5" square cuts of Pure Element solids in White Linen, Sandstone, and Moonstone.



A little late-night chain piecing on my Janome!



And, I am loving the result of this simple patchwork!



Seeing it all come together was really fun! I would love to make another quilt in this Buffalo Check plaid pattern, maybe in another color scheme, since this is going to be a Man-pillow Birthday gift! I could also, very easily, type up a tutorial for this pillow project if anyone is interested? Just let me know!



Yesterday, one of my girlfriends came over with her sewing machine and we made pillowcases with a favorite Indie print, Dynasty in Saffron, and a little Pure Element in Moonstone again. Yellow & Grey is always such a great combo!



We laughed so hard when I unfolded my stash of this print! I have A LOT!!!



For the pillowcases, we used this wonderful tutorial from FITF. The addition of that little strip of trim and the french seams are so smart! I first used it back in December for a pillowcase drive and for holiday gift giving, which was so enjoyable I declared to never purchase another pillowcase ever again!



The end result of our first, little sewing session was two new, beautiful pillowcases -- made in less than two hours, with lots of coffee, and chatting about starting a sewing club!



Thanks for all your help and suggestions on your own experiences with sewing groups! Something fun, laid back, and easy is exactly what I hope it will be!

Today, I have three Fox Pillows to finish and a giveaway with the Fat Quarter Shop in the works for tomorrow! Be sure to stop back!!  ♥, Maureen

Pillowcases for Newtown : :

I shared the details of a pillowcase drive happening on Monday, and today I want to share our stack! In recap, Quilter's Corner in CT is hoping to collect at least 600, to be delivered to the Sandy Hook Elem school, after the return from holiday break.



Yesterday we mailed out five pillowcases, one from each of us Cracknell's. It felt good to put my hands to good use. I am extremely grateful for both the opportunity to make something that may bring a little comfort to at least a few of those poor students and for the gentle conversation it pioneered for me with my two youngest while we did our making.





For two of the three we made together, we used FITF's wonderful Pretty Quick Pillowcase Tutorial. We combined some beautiful organic cotton fabrics -- a Cloud9 Monsterz print, along with one of my very favorite's -- this Mod Squad Organic print by Birch, with some of Lizzy House's perfect, soft stripes, from her Hello Pilgrim collection, a little of Joel Dewberry's new Notting Hill, with just a teeny bit of Willow Dot by RBD.



My daughter took this photo while I was sewing one up and Jacob was controlling the foot petal. I don't have too many pictures of me sewing, so I think this is special and looks really cool!



During the day on Monday and again yesterday, I finished up this stack of flannel & voile pillowcases. Two more to add to the ones we sent out, and three to be gifted to our children's wonderful teachers! Most of the flannel & voile I used is by Anna Maria Horner. Combine those two and it is certain to make for some gorgeous, comfy pillowcase stitching!



Almost immediately after sharing news of the drive and throughout the last few days, more than a few people have asked, "Why pillowcases?" Since my involvement in this pillowcase drive is to help spread the word and to join in myself, I don't want to speak for anyone, and I also don't want to ignore anyone. My own answer right away was, "Well, my obvious first thought is simply -- to bring a little comfort. I know it is a very small gesture, but there is a lot of love that goes into making anything with your hands. It would bring me a little joy to know that there are so many who are thinking, praying, and trying their best to lift up those impacted by this unthinkable tragedy. When I saw the post, I just wanted to share it." 

Since then, I have learned that Pillowcase Projects, sometimes called "Sweet Dreams Pillowcase Projects" are being organized all the time, all over -- to make to send to shelters, hospitals, children's homes, and to service members. It really is a beautiful idea and one that I would love to keep going! Please let me know if you are interested?! I also watched on the news a story of a Portland family sending 26 wreaths to a Fire House in Newtown, here's a video clip of one First Responder's reaction, which moved me to tears.The man in the video explains much better than I ever could, why these small gestures make a big difference!

Mail your pillowcases to : : 
Quilters Corner
312 Danbury Rd
New Milford, CT
06776.

Take care, friends,
♥,  Maureen

Today : :

Following the tragic event that took place in CT this past Friday, continuing with my planned post for today just doesn't feel right. On Saturday my heart was heavy as we celebrated my little girl's 6th Birthday with a Princess party for her and the girlfriends from her Kindergarten class. Her party was full of pretty princess things, a lot of which I made on Friday as I watched in tears, as the news came in. I had planned to share my princess makings but today instead, I pulled a stack of fabrics from my stash to make pillowcases to send to Quilter's Corner in Milford, CT, who is collecting them to offer to the students at Sandy Hook Elementary after the holiday school break.



I know it is a very small gesture to offer, I know we are all feeling so helpless right now! But when I read the request, as a maker I knew that I could join in, gift something made with love and with my hands, and help spread the word. My hope is that it may bring some comfort to so much pain, that it might connect our family to those who receive our gift, and that they might feel our love in a tangible way.

Because this event cannot be diminished by time, I still would like to share my daughter's special day here. She is such a bright blessing to our family and everyone who knows her. After a day of so much sadness and emotion, celebrating her special day did bring a lot of joy to our family and friends, and of course, I would love to share that joy with all of you, as well!

If you are looking for a way to help the victims and community of Newtown, you can join me in making pillowcases (detail are here), this is a great article listing many different outlets, and I am certain there will be many other ways we can help popping up throughout the day and weeks ahead. I will add them here, as I read them. Please feel free to leave any links or information you have of ways to help in the comments, as well!

Sending my love and healing thoughts to all of you! ♥,  Maureen