Playful Pillows - Think outside the square!

It's time for the monthly Island Batik Challenge!  I had a time deciding what kind of pillow to make for the May challenge, not that I don't have any experience with pillows, maybe because of that!  I wanted to do something really fun and different, but was really caught up in thinking of a square or rectangular throw pillow with embellishments or an interesting quilt block. 

Then, for some reason I thought about making a pillow for my neck - I've really noticed that it would be nice to have some extra support when I sit in the evening and relax.  A quick look on pinterest reminded me of a really cute and fun pattern I've been wanting to make!  Pinterest is really terrific for ideas.  I had even forgotten that I have a whole board of cute pillow ideas.

So, on with my project - this is a super fast and fun pattern that would make awesome gifts.  It's from Sew4Home and is called a 30 minute Neck Pillow.  And you really can make it just that fast!  The fabrics I used were provided by Island Batik and are from the Blue Moon line.  I used Wheat in French Blue, Mountains in Purple and Bark in Jelly.  I had a fat eighth bundle and the pieces were the perfect size for my pillow.  Plus the ribbon trim around them was just the right size to use for the end loops on the pillow - bonus! 

I downloaded the pattern pieces, cut out and taped them together, then pressed and cut out all three pieces at once.

Just three seams to sew it all together - don't forget to leave that hole to turn it right side out and add the stuffing!

Stuffing is the hard part.  I really have a difficult time deciding how much is just enough!  It takes quite a bit to fill this one up just right, but I had the perfect amount in my bag.

After you get it stuffed, use a ladder seam to close up the opening.  And that's it!  I think the batik fabric makes a really nice smooth pillow.  This one will be traveling with me in the car for sure - no more cramped up neck from dozing off watching the scenery go by!

Looks like I just woke up from a good nap :)  Guess I could have tamed that wayward curl before I took this picture, but you got the real life me this time!  I love the way this pillow cradles your neck.

It's hard to get a really good picture because it's such an odd shape! 

I still have plenty left from my Blue Moon bundle for more projects.  I used Aurifl 50 wt thread to sew it together - I was using this for another project and it doesn't really match these fabrics, but close enough.  If I'm working with a heavier fabric I usually use 40 wt thread, but for these batiks I think the 50 weight will hold up just fine.  This side of the pillow is my favorite - such a pretty shade of blue!

Make sure you keep your eye out for more fun pillows by the Island Batik Ambassadors (click the tab at the top of my blog to see the blog list).  Go have fun and make a quick project - it'll put a smile on your face!