Liberty Pillows for Fancy Folks!

Every year, Amber and I make a special gift for our hardworking staff here at Fancy Tiger Crafts. This year we again decided to use Liberty of London fabric - a staff favorite, but also a splurge. We created patchwork pillows for everyone out of Liberty of London fabric and they turned out great!

We used 5" strips of every Liberty print we currently carry (that's 20 different prints!). We cut these into 5" squares and sewed them together in strips of 4 using a 1/2" seam allowance. The fun part was putting these strips together so that each pillow is unique with all different prints.

We used the Essex linen in natural and charcoal to back these lux pillows. Ta da! Sweet gifts from us to all our our lovely staff. Merry Christmas!

New Pillow & Maxfield Gypsy Bandana Fabrics

Summery Gypsy Bandana fabrics are here from Pillow & Maxfield! Bright and colorful, these prints make me dream of sunshine and summertime picnicking under the shade of a cottonwood tree. The 20" panel fabrics are perfect for making a sweet and simple pillow--perhaps to go with that summertime quilt I'm dreaming of?

Our sewing instructor, Sadie has already whipped up a sleeveless schoolhouse tunic in this hot yellow kaleidoscope print Check out the class here!

Better Know A Crafter: Nancy Lowell

Nancy has been crafting up a storm with her appliqued felt pillows! Each of them is a one of a kind creation and Nancy often uses her fabric choices to inspire the imagery she created on the pillows. Most of the pillows have applique on both sides. We love the detail and stitching!

Nancy Lowell

1) What inspires you to be so crafty?

I am a teacher. I cut, paste, and draw all day for my students.


2) Tell us about the pillows you've been making.
I am appliqueing onto pillows I've made. My patterns came out of my head. I use embroidery thread and wool felt.


3) How did learn to applique?
No one taught me how to do this--I just started doing it. It runs in my blood.



4) What is your favorite animal?
My two dogs.

Thanks Nancy! Happy crafting!

Better Know A Crafter: Gina and Minerva

Gina and Minerva visited us in Fancy Tiger and brought along "Prudence", Minerva's new backpack/pillow/owl. So adorable! Minerva was pretty proud of her mom, Gina's handiwork. What cute ladies!

Gina and Minerva Penka

1) What makes you want to be crafty?

Sustainability and fun. I got most of a degree in apparel design a long time ago and I think making things is a healthy and exemplary way to spend time. I spin wool on my spinning wheel, knit, crochet, quilt, dye, whatever strikes my fancy.

2) Tell us about this adorable portable owl pillow.
This is Prudence, the owl pillow from the Henry and Prudence pattern by Valori Wells. I sewed it.


3) How did you learn to sew?
I leaned to sew when I was seven years old. I had an aunt who tried to teach me, then I taught myself, my own way. Every woman in my family before me sewed out of necessity...I love my grandma's quilts more than anything.

4) What is your favorite animal?
My 12 year old cat, Moz.

Thanks Gina and Minerva! Happy crafting!