Hey everyone, it’s Julie here!
If you’re like me and have a soft spot for vibrant, artistic decor in your home, you’re going to love the journey we’re about to embark on.
Recently, I dove into creating a stunning Kimono Girl Pillow, and let me tell you, it was a delightful mix of challenge and fun!
The lively colors and intricate patterns of this pillow truly lift the mood of my living room.
Each time I walk past it, I can’t help but smile.
Not only is it beautiful, but also it’s a project that allows for personal expression and creativity.
This isn’t just a run-of-the-mill pillow; the Kimono Girl Pillow is a perfect blend of various fabric blocks, including our beloved Kimono Girl block.
It’s inspired by the traditions of quilting but with a striking modern twist.
I remember the moment I started to put the blocks together—I felt like I was piecing together a story.
Let’s dive into this vibrant quilting adventure together!
A Stitch in Time: Exploring the Blocks
The Kimono Girl Pillow showcases an exquisite combination of three key blocks: the Kimono Girl block, the Flower block, and the Leaf block.
Each block tells its own story while contributing to the bigger picture.
Crafting these blocks is not only about sewing; it’s about weaving together memories, colors, and life experiences.
I particularly loved working on the Kimono Girl block, which captures the graceful essence of a young girl in traditional attire.
It adds such charm to the overall design!
Creating the Flower and Leaf blocks was equally rewarding.
The flower represents beauty and growth, while the leaf adds a touch of nature.
I can’t help but feel that they complement the Kimono Girl block perfectly, providing a balance that happens in nature too.
They remind me that just like in life, beauty comes from the combination of different elements.
By using bright and bold fabrics, you can really let your personality shine through!
Gathering Your Essentials
- ¾yd (75cm) of Solid soft teal fabric (Fabric 1)
- 12in (30.5cm) square of Solid dark granite fabric (Fabric 2)
- 12in (30.5cm) square of Solid warm sand fabric (Fabric 3)
- 10in (25.4cm) square of Gingdot eggnog (Fabric 4)
- ¼yd (25cm) of Marylou rose fabric (Fabric 5)
- 10in (25.4cm) square of Meadow slate (Fabric 6)
- 6in (15.2cm) square of Primrose eggnog (Fabric 7)
- 10in (25.4cm) square of Meadow rose (Fabric 8)
- 10in (25.4cm) square of Charlene honey (Fabric 9)
- 1½in (3.8cm) scrap square of Charlene blue (Fabric 10)
- 12in (30.5cm) square of Meadow teal (Fabric 11)
- 4½in (11.4cm) square of Marylou green (Fabric 12)
- 4½in (11.4cm) square of Meadow green (Fabric 13)
- 4½in (11.4cm) square of Meadow pine (Fabric 14)
- 4½in (11.4cm) square of Charlene green (Fabric 15)
- ¾yd (75cm) of Meadow blue for pillow back
- Optional lining fabric: 33in x 28in (83.8cm x 71.1cm)
- Wadding (batting): 33in x 28in (83.8cm x 71.1cm)
- ⅜yd (40cm) of binding fabric: Charlene blue
- Piecing and quilting threads
- Quilter’s ruler, rotary cutter, and mat
- Freezer paper and fabric glue for appliqué
- Black embroidery cotton (floss) for embroidering eyes
- Pillow pad that fits the cover
Prepare to Create
Before jumping in, there are a few preparatory tips that made a world of difference for me while working on the Kimono Girl Pillow.
First, make sure all your fabrics are pre-washed and pressed to avoid any shrinking or warping later on.
Nothing is worse than discovering a fabric wrinkle before finishing your project!
Trust me; this is an essential step.
I also recommend laying out your fabric pieces according to the pillow layout to visualize how everything comes together.
This not only organizes the process but also helps you see how your chosen colors interact with one another.
It’s basically a mini fashion show for your fabrics before they walk down the quilt path!
Now that we’re all set up, below are the detailed instructions for creating your very own Kimono Girl Pillow.
I can’t wait for you to see how marvelous it looks!
Find the complete pattern instructions in the link below!
Full Pattern: Click Here
Helpful Hints Along the Way
As you embark on making the Kimono Girl Pillow, remember to take your time with each block.
Enjoy the creative process!
If you’re having fun, the quality of your work will reflect that joy.
Also, don’t hesitate to mix and match fabrics or tweak the color palette to suit your personal style.
An excellent tip to consider is using contrasting threads for top-stitching certain elements.
This produces a lovely pop and can make your designs really stand out.
Experiment and play—there are no mistakes in quilting, only new discoveries!
Taking It a Step Further
Want to step up your game?
Consider adding some intricate hand embroidery or even embellishments to your Kimono Girl Pillow!
These can add unique accents that showcase your personality!
The embroidery cotton for the eyes is just one way to enhance your version.
Another advanced technique to try is free-motion quilting.
This technique allows you to quilt in any direction and create amazing designs that are more personalized, taking your pillow from standard to masterpiece.
You’ll impress everyone, trust me!
Celebrate Your Crafting Journey
As you wrap up this fun project, take a moment to appreciate your creation—the Kimono Girl Pillow is more than just a decorative piece; it’s a representation of your skill and creativity.
Whether it finds a spot on your couch, in your bedroom, or as a thoughtful gift, it’s sure to bring joy to anyone who sees it!
I genuinely hope you felt inspired by this crafting adventure!
If you’re thirsty for more creative content, don’t forget to explore the rest of the blog, which is bursting with tons of amazing projects and ideas!
I’ve arranged a delightful surprise for you, so don’t miss out—tap here and unveil the treasures by clicking here!
Happy quilting!
