So, I was really debating today - should I share a bunch of links (I have quite a few good ones to put up) or should I post my new Gum Drop Pillows? As you can tell, the pillows won out (so look for fun links tomorrow).

Probably the biggest question (I know it was mine) was how much stuffing is this pillow really going to take? The back of the pattern envelope calls for 7, 12 oz packages of fiberfill. I decided that instead of loading up on lots of individual bags, I would buy in bulk - I purchased a 5 lb. box from Walmart (which apparently is the only place that I can find it around here). To fill both pillows I used the entire box, plus an additional 12 (or was it 16?) oz. bag. Each pillow is very firmly stuffed (I like it that way) and measures 18" across and is 11" high. Overall, I'm really pleased with the way they turned out.

After my back ordered fabric arrives (I got an email the other day saying it would be mid-August before it's in stock again), I plan on making matching machine covers and a window treatment (with any scraps, I plan on making some sewing room accessories)!

Aside from some much needed housecleaning, I managed to get my gumdrop pillows sewn up. Of course, right now they are just lifeless balls of fabric:

Instead of using alternating fabrics for my pillows, I went with two 'solid' ones instead. Since I went this route, I omitted one fabric piece (it's a hexagonal shaped piece that is sewn to a top of the pillow mostly for decoration) because it really didn't make any difference in the overall design (I did add it to one of the pillows, but it blends in so much you can't tell it's there).

I was amazed at how fast these pillows went together! But let me tell you, they are going to be large - like small ottomans (and I opted for the 18" version). I can't wait to stuff them and see how they look completed!

When I saw a post recently that the latest issue of Mrs. Stylebook was available on eBay, I immediately ran to check it out (there's still some available if anyone is interested). But after surfing through the seller's auctions, I decided against the pattern book and opted for a different title "Craft Goods Using Small Leftover Fabrics." I can't wait for it to arrive!

Gum Drop Pillows - I've cut the fabric and am ready to sew! According to the pattern envelope, each 18" pillow is supposed to take 2 yards of fabric. However, I changed the cutting layout and managed to have an extra 1/2 yard left over! I think that it also helps to trace the pattern piece out and tracing it to make one large piece (the piece as is needs to be 'flipped' on the fabric (or on the fold if you were going to try it that way) which also seems to be a real time saver.

The House - we have a basement! With all the rain we've been having (guess what? It's raining again), it's been slow progress on the new house, but I'm happy to report that he hole has been dug, the cement poured, and now waterproofed! I'm hoping that the weather will hold out long enough for them to get the framing and roofing done soon.

Jury Duty - WHEW, it's over! After sitting for several hours in the jury meeting room, I was finally called into a jury pool, and was later dismissed. I don't even have to call in later on in the week to see if I'm still needed!

Well, no sewing today. Why, you ask? I'm doing my civic duty - I've been called for jury selection. This is the third time I've been called in the 13 years I've lived here while Bret's only been asked to phone in to see if he's needed, once.

Since I can't sew at the moment, I can at least think about sewing - so, I've added the Gum Drop Pillows to the sidebar. Now that (most) of my fabric is in, this will be my next project! And since there is no big project to share today, here's a few links for you!

The fall 2007 Pantone color report is out!

If you don't knit, but have always wanted a sweater purse, Totally Stitchin' has a tutorial for you (why didn't I ever think of that?)! [link via Craft Gossip]

Video tutorial (in Japanese) on how to make your own star shaped bows. [link via Craft]

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