Bulldozer Pillow

My son is my biggest cheerleader when making things.  He's so complimentary and he always wants us to keep whatever project I'm making.  I think he really understands the work that it takes to make something, which is nice considering he just turned five.  I wanted to make him something special for his birthday and I had gotten a copy of The Paper Pieced Home by Penny Layman, which had the perfect block for my construction loving son...a bulldozer.

I like the results of paper piecing but I have to admit that the fabric waste and the whole reverse aspect of it is incredibly challenging for me.  But if you want to make a specific object it's paper piecing all the way, you can't argue with the results!

I used this tutorial from Vicky for adding a zipper at the bottom.  It's just the same as making a pouch with zipper tabs.  I like how it came out, and I didn't have to use extra fabric to make an envelope back.  You can't add binding when you do this, but you could add piping around the other three sides. This worked well for this pillow because I like the clean lines of it with this essex linen fabric. Another great example of this type of pillow construction is by Sophie at Luna Lovequilts.

Linking up with Amanda at Crazy Mom Quilts.

Happy 5th Birthday - Love Mom!