It's here! It's here! My day in Mister Domestic's Catch & Release Project Party!! Ahhhh!!!
Several months ago, Mister Domestic put out a call on his IG for "microinfluencers," or accounts with fewer than 5,000 followers, to submit project ideas to showcase his awesome new fabric collection, Catch & Release by Art Gallery Fabrics. I thought it sounded like an amazing opportunity, but honestly the fabrics didn't immediately inspire me and I couldn't think of an idea for a project, so I just thought, oh well, maybe next time.
A few days later, I was making one of my Necktie Memory Pillows, and an idea struck! Necktie Memory Pillows are a great way to honor someone's life or career by repurposing their unused ties into something that serves as a tangible, visual reminder of who that person is or was, and it's a nice way to keep them around your home, so to speak. I've always made my pillows out of solid linen fabrics, but how much more fun would it be to make them out of colorful, joyful fabrics that showcase things that the person who owned the neckties loved and enjoyed? Catch & Release is the perfect collection for that!
In my mind, these fabrics, combined with neckties just screamed out "DAD!" The fishing and outdoor, moutain theme of the collection is perfect to honor the recreational fisherman, or hiking and camping enthusiast. Personally, the collection reminds me so much of my Great Grandpa Horsley, who spent so much time camping in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and salmon fishing in Alaska. He was the sweetest old man...
Inexplicably, Mathew (aka Mister Domestic) liked my idea and chose me as one of the makers for his Project Party! Even now, months later and project completed, I'm still in disbelief. This has been such a fun journey to be on! Our Catch & Release group of makers have been so kind, encouraging and inspirational, and Mathew has spent so much time mentoring us, giving us helpful tips along the way, and coaching us individually in our personal social media / business / blog goals. I have LOVED all the projects that have been featured so far, and the party isn't even close to over! There's so much more to come and I can't wait to see it all!
I used the Crocheting the Net print for the front of my pillow, because I thought it was a good low volume print that would add to, but not distract from, the centerpiece of ties. For the back I used School of Fish and Blue Bank Flora, and I couldn't love that combination of fabrics more! (The back of this pillow is honestly my favorite ever.) I then finished the pillow cover with Reflectors binding, cut on the bias for a subtle stripey effect.
Oh and did I mention that I created a pattern for this pillow cover? Well, I did! The Necktie Memory Pillow Cover Pattern is now available for purchase!!
The pattern is perfect for a confident beginner. It finishes at 18" square and uses 8-16 neckties. Included with the pattern are 8 pages of detailed instructions with full color photos, and 2 different finishing options.
The Necktie Memory Pillow Cover is a great way to celebrate a retirement or career change, or to serve as a tangible, visual reminder of a lost loved one. Make one or two for yourself, or make several as gifts for family members.
Because I am sooo grateful to Mathew for including me in his Project Party, it is my pleasure to donate half of all first week pattern sales to his fundraiser for Portland AIDS Walk, a very worthy cause! 💙
Be sure to get the digital Necktie Memory Pillow Cover pattern in my shop! I can't wait to see what everyone makes with it, and what fun or meaningful fabrics you all use! Be sure to share your finishes with me on Facebook or Instagram!