Now that you have completed the applique, you need to decide what to do with it. You can make it into a pillow, table rug, quilt, or just frame it as is. I decided to make it into a 14" x 20" pillow and a table rug.

This post will cover the basic instructions on how to make an simple envelope pillow. See part VI for the table rug instructions.

You will need:

1. Fabric (You can use the left over fabric from the appliqued front background)

8 1/2" x 15 1/2" black print - A
14 1/2" x 15 1/2" black print -B
12" x 15 1/2" red print - C

2. Thread (Perle cotton, size 12, or 2 strands of embroidery floss)

Green ( I used a variegated Valdani perle cotton, size 12, color: O575)
Blue ( I used a variegated Valdani perle cotton, size 12, color: O578)
Gold ( I used Valdani perle cotton, size 12, color: M81)
Red (I used Valdani perle cotton, size 12, color: P1)

3. 1/2 yd. of 3/4" wide green ribbon ( I purchased my ribbon from Studio Carta).

4. 14" x 20" pillow insert ( I used a 95/5 goose down decorative pillow insert from Garnet Hill.com).

5. Chalk pencil

Instructions

Pin fabrics A and C, right sides together, lining up the 15 1/2" sides.

2. Sew fabrics together along the 15 1/2" side.

3. Press seam toward fabric C (red).

4. Fold under the remaining 15 1/2" side of fabric C 1/4", and press.

5. Fold under fabric C again, so that the 1/4" fold aligns with the seam line.

6. Whip stitch the 1/4" folded edge to the seam.

7. Fold under the long edge of fabric B 3/8", and press.

8. Top stitch the folded edge with a zig-zag stitch.

9. Embellishment - Use one strand of thread unless otherwise noted. Use the stitch guide from William Morris Inspired - Part I for stitch instructions.

Lay the 3/4" wide ribbon on top of the seam of fabric AC. Pin in place and whip stitch with green thread.

Draw a horizontal line down the center of the ribbon.
Use blue thread to make a feather stitch over the line. The branches of the stitch should be about 1" apart.
Use red thread to make a lazy daisy flower on every third branch.
Use gold thread to make french knots on the remaining branches and in the center of each flower.

You should now have two fabric back pieces: AC and B.

10. Pillow Assembly

Trim appliqued front to 15 1/2" x 21 1/2".
Lay appliqued front face up.
Lay fabric AC face down on the appliqued front, lining up the left side with the left side of the appliqued front. Pin to secure.
Lay fabric C face down on the appliqued front, overlapping fabric AC, lining up the right side with the appliqued front's right side. Pin to secure.
Sew all four sides together using a 1/4" seam.

Clip corners and turn right side out.

Slip the pillow insert inside the envelope and you are done!