Firecracker & Freedom

How could you not love cats whose tails curl up to form a heart shape? Whether you want to show your love of country or love of cats, these smiling felines make a cute pillow to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Skill Level: Beginner Materials

• 12" x 13" piece 14- count Christmas red

Aida from Wichelt Imports Inc.* • One skein each DMC® or Sullivans®

USA six-strand embroidery floss • Size 24 tapestry needle *See Where to Find It on page 62.

DMC® Sullivans®

310 45053 black 498 45108 red, dk. 666 45155 red, bt. 820 45222 royal blue, vy. dk. white 45001 white

Backstitches

498 45108 bottom heart 820 45222 center heart blanc 45001 ears and top heart 310 45053 cats’ faces Stitch Count: 78H x 97W Design Size: 55/8" x 67/8" Instructions: Cross stitch over one square using two strands of floss. Backstitch over one square using one strand of floss.

Finishing Materials & Instructions

• 14" x 17" piece coordinating cotton

fabric • 14" x 17" piece lightweight fusible

interfacing • Polyester fiberfill • 30" coordinating red piping • Dress It Up star-shaped buttons

#TP- 634 from Jesse James

• Six-strand embroidery floss:

498/45108, 820/45222, white/45001 • Coordinating sewing thread • Sewing machine (optional) *See Where to Find It on page 62.

Press stitched piece from reverse side, straightening as much as possible. Trim stitched piece to 2" from stitching on all sides.

Attach buttons using two strands of coordinating floss and referring to photo for placement

Trim interfacing to same size as stitched piece. Following manufacturer’s instructions, fuse interfacing to reverse side of stitched piece.

Pin piping to front of stitched piece so that the stitching on the piping is in line with the seam allowance; baste in place.

Pin stitched piece to coordinating fabric right sides together.

Sew pieces together, stitching close to piping and leaving a 5" opening for turning. Clip corners to reduce bulk.

Turn pillow right side out; press seams. Stuff pillow with fiberfill. Using a hand-sewing needle and coordinating thread, blind-stitch opening closed.