The Quillow Queen

Lots of new fun fabric themes for resuable masks!

Posted by Lesley 17 Jul 2020 at 17:56

To see photos of all the fun fabrics I have to offer see the MASKS page.

Want to show off your personality, your love of animals, or need something color-coordinated or a bit classy for work?

  • Blue/green florals
  • Pink/red florals
  • Black/white/gray florals
  • Cats/dogs/sea creatures
  • Horses
  • Maple leafs
  • Sports
  • Tech/circuits
  • Words/books/film
  • Western
  • Wild West
  • Wildlife

Free delivery in Cochrane, or curbside pick up.

Contactless payment via E-transfer or Square.

Stampede Masks

Washable, Reusable Face Masks

Posted by Lesley 17 Apr 2020 at 02:03

Masks

Since the craft market scene has shut down and I cannot get out to meet people and showcase my pillows, I have decided to put my sewing skills to work on a more current issue - face masks. It looks like this Covid-19 situation will be ongoing for some time and we are advised to wear a mask when going out to get groceries etc and cannot always keep our distance. So I did my research on design and materials, tested out a few different designs, checked out what mask styles folks were wearing while I stood in line at Costco recently, and came up with a plan.


I found that the popular shaped mask (with a center seam) was not a great fit for me (I have a very small, angular face), and since fit is a major issue, I decided to customize the standard pleated design to overcome the issues of gaps around the nose, sides and chin area to provide a comfortable, secure and more customizable fit. I make my masks with 2-3 layers of tightly woven cotton and poly/cotton (all pre-shrunk) which can withstand repeated hot washes. I also created them in 3 different sizes, and can add an optional pocket inside for a filter, if you desire.


I also decided to have some fun with this by using left over pieces of fabric I have collected from previous quilting projects. I have lots of small pieces of fun, themed fabrics suitable for men, women, and youth, so why not make a fun fashion statement with your mask? I have nose strips due to arrive literally any minute, and I have 2 orders of elastic and the filters on their way. So I am now ready to offer pre-ordering of your “made-to-order” masks.


To order, please email me with the following details -

  • Size (S~6 1/2” x 5 1/4”, M~7 1/4” x 6”, L~8” x 6 1/2”)
  • Number of individual masks, or 3-packs
  • 1st, 2nd & 3rd Choice of themed fabric

Prices are $10 each, or $25 for a pack of 3. PM2.5 5-layer activated carbon filters are $1 each.

Currently available themed fabrics: Basketball, Books, Cars, Cats, Dogs, Horses, Maple Leafs (not red), Medals, Rodeo, Sea Creatures, Soccer, Super Heroes, Tractors, Wildlife.

I will do my best to satisfy your requests, but I cannot make any guarantees as I can only make a limited number of masks with any given fabric.

Payment: My preferred method is via E-transfer. I will send you instructions once your order is confirmed. Alternatively I can offer contactless payment via Square (debit or credit) at my door. You can pick up from my front step, or I can offer free delivery within Cochrane.


New Online Store!

Posted by Lesley 09 Mar 2020 at 02:38

New Online Store - now open!

Unable to make it out to visit me at the monthly One Stop Shop Marketplace? No problem - you can now shop online for the ready-made Fun & Funky line of themed quilted pillow cover, as well as the Mini Mementos (little, customizable hanging ornamental pillows), and several sizes of quillows. Items can be shipped or you can contact me to arrange to pick up.

Online Square Store

A Special Wedding Pillow

Posted by Lesley 01 Feb 2020 at 18:15

Michaela's wedding pillow


This is a very special wedding gift to our niece. It was a very enjoyable challenge to make with all of the intricate lace and motif details, as well as trying to create the right shade of “blush”! It is totally befitting of a beautiful bride and a wedding in an amazing, historical setting. I will have this pillow on display, with more photos, at the Cochrane Bridal Fair on Sun, 2nd Feb, FB. Come and see the details of this gorgeous pillow, and others, up close, along with several co-ordinating ring pillows and Mini Mementos.

Cochrane Bridal Fair

Posted by Lesley 14 Jan 2020 at 18:24

My next exciting event will be the Cochrane Bridal Fair, FB, at the Ranche House, 10am - 4pm, Sun 2nd Feb, 2020.

I have some beautiful samples of different styles of wedding (or engagement / anniversary) pillows, Mini Memento keepsakes, and a selection of ring pillows. I custom create each item to reflect the colors & theme of the occasion, so you can cherish those precious memories for ever with a really unique and personalized treasure.

When we think of heirloom pieces, we tend to think of our parents, or grand parents, or even generations before that. But every heirloom piece needs a beginning to its story. Maybe a custom-made pillow, with a photo of your most treasured memory of the day, will be the beginning of your heirloom treasures that you can enjoy now, and pass along to the next generation to remember and cherish too?

I will also have a prize draw for a custom-made ring pillow, so be sure to come visit my booth and sign up, and let’s chat about how I can help you treasure the memories of your special day for ever. And I will share with you the story of my wedding pillow photo.

Like my Facebook page and follow as I reveal the story of how my special pillow came to be.


My 30th Anniversary Pillow

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Posted by Lesley 12 Jan 2020 at 20:24

Welcome to an exciting new year, and a whole new decade! I wonder if the 2020’s will be as wonderful, and become as famous (for all the right reasons) as the 1920’s were. That is one of my favorite historical periods, both because so much profound change was afoot, especially for women, and of course, for the gorgeous fashions of that era. Yes, I’m a Downton Abbey fan – I love all kinds of historical fiction. The 1920’s were also special because I have several close family members who were born in that decade, and my Great, Grandpa (the tall, dapper, gentleman in the plus fours) retired at the end of that era too. This photo was taken a decade later. And, yes there is a story there, which I’ll tell another time.

Great Grandpa

So, what’s new for 2020? Lots of exciting new things happening, so stay tuned & visit often.

Thank You to Everyone Who Visited and/or Bought Pillows From Me in 2019

Posted by Lesley 04 Jan 2020 at 03:17

Cochrane Xmas Market 2019

Thank you to all the folks who stopped by my booth at the markets this past Christmas season to chat, ask questions, and share their special photo ideas and stories with me. There were so many wonderful new ideas that I would like to pass along and share with you all. I am in the process of updating my website for 2020 and will include a new page to give you some more ideas on style and design, to help you figure out how to honor and treasure your most memorable moments.

And a specially big thank you to all those who bought either a Fun & Funky themed quilted pillow, or a custom made photo pillow. It was a pleasure to work on those special projects knowing that they will be cherished for ever. Check out my Testimonial Page to see what my customers are saying.

Only 3 more days until the One Stop Shop Marketplace!

Posted by Lesley 27 Nov 2019 at 23:19

I’m really looking forward to becoming a regular at this wonderful, year round market. I’ve been getting a lot of interest in my Treasured Memories custom made photo cushions, both at the Cochrane Christmas Market and the Points West Living Christmas Market. I know it can sometimes take a while to figure out which photo, or photos, you’d like to have put on your precious cushion. I’ve been there, and I understand. So, whenever you’re ready to place your order, you’ll know where to find me in person. You can always call or email me and we can chat about your design and photo(s) over coffee in Cochrane, OR if you’re really stuck deciding on what to give your special someone, why not give them a Gift Card and let them make the decisions?


One Stop Shop Marketplace at the Cochrane Alliance Church, Glenbow Drive

10am - 3pm Saturday, November 30th &


10am - 3pm Saturday, December 14th


And I will also be at the One Stop Shop Marketplace every month for 2020!

Points West Living Christmas Market

Posted by Lesley 27 Nov 2019 at 23:15

I had fun at the 1st Annual Point West Living Christmas Market, chatting with a great crowd of seniors, their family & friends and other shoppers. There was quite a bit of interest in my latest 2 Mini Memento hanging ornamental cushions. I found a couple of vintage photos I didn’t even know I had and made them up into very special mementos. This is a lovely way to cherish those we have lost, remember them at Christmas, and honor their service.


Vintage Sisters


My aunt (Air Force blue batiks) in 1952 was a Senior Aircraft Technician in the RAF, and my Mum (on the right / Army green batiks) in 1945 was a teleprinter operator in the Territorial Auxiliary Services (the Women’s Army).

Cochrane Christmas Market 2019

Posted by Lesley 18 Nov 2019 at 21:20

Cochrane Xmas Market 2019


Wow! What a busy event. It seemed packed solid with shoppers all day long, and I was talking with people until the very end. It was wonderful to connect with so many people who enjoyed my cushions, especially the custom Treasured Memories photo cushions, and to chat about their special photos, events and future projects. I know it can take a while to select the perfect photo to go on a cushion - so many to choose from! But don’t worry, I will be at several other Christmas Markets:


The 1st Annual Christmas Market at Points West Living Seniors Community, 60 Fireside Gate

10 am - 2 pm Saturday, November 23rd


One Stop Shop Marketplace at the Cochrane Alliance Church, Glenbow Drive

10am - 3pm Saturday, November 30th &


10am - 3pm Saturday, December 14th


And I will also be at the One Stop Shop Marketplace every month for 2020! Come and visit me anytime to discuss your treasured photo projects and ideas, or get in touch and we can chat over coffee.