My Mom is a really special person. Actually she is my step-mom but we have always had a very special bond between us since I was very young and she raised me from an early age so she has been the only Mother I have really ever known.

Every year since I was a kid we have the traditional conversation. I ask her what she would like for Mothers Day and every year she says, 'Oh just make me something from the heart'. I say 'But Mom, I'm not as good as you at making things' and she gives the Best Mom's response, 'It doesn't matter, if it's from you i will love it'.

So here is my Gift From The Heart to my Mom, something soft for her to rest on.

You Will Need:
1 15 X 15 in. Cut from Printed Fabric
2 11 X 15 in. Cut from Printed Fabric
1 12 X 24 in. Cut from Plain Fabric
Contrast Thread and filled bobbin for Plain Fabric
1 12 x 24 sheet of Appliqu� recommend Heat n Bond
2 15 in. strips of Stitch Witchery
1 14 in. Pillow Insert

Straight Pins
Ruler

*Note: I recommend using 100% Cotton Fabrics. All seams are 1/4 inch unless otherwise stated.

Additional Equipment:
*Note: While use of the Cricut Expression and accessories added fun to this project it is not esential for the completion of this project.

Sewing Machine
Cricut Expression Machine
Plantin Schoolbook Cartridge
Cricut 12 x 24 in. Mat
Cricut Tool Kit (optional but VERY helpful)
Cricut Design Studio Software (optional but VERY helpful)

Applique Iron (optional but helpful)
Iron
Fabric Glue (optional), I recommend Liquid Stitch
Quilters Cutting Mat (optional but helpful)
Rotary Cutter (optional but helpful)

Step 1: Prepare the Back of Your Pillow

Wash, dry and press all fabrics. Trim off loose threads. Cut all pieces as directed above in advance and set aside.

Using the two 11 x 15 Printed pieces press up a 3/4 inch line along the 15 inch width. Apply a strip of Stitch Witchery, press again to adhere Fabric to itself. Repeat with second piece keeping pattern direction going the same on each.

Lay both pieces on top of 15 x 15 inch Printed Fabric piece and overlap in the center until the two 11 X 15 pieces match the 15 x 15 inch piece in size.

Pin the overlapping pieces in together place and run a 5/8 inch basting stitch on both sides of the back piece only and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Your Plain Fabric

Apply your Applique Material to the back of your Plain Fabric. DO NOT REMOVE THE BACKING.

Apply Fabric, paper side down to the 12 X 24 Cricut Cutting Mat as per directions. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare to Cut Your Plain Fabric

These pieces can be cut using the Cricut Expression or by hand. Hand instructions are given in parenthesis ( ).

Open your Cricut Design Studio Software and create the following shapes Using the Tall Ball Feature for all cuts going from left to right.

1 Heart Shape, 8 x 8 inches

The word Mom (or whatever you would like), height 1.698 (1 5/8 inch)
Use the handles to move the word Mom and center inside the heart.

4 Envelopes (third button from the bottom left), width 10.155 height 2.25 (rectangles 10 x 2 1/4)

After you make the first one use copy and paste to create the other three. Position 3 one below the other close to the right of the heart and use the handles to pivot one vertically placing to the right side of the first three.

The words, Love, Live, Laugh and Inspire, (or whatever you would like) height 1 inch. Move and center one word inside each envelope box.

4 or more Hearts, width and height 1.75 inches (1 3/4), in any available space remaining.
I usually cut as many as can be fit in the empty space and save what I dont use for future projects.

Load your Cricut Mat in the Cricut Expression and select Cut With Cricut under file in your Cricut Design Studio software and let the machine do its job. Peel off your appliques.

Select the pieces you will be using for applique and place the rest in an envelope for later use.

While transfer tape is useful in most Cricut Projects, I do not recommend using it on this project because of the use of irons.

It is better to place things like the center of letters and such and touch them with the appliqu�n also put the letter back in place and align the center, such as the P in Inspire.

Note: Use the Cricut tool kit to lift and position small intricate parts.

Step 4: Appliqué Your Pillow Cover Top

Place appliques on fabric and iron in place until you have all your appliques in place. Set aside and allow your fabric to cool.

Flip Fabric to the wrong side and press again to insure a good bond. Cool Fabric again.

Step 5: Top Stitching

Topstitching is optional, I do it because I like a more finished look to my projects and it adds security to my work. So if you choose to add topstitching this is the time to do it.

Check the appliques without Top Stitching as well as around your lettering by running your thumb gently around the edges.

If your applique rises in any spots add a touch of Liquid Stitch to the spot and press smooth with your finger.

Wipe excess away with a slightly damp cloth and allow to dry for thirty minutes.

Step 6: Assemble Your Pillow Cover

With right sides together fit your back piece over the front piece and pin in place.

Stitch through all layers with a 1/4 inch seam all the way around the pillow. Press seam open.

Note: There is no need to leave an opening in the outer edge as the back cover will automatically form its own pocket through the opening in the center making the cover washable.

Trim corners at an angle, preferably with pinking shears, being careful to avoid stitching.

Use a straight pin to pick out the corners and make them more squared.

Step 7: Fill Your Pillow

Open the pocket on the back and insert your pillow form.

Adjust Pillow and cover in place so that the pocket closes neatly.

This instructable has been submitted to the Mothers Day Contest, please consider giving it your comment, vote or rating. Thank you.