messy mimi: pillows

Showing posts with label pillows. Show all posts

Monday, February 6, 2012

Finally finished my Dog Pillow!

I have been promising my daughter, Kathleen, that I would make her sweet Morkie a pretty pillow. That was, ummm, about 6 months ago. Today, I finally made it. I'm one of those that needs the fabric to "talk" to me for inspiration. And, I just bet, a lot of you understand!

So, I found my inspiration fabric at Hobby Lobby last week. It's a colorful paisley mixed with flowers on a black background. I love this fabric. Sad to say, I didn't write down the name of the fabric pattern and, when I went back to JoAnns, it was not there. They sold out of it fast. Well, live and learn....seems to be my theme lately.

Back to the pillow. I wanted it to fit a standard pillow which is usually 20 x 28 inches. I like to make my pillows a little smaller than any insert I will use - makes it a little more plumpy (is that a word?) It was originally going to be an envelope pillow but I decided, at the last minute, to experiment with an invisible zipper.

This is my attempt and I tried to follow the manufacturer's instructions. But, I gave up and sort of winged it. Pinned the right side of one zipper side to the right side of the fabric. Used my zipper foot to stitch as close as possible to the zipper teeth.

Pinned the other zipper half the same way (right side to right side) and stitched again.

Okay, not too bad a job.

Now for the fun part... final construction of the doggie pillow!

Pin the right sides together and stitch all around. FYI - I always forget to unzip before I finish the last side so I have to creatively find a way to unzip the pillow so I can turn it right side out.

Insert pillow and I am finished! Maybe. I think I want to round out the corners...

Ohh - one last thing. This is the next dog bed/pillow I want to make. Love it!

By Leah Anderson

until next time!

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Pillow Day!

Today was pillow day for me. And it feels soooo good to finally start using some of the fabric I have been accumulating. One of my favorites is this one with pink and green animal/reptile silhouettes.

It is similar to one I used on an old Lonestar chair that I bought at Restore for $5.00. And, it was my first time using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint!

I love both these fabrics and think they would be adorable in a little girl's room. The pattern design is something you would expect more in a boy's room and that is one reason I love it!

Okay, so, back to my pillows. I made two with the first fabric. The 18" x 18" pillow back was made with painter's drop cloth and has a zipper in the back. My 14" square pillow is an envelope pillow using the same fabric on the back. They are different because I am experimenting a bit here. (More to come)

Not the best picture - I will replace it soon.... And put on your shades for the next pillow. I love this fabric - it is so happy cheerful! (For some reason it looks a little "Dr. Seussish" to me - and that is all anything takes to catch my eye) This 18" square pillow is another envelope one.

(FYI - the envelope pillow is my favorite to make. Since I am NOT so great at tutorials, check out this site for instructions. Or, just Google it, as my kids say!) More pillows and lovely fabrics coming soon......

until next time!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

I did it! Finished my Spring pillow in time for Summer. Ha!

I love this fabric! It is part of my stock pile of beautiful fabric that is growing faster than the speed of light! Just kidding. But.... I am a real sucker for color and fun fabrics. Put a 40% coupon in my hand and I can't resist.
Found this fabric at JoAnns. It is an envelope 14 x 14 inch pillow. And FYI - I sort of messed up and actually cut this !4 x 14 inches (instead of 15 inch square) and stitched each seam at 1/4". It actually fit very well over the pillow form. I remember seeing somewhere that pillows actually are "fluffier" when made the same size or smaller than the pillow form/insert. Oh - I am finding that post. Tomorrow!

Just a sampling - and I didn't even begin to include my burlap or denim! :)

Linking to these amazing parties. And you can see their links on my side bar also Come join the fun!

THURSDAY

Momnivore's Dilemma - Creative Juice Thursday

Somewhat Simple - Strut Your Stuff

The Shabby Creek Cottage - Transformation Thursday

A Little Knick Knack- Everything but the Kitchen Sink

Kreative Korner - Tea Time Thursdays

A Creative Princess - It's a Party!
Saved by Love Creations - Thrifty Thursday

House of Hepworths - Hookin Up with HoH

Fireflies and Jellybeans - Show off Your Stuff

Paisley Passions - Thrilling Thursday

FRIDAY

delicate CONSTRUCTION - Delicately Constructed Fridays

The Thrifty Groove - Thrifty Things Friday

Bacon Time with the Hungry Hungry Hypo - Party Mindie Style

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Chic on a Shoestring-Flaunt It Friday

Remodelaholic - Friday Remodelaholic

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Serenity Now - Weekend Bloggy Reading

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Just a Girl - Show and Share Day

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Mommaskindacrafty - Fantabulous Friday

It's a Hodge Podge Life - Friday

Family Ever After - Once Upon a Weekend

SATURDAY

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SUNDAY
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MONDAY

Skip to my Lou-Made by You Mondays

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Polly Want a Crafter - Party Mondays

Lines Across My Face - Cure for the Common Monday

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DIY Home Sweet Home Project - More the Merrier Monday

Making the World Cuter-Making the World Cuter Monday

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Creating my way to Success - A Round Tuit

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TUESDAY
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Sassy Sites - Trash to Treasure Tuesday

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Mel Dreams Often - 2 for Tuesday

Screaming Sardine

Chef in Training - Tuesday Talent Show

Tip Junkie - Tip Me Tuesday

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Nothing But Country - Creative Creations

Rook No.17 - A Little Birdie Told Me

Homework - Today's Assignment : Be Inspired

Ladybug Blessings - Handmade Tuesdays

WEDNESDAY

Creating My Way to Success - Wednesday Blog Hop

Night Owl Crafting - Hoo's Got Talent?

Domestically Speaking - Power of Paint Party

Elements Interiors - Whassup Wednesday

Handy Man, Crafty Woman-Wicked Awesome Wednesday

Sister's Stuff - Link Up Wednesday

Pink Postcard - Transformations and Treasures
Ginger Snap Crafts - Wow me Wednesday
Primitive and Proper - Piece of Work Wednesday

Blue Cricket Design - Show and Tell Wednesday

Polka Dots on Parade - Wow Me Wednesday

Savvy Southern Style - Wow Us Wednesdays
No Minimalist Here - Open House
Sew Woodsy - What's up Wednesdays

Saturday, June 4, 2011

A touch of Paris!

While at Hobby Lobby the other day, buying some 50% off ribbon, I spotted this fabric and it was love at first sight!
But first I have to say sorry - the photography leaves much to be desired
Tell you why at the end of my post! :)

This fabric just screams Paris! At first I thought I would just make pillows or seat covers out of it. But I realized the images were spread out enough that I could use them as appliques on some more burlap pillows. :) I did save enough fabric to make pillows, or a simple backpack, or maybe even cover another of my ceiling tiles to make a bulletin board. I'll keep you posted!

So I cut out some fusible iron on interfacing and placed pieces on the back of the fabric just over the designs I wanted to use. Then ironed them on and cut them out.

I decided on using three of them in different sizes to use on different sized pillows. Pulled some natural (tan), black, and pink burlap from my burlap stash. The pink burlap was the last of some I dyed with RIT Fuchsia for a project several months ago. Think I will try Turquoise next - I can't get enough of that color!)

First pillow was an envelope pillow just like my Bless My Mess pillow. I cut out one 11"x11" piece and two 8"x8" pieces. They had 1/2 inch seams so I added an inch to the size. The finished pillow here was 10"x10". But I bet you already know how to do this! You could also cut one large piece of fabric and follow these directions from Martha Stewart

Next pillow was a lovely Parisian lady on a smaller burlap pillow.
Cut out two 8"x10" pieces. This is just a basic slip stitched pillow.
Not my best effort, the edges are sort of wonky but you get the idea, I hope.

Last one I made very small Used two 4"x4" pieces. I'll probably redo this one and make it into a sachet or a pin cushion. I just love the sketchy look of the fabric print. You bet you'll be seeing more of it!
Enjoy your week you lovely people!
Who doesn't love a party? These are my favs!