As a lifestyle/diy blogger, I love it when I can share large projects like my craft room makeover or AirStone kitchen island update, but truth be told, I love it even more when I can do small, super quick projects like sewing up a few pillows or adding some interest to an otherwise boring vase.
Last week I headed up to the cabin on Tuesday and spent the next five days challenging myself to use some of the fabrics and ribbons I had lying around. A few months ago I picked up some fabric samples at Joanne’s for $2.00.
*Tip* You know the samples some stores have of the ‘special order’ fabrics? Well, every so often they put them in a large bin and sell them for $2.00 each. I think most of them are around 18″ square which is a nice size for a pillow. (You could use a contrasting or complimentary piece of fabric for the back of the pillow if you don’t have enough.)
I’ve decided to ‘go green’ on the deck to make use of some of the fabric I already had on hand, plus I think it’s a nice look for an outdoor space. I just purchased an umbrella and two chaise cushions on line and I hope they’ll get delivered no later than Friday so we can bring them up to the cabin and we can start enjoying the deck.
Back to the projects…
This was my first attempt at creating a patchwork pillow and I’m very happy with how it turned out. It’s hard to tell, but the seams line up almost perfectly which is the most challenging part.
It’s funny, but here I am sewing brightly colored things when in a couple of weeks I’ll have to start all over and start sewing for Fall! I’ll show you how to do the patchwork pillow the next time I make one which should be fairly soon. I was sewing this one at 1 in the morning so the light wasn’t the best, plus I wasn’t sure what I was doing ;).
If you’re just starting to sew, there’s no better project than envelope pillows. They’re fast and super easy, requiring no zippers or fancy closures of any kind.
I picked up this vase at Ikea a while back and lately started thinking it needed a little ooomphh. I had some burlap ribbons and some buttons, and a few minutes later with the help of some hot glue…
turned it into this. I had a lot more ribbon, but sometimes less is more.
Keep in mind these projects take practically no time to complete, use up materials you may already have and add personality to your home.
Next up on the project agenda are some curtains for the enclosed porch and staining the framing portion of the deck and finishing up the landing at the bottom of the deck stairs. We’re thinking maybe some stone topped off with slate.
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Brenda Kula says
I love to make envelope and patchwork pillows. I’m still kind of scared to try the sewing machine again. Last time was many months ago, and my ankle hurt for weeks. But then they’re old Singer Featherweights and harder to push. You did a great job on your pillows!
Brenda
Doreen@househoneys says
I remember you were getting ready to open up an etsy shop and you had so many adorable pillows that you had designed Brenda. I’m sure your shop would have been a success.
It’s not ideal, but maybe you could use your ‘good’ foot to run the machine? I’m not that familiar with the Featherweights but if that is a possibility it might be worth a try.
Manuela@ A Cultivated Nest says
I’ve never made an envelope pillow but plan on giving it a try next time. I don’t sew often. Your pillow are beautiful and love the vase makeover too.
Doreen@househoneys says
Thanks Manuela! I actually have a short cut that I use for making envelope pillows that my grandmother taught me years ago. I will share that the next time I make one. It takes about 20 minutes to do so you can’t beat that!
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
Doreen…you are so right that pillows can make such a big impact in a room…I believe we are all “pillow addicts”….love the designs in your new pillows!….I have a fabric store near me and they have a table of mainly Schumacher fabrics that are remnants at $12.00/yard…I visit that table often!!!…
Denise says
I love making envelope pillows. I am far from an accomplished sewer, having just learned less than 2 years ago. I just bought some gorgeous Scalamandre sample fabric on ebay super cheap and made two stunning pillows for my family room. I like saying I made it myself! xxDenise
Peggy @The Decorating Files says
Great projects, Doreen. I love pillows, so I’m always looking for fun ideas…the easier the better, too! You’re place looks beautiful. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Dawn @ We Call It Junkin says
I really like what you did with that vase. They ought to take a cue from you and sell it THAT way!
Cynthia says
What great pillows you made Doreen, I love the colors and patterns. Soon enough you can make pillows for the fall season.
Cynthia
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
Hi Doreen! Great projects. I love the patchwork pillow, but I think I’ll start out with the envelope pillows since I’m just learning how to sew. I’m good with a glue gun though. Haha! Right now I’m packing up my house because I’m moving in a couple of weeks. I’m getting a lot of great ideas for my new home from you. Thank you!
Angela says
Love the pillows!!! Here is yet another reason you must come spend time here! I do not know how to sew and you could teach me!!! LOL!! I hope you get your new furniture before you head up to the lake! How exciting! It’s so fun to watch it all come together!! xoxo~~Ang
Thistlewood Farms says
These pillows are so cute!!!
You rock!!
Have a blessed and wonderful day!!
Cecilia says
Love your pillows! How nice to get several days at your cabin too! Have a wonderful weekend.
🙂
Cecilia
Elaine says
The pillows look great! I love those colors very nice. What are you afraid of you sew already!! Quilting is jsut squares, triangles and rectangles, oh my! piece of cake!