Throw Pillow Round-Up

Well, I have not done as well as Nicole on posting about my Thirty Before 30 list as I've been working on it.  Part of that is because I haven't done as well at WORKING on it as she did.  And part is just the general lack of blogging motivation the last few months.  But I have accomplished some things from that list, so over the next few weeks I'll try to post some of those results.

#7 on the list was finish my throw pillows.  In retrospect, that was just an ill-thought-out goal.  I'll never be FINISHED with my throw pillows!  There are too many fun new ideas that pop up each week, and I get too bored with the status quo to ever be DONE making throw pillows.  Silly.

But I think that coming to that understanding accomplishes the same goal.  The point was to cross something off my list so that it wouldn't be hanging over my head making me feel discouraged from my lack of completion and like I hadn't worked hard enough or stayed focused enough.  That's done.  Now that I've shifted my paradigm, the joy really is in the journey!  So I've decided instead to show you all some of the MANY throw pillows I've bookmarked over the last little while.  I will also add a linky at the bottom so that you can share any you like and recommend as well.

 

1. Petal Pillow  2. Sunny Summer Pillow  3. Felt Flower Pillows 4. Petal Pillow  5. Felt Flower

1. Chic Pillows  2. Quick Rosette Pillow  3. Chiffon Poppy Pillows   4.  Gathered Muslin  5. PB Knock-Off Felt Pillows

1. Stripes to Chevrons  2. & 3. Box Pleat Pillows 4. Cascading Bottom Pleats with Bow Accent 5. Felt Butterfly Pillow 6. Button and Piping Pillow

1. Pleated Pillow  2. Pleated Pillow  3. West Elm Rosette Pillow  4. French Lingerie Style Muslin Pillows  5. Herringbone Tucks  6. Wide Braided Pillow  7. French Braid Pillow

1. Pottery Barn Knock-Off Christmas Pillows 2. Embroidered Paper Pillow  3. Embroidered Linen Pillow

1. Zig Zag Pillow  2. Pumpkin Patch Pillow  3. Berry Laden Branch   4. Aster Manor Pillow  5."You" and "Me" Pillows

 1. Pillow with Ties  2. Big Bow Pillow  3. Give a Hoot Pillow

1. Ho Ho Ho Pillow  2. Floral Clustered Pillow  3. Scrap Buster Fall Pillow  4. Gathered Heart

 Now it's your turn!  Feel free to link up ANY pillow as long as a link is provided to give credit to the originator.  Share pillows you've made or want to make.  These don't have to have tutorials, either.  Just something that inspires you to create!

Bags for the Girls

For Christmas gifts this year, I decided to make bags for some of the girls on my list.  Typically, I forgot to take pictures of half of them.  I followed this handy tute to make a camera lens pouch for my friend Natalie.  I used the rest of the tinkerbell material I got for a gift for my niece last year to try out this knot bag tutorial for the same niece.  Then I just kind of guesstimated to make bags for two of my sisters-in-law and my sister (which I did, miraculously, remember to get pics of). 

My sister got this one.  It's a pretty simple bag, I made a seam with top-stitching down the center of each side, but other than that it's just a rectangle (reinforced with fusible felt) with the bottom corners squared.

 And two of my sisters-in-law got these:

I've had a request for the pattern for the gathered bag, so it's moved up on my make-a-tute list. 

Winter Wreath

As I mentioned a month ago, I was planning to put up my only store-bought wreath for Christmas/winter, but when I got it out, all the paint was flaking off and making an unholy mess.  So I went back to my idea for harvest and simplified it. 

 

I finished cutting out a bajillion little felt circles (it took a while, but wasn't too bad.  I finished in two shifts - one during Knight and Day and one the next day during How to Tame Your Dragon.  I give both a thumbs-up, btw) and used pearl-tipped sewing pins to attach them to the wreath base.  I was going for a sort of minimalist elegance.  I feel like I came close, but maybe it could use a little something else...?

In other news, I'm officially withdrawing my photo-editing aspirations.  My blog will never be one of those blogs with incredible pictures of crafty endeavors.  Hopefully removing expectations for fancy pictures will make it easier to make time to post some!

Quilt, Wreath, Lanyards, EAT Tutorial Update, & a Dress

How is it already 2/3 through November?  I kid you not, I still have to catch myself before writing "May" when I'm putting a date on something because it still feels like the year is just getting started. 

I don't have a good excuse for no posts in the last three weeks.  I have AN excuse, and that excuse is that I just started a new job.  But, since it doesn't require any longer hours than my last job, it's a mediocre excuse at best.  And this post doesn't really end the slacking because it's all talk and no pictures.


Moving on, the other day I just really wanted to spend some time piecing a quilt top, so I got started on a stacked coins quilt.  My color palette is a little more muted, but I just got in the fabric I ordered for sashing, backing, and binding, so hopefully I'll finish that up and have some pix to share in the next week or two.

I finally took down my Halloween wreath on Sunday and started working toward a Harvest wreath.  I originally wanted to reproduce this rosette wreath, but I'm pretty sure I would not have that much patience.  Maybe if I win a silhouette and can find a swirl cutting shape...?  I opted for a simpler design involving circles of felt instead, but I haven't made any more progress on that, so I might give up until after Thanksgiving and then put up the only store-bought wreath in my life.

Remember how one of my Thirty Before 30 goals was to make a new lanyard, and that's one of the few I've actually completed?  I found out last week that with my new job I have to wear the bland official lanyard so no-one is in doubt about who my employer is (I'm a government contractor and they're more concerned than my last employers that no one mistakes me for a civil servant).  Typical.  But I guess that means someone may be getting a pretty pearl lanyard for Christmas...

I have finished the new letters for the EAT tutorial.  I still need to take one or two more pics of how to hang them, and then do the tutorial.  Should be simple, right?  So, stay tuned for that.  I solemnly promise I will not go to sleep on Friday without posting that tutorial.  (Someone might want to remind me of that next Wednesday if you're really chomping at the bit for that...)

Finally, does anyone else follow Presser Foot?  Since I don't have sufficient craft projects in my to-do pile, I've decided to join their Mad Men dress sew-along, and I invite you all to join me. I don't watch Mad Men; I've never even seen an episode (I have enjoyed Jon Hamm on SNL, though), but I love the pattern they selected for the sew-along.  I've never made a dress, and in fact I've only made about one article of clothing that I considered a success, but with much more practice under my belt this time (and a renewed appreciation for following a pattern), I have high hopes.  Let me know if you join in, too!

Sweater Throw Pillow

Well, the throw pillow projects continue, and I decided I'd like a simple pillow to pair with some of the more colorful ones. I had a brown cardigan that I LOVED, but even after losing the baby weight, it just never fit right. I decided it would be better served as a pillow cover, so my project began with that cardigan and a pillow I picked up, with another one as a set, for cheap on sale at Target. (Tip - you don't have to have a "pillow form." Sometimes just a neutral pillow will work great AND might be cheaper!)

Materials:
cardie/sweater
pillow/pillow form
matching thread
scissors

Step 1: Turn the cardie inside out and sew the bottom shut. I pinned and then sewed, but if you're more confident, you can just hold it even and sew. I found with the knit material that my walking foot was a lifesaver.


Step 2: With the cardie still inside out, place it over the pillow and do up the buttons. This step is necessary to see where to sew on the top. I was lucky enough (I thought) that the width was perfect, so I only needed to worry about the top and bottom. More on that later.


Step 3: Now pin where you'll sew your seams for the top and that little annoying part of the sleeve. I decided to ignore the problem and hope it didn't bug me much, but you could make more of an effort to find a longer cardie or shorter pillow/pillow form if you think that will bother you. I admit it; I'm a total enabler of OCD.


Step 4: Take out the pillow and mark where you'll sew on the side unless you modified so that you don't have a little bit of sleeve. Also turn your pins so they're easier to take out as you sew and less likely to stick you as you sew directly towards them. Ask me how I know this.


Step 5: Repeat with the top. The marking pen doesn't matter much since you'll be turning it right side out. I'm pretty sure I used a black sharpie because nothing else would show up. Oh, and as usual, please ignore the pics. I'm very haphazard about experimenting with the different settings on my camera. One day I'll have time. Sure.


Step 6: Cut the extra off. Be sure it's on the OUTSIDE of the seams you've just sewn. Then look at it, realize you need to square it up a little more, and repeat steps 4 and 6. :)


Step 7: Turn the cardie right side out, put it on the pillow, and admire your handy work. Um, admire? What's the bulk about? I don't want that when I wear a cardie, so I certainly don't want it on my pillow! Ugh! What to do...? The battle of the bulge on a pillow!?


Step 8: Take off the cover, mark a line an inch or more from the edge of the pillow, and sew that bad boy with a fairly short stitch to make sure it's secure. Then cut off the excess.


Step 9: Put the cover back on, wet it a little with a water bottle, pin where it tends to bulge, and let it dry overnight to get comfortable with it's new shape. This step is totally optional. Did I mention OCD?


Step 10: Step back and admire your gorgeous, chic, and practically FREE throw pillow!


I know I wanted neutral, but I'm thinking one of those felt flowers positioned kind of like a brooch could really add something. What do you think? I'll be linking to my usual parties on the left. :)

Still Preoccupied with Fabric Flowers - Felt Flowers Edition

One of my very first blog posts is a list of fabric flower tutorials that I want to try. That was almost a year ago, and I'm not sure I've tried even ONE of those original tutorials. (I've done some other things, but there are still not enough fabric flowers in my life. I'm sure of it.) So since it's taking me longer to get back into the blogging groove after my trip than I had hoped (don't worry, I have things to share! I just haven't gotten around to organizing my photos in any coherent manner to make a post!), I would like to share with you some of the wonderful FELT flower tutorials I've come across in my blog-walking the last few months.
I am completely smitten with these simple circle felt flowers from eighteen25. I completely agree with one of the comments that they remind her of Mary Englebright flowers. And since my blog header is inspired my Mary Englebright flowers, I am obviously a fan.


I love the sweet simplicity of these felt flowers from A Hoot and a Holler. She gives some great ideas for using them, and her tutorial has wonderfully clear instructions and step-by-step photos.
I used these felt flowers like eighteen25 used (not from their tutorial, but one from Creative Jewish Mom) for my Spring Wreath (and also for a brooch I've never bothered to take a picture of and share), but I couldn't think of a good way to incorporate them into a headband. Until now. I think this grouping might be the answer to making this look work for me. (Side note - how can I get my hair to photograph like that? Mine is always frizzy and weird even if it doesn't seem that way in the mirror right before snapping the pic.)


This beautiful rose from Molly's Sketchbook uses a similar rolled felt flower for the center, but then adds some simple pieces to the bottom to transform it into this gorgeous rose! With the provided templates and clear instructions, this would be a wonderful project with a lot of potential!


This hydrangea felt flower from Made by the Mama Monster is simply enchanting, and I can't wait to finally make one! I think one with light purple and blue blooms would be simple fabulous. She has a wonderful template you can download and very clear instructions.


Part of the magic of this rolled felt flower at Wee Folk Art is the simple flower juxtaposed with the blanket stitch around the leaves. I'm usually too lazy for such details, but I think I could make an exception here because I absolutely love it.


I can see so much potential in this beauty from Epicurean Style. The instructions are very clear and require only the smallest amount of hand stitching (my kind of project). I've loved this look ever since I saw this elegant wreath at Christmas time. The idea of making ALL of those circles just made my head ache, though, so I only half-heartedly flagged it. This flower gives you that look on a smaller (and much more doable, in my book), scale. Also it's much more versatile.


I'm not sure how I've managed not to mention it, but I am more than a little obsessed with topiaries lately. I haven't made one yet because I'm still debating inside/outside, size, function, etc (I'm a little OCD...), but this one from lemon crafts has moved to the front of the queue. It just makes me smile. She provides a very clear tutorial, and since you're putting flower pins into styrofoam, once the flowers are all cut out, I imagine it goes together VERY quickly.


I love how I Am Momma modified this tutorial from V and Co. to creat this great felt corsage. I loved the original tutorial (of course), but since I'm focusing on felt flowers today, I thought I'd show an example of modifying the flower tutorials you find in blogland to suit your purposes, tastes, and materials.


My jaw absolutely dropped when I saw this gorgeous felt dahlia corsage from NotMartha that was featured on Holidash. She used fabric glue (and shared some great tips, after making several more, on her blog), but I still think I might try sewing the leaves. Hmm. I've seen some others around that other people have done using this tutorial, and they ALL turn out beautifully. A wonderful tutorial, and it has a clever suprise in the back that you might want to check out. :)


I know I've mentioned Lolly Chops before, but she really does have some of the most amazing flower tutorials I've seen. This one, for instance, is just such a clever blend of hard and soft lines, and I love the way that the layering and folding make it so that the shadows add depth and color to the flower. The layered buttons are the icing on the cake. (She credits someone else with the basic idea, but I haven't found more of a tutorial that what she gives.) This is just one of the little gems found inside her Wall Flowers Week (March 22-26, I think I flagged every day!), so please go see what other wonders await.


And finally, how wonderful are these felt posy's from Polka Dot Pineapple? I know, there's fabric on there, too, so I suppose it might be cheating, but I couldn't pass it up. She uses a punch for the original shape, but she shows such a clear picture of it that I think you could just trace it from the monitor if, like me, you don't have a similar punch. She then has a wonderful tutorial for making your own.

If you girls have some other felt flowers I need to know about, please leave a comment with a link! I really will make some one day. I just know it. :) Or if you've made some of the ones I've mentioned, show us how yours turned out! And I'd love to get some feedback on the tutorials and any hints or tips y'all have for making them easier! Also, please leave some love if you flag any of the links to make yourself! I know I love to get feedback, and I bet these girls would as well. ;)

**I've tried to give appropriate credit, but please let me know if I'm missed up a link or not given proper credit for the ideas.

Another Accent Pillow

I made another pillow a week or so ago to go with the pillow I blogged about here. To make it, first I found a yard of fabric remnant in a nice salmon-colored linen, and then followed this tutorial from Make It and Love it. The only changes I made were using a marking pen to mark my lines rather than just using pins as a guide and gathering all of the lines a little bit before sewing anything down. I thought I had a nice red quilting cotton to use as my base fabric, but it turned out that I didn't, so I used brown felt. It worked! Go figure. I then used some of the linen fabric for the back, which I made just about the same way Ashley did in her tutorial.


I'm really happy with the way this turned out, and as you can see (a little bit) in the picture, it goes nicely with my woven ribbon throw pillow. I'll continue to post more as I make them.

**Edited to add that I'll be posting to the parties on the left. And notice how much neater my party list looks? I got the idea from Sweet Little Smoothie! Head on over and join me in begging her to post a tute! I'm sure she would do a much better job explaining it than I would!

Spring Wreath

The Easter Wreath to Spring Wreath transformation is only slightly more work than the St. Patty's Day Wreath to Easter Wreath transformation was. I don't even have any tutorial pics because I knew where a great tutorial was. All you need is a few sheets of felt in whatever color(s) you want, safety pins (optional), and pearl-headed or other pins.

So, here are the steps:
1 - follow this tutorial to make as many little flowers are you want. I chose to cut a sheet of felt into 4 rectangles and used those to make ovals rather than circles. It worked just as well. And if you're like me and hate hand-sewing, use two safety pins across the back to secure the flowers. Since these are going on a wreath rather than to be worn as an accessory, you can get away with this. Though I have sewn these before and they really are super easy.
2 - remove the eggs from your Easter Wreath and either store until next year or let your 14-month old use them to continue to learn about gravity, like me. (If you don't have the Easter Wreath to start with, you can follow this tutorial to make a wreath base for the Changing Seasons Wreath and then follow this tutorial to add the greenery.)
3 - place the flowers as desired on your wreath using a pearl-headed pin (or another sewing pin if you can't find any - just push the tip of the pin in further if you don't want it to be visible.) I tried to put them near the felt "leaves."

And you're done! Super easy and will last until you get bored. I might add some more (and bigger) flowers over the next few days.


I'll be linking to the parties on the left.

Am I the Only Person...

...who dreams up a project from scratch, dives in with no specific directions but a clear vision of the end goal, fully achieves that masterpiece of a project, and then steps back to look at it and thinks, "huh. Is it just me, or is that kind of ugly?" Because that's how I feel about this project, and it's kind of sad.

(This is your official warning that the following post is super-long and wordy. You're all getting a glimpse of what a conversation with me is like.)

It all started June 24, 2009 (I know because that's the date I emailed myself the link) with this project.


I looked at that bag, and the woven ribbon reminded me of happier, simpler times, when a fun project was to be had by all using only construction paper. For instance, I had a woven construction-paper basket with origami daisies in it in my room for YEARS. (In High School, no less, which I probably shouldn't tell people but just did.) But I digress. The point is the weaving. I loved it. So the idea of using this ribbon weaving in a purse or a throw-pillow has been in the back of my mind ever since (what's the connection between a purse and a throw-pillow, you ask? Just me, I think).

So then one short month ago on February 25, 2010 (remember, I email myself links to projects I like), I came across this post, and fell in love with this pillow.

But all throw-pillow projects had been on hold until we got a couch (that's a tale for another day), so when we finally got one 2 1/2 weeks ago, I could not wait to put my plan into action. I almost immediately drove to Hobby Lobby, where there was some floral material I'd had my eye on and a (different) decorator print my husband and I had agreed could work. Well, the one I'd been eyeing had a lot more pink than I remembered, but the decorator fabric my husband and I had agreed on was $30/YARD, so I decided he could live with the pink. It's kind of salmon-y anyway. I found another print that had the perfect shade of blue I wanted (which isn't in this post) which just happened to match accents of blue in my floral print. Success! I picked up some cream, brown, and blue ribbon which perfectly matched my vision for the bevy of throw-pillows I would whip up, some basic cottons as well (including some green and red which matched the floral), and took off.

(Side note - me liking florals is foreign and weird to me. But lately I've wanted a really loud, big, bright floral-print chair. I figured I'd start small.)

Back to my entirely-too-long tale. I had to find a stopping point on my felt house, too, but then I dove right in. I even started to take pictures for a tutorial, so I'll throw some of those in to break up this wordy post.

I began with my ribbon collection. I was pretty sure I had a pink that might work. I found a green as well, which was close to the same width, and it seemed as though the stars had aligned. I selected them as my vertical ribbons, and taped them to my cutting mat like so:


I then cut shorter strips of the brown, blue, and cream and taped them on for the horizontal strips:


And then the weaving began:


And continued, taping as I went:


When I finished, I followed the vaguely-remembered instructions involving Heat'nBond:



Trimmed the edges, and then sewed a zigzag stitch 1/4" in all around for a nice edge to work with:


Here's where the picture-taking ended because I called it a night. I needed some time to ponder the transition between the woven ribbon and the floral. My inspiration pic used ric-rac, but I've never used it before. Anyway, when I picked it up the next night, I decided to just try it and see how it looked (because I just happened to have some green ric-rac? I don't think so; I think it was kismet). Anyway, no pics for that (right sides together with the ric-rac in between and a 1/4" seam, then press toward the ribbon). And finally finished my pillow front! (Note how great the ric-rac turned out. Especially for a first attempt.)


I sewed two quick seams for an envelope closure on the back (I picked up pillow forms at IKEA; if you would like more info on my cryptic reference to the back closure, let me know), et Voila! My masterpiece!


(The colors aren't exactly true in the pic. The pink ribbon really is more salmon-y, and the blue is a little more steel-y.) So what's my beef with it? It looks JUST how I imagined. Except maybe the dimensions? Should I have gone with the square pillow form instead? Or am I just too critical of my work? This is where it might seam (ha! no pun intended) as though I want genuine constructive criticism, but I don't. I want only to be reassured that my problem is that it's dwarfed by the new couch and when I finish the other wonders in my mind's eye it will be a dream come true. Because the cover is done. I'm not changing it. And I really don't want to hate it. Thoughts?

I'll most likely link to the parties on the left. It depends on how harsh the initial feedback is though. ;)