Easy Peasey Pillows

Occasionally, almost daily, I come across a project on a blog that I really want to try out in our home.  My procedure is to save a picture of it then return to the picture obsessively until I decide to take it on or forget why I liked it so much.  Today’s project was one of those I couldn’t get out of my head.  I came across it on a bowl full of lemons several months ago.  She was inspired by some Pottery Barn Pillows and nearly replicated them. The blogger of that site has a lot of great ideas and posts detailed tutorials on quite a few projects.  So if you want a step by step with nearly professionally photos check out her amazing site here:

http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/2011/04/link-party-tuesdays-one-project-at-time.html

Here is her final project….love the pillows!

Now on to how I did it which was from a few 7^th grade home economics classes on sewing and 4-H projects back in the 80’s.  I don’t even own a sewing machine but my neighbor Patty does.  Problem was she had never used it but what better way to “inspire” someone to learn how to use something than a neighbor bugging them about it.  The first week the kids were in school I text her and asked her when we could break it out.  She was here with it the next day.  The amazing part is that why I ran to Michael’s to buy thread she was able to read the instructions (the machine had never been out of the box) set it up and basically had it ready to go…she’s amazing! 

I really wish I had thought to take some photos because we broke every sewing rule and never once measured.  We simply laid the pillow forms on some linen I bought last year for a Christmas project.  Folded the material over the pillow and cut it to fit.  I pinned the sides we needed to sew together (and also to the floor where I was working) then off we went sewing.  I think we both had flashbacks to our moms yelling at us to slow down on the machine but that only caused more laughter.  We zipped up the three sides that needed sewing but left room to stuff the pillow in.  Miraculously the pillow fit, first try, no measuring and very little sewing!!  We’ve decided we are naturally talented seamstresses but we’ll test that theory out on the next project.

Here’s where I started taking a few photos to share.  I made a template by printing the numbers 1 and 2 on typing paper and cutting out with an exacto knife.  I used Bondi font at 1000% as recommended in the actual tutorial. 

Next I pinned the template on and used fabric paint to put the numbers on the pillows.  I should also mention I put some cardboard in the pillowcase to keep the paint from running through to the back.  I didn’t care that the paint was a little thin in a couple of spots or slightly out of the lines because that added to it’s imperfect perfection. 

My first attempt at the fabric paint was with paint marker below because I thought it would be less messy but it didn't work at all.  The paint didn't cover well and the tip got tore up by the texture in the material.

I removed the template immediately and let dry overnight.  Last step was to insert the pillow forms and hand stitch up the area I left open to put the pillow in.  So simple but add so much to the chairs that flank our fireplace. 

Plus they feel kind of Fallish and I’m all about that right now…pretty sure the Fall décor is getting drug out of the storage room tomorrow!

Sneak Peek

I'm keeping it short today because I get to pack for a fun weekend!  I have numerous projects going on right now but the big one hanging over my head is this AMAZING desk that Bob brought home a couple of weeks ago.  Gasp!  Yes, Bob brought it home and it doesn't have anything to do with "his" garage.  I'll give you the full story when it's done (fingers crossed) because it's pretty great.  From the little bit of research I did it was made in Chicago sometime between 1950-1970.  The most charming part is it's a dual desk which also means it's huge!  Basically two desks put together with drawers for two and everything.  It's been well loved and used but that means I am drawn to it even more.

The not so great part is how my big mouth has me freaking out a little about finishing it.  The other night Bob, one of our neighbors and I were admiring the desk which takes up the third stall of our garage.  Someone asked when are you going to have it finished?  I think my exact words were "I'll have it done and in the office by October 1st."  As I said it I was cringing inside.  Did that really just come out of my mouth???  Next week I dive into the cleaning, repairing and sanding of this beauty.  Meanwhile, what do you think about paint?  White, black or something totally different?

Have a GREAT weekend!!

One Woman's Junk....Another Woman's Really Good Junk

I LOVE junk!  Junk to me is something someone else has discarded that I find beautiful.  Maybe it's rusty, distressed or the previous owner just no longer has a need for it's orginal use.  If it falls into any of those catergories I usually want to bring it home.  Stop right there - I am not a HOARDER (although I love the show) I pass up lots of junk because I have to get a "feeling" the junk belongs in our home.  For me to haul it home, let alone pay for it, I need to be able to envision what I will do with it and what purpose it can serve.  That means I go to a lot of yard/garage sales, estate sales and Goodwill but I also walk away without anything 80-90% of the time.  It's that other 10-20% of the time that keep me going back.  Fortuantly, I only live 1.7 miles (yep I know the milage) from this new, fairly clean and well organized Goodwill Store so I can stop in about once a week.

I think some of the salesclerks are starting to recognize me but honestly they seem to recognize most of the customers so I'm not that scared about an intervention yet. 

I was reminded again the other day though that what I find beautiful and irrestible is just someone else's junk.  Along the back wall of lamps and home goods I spied a vintage, metal fan with amazing gold blades that had the perfect patina on them.  The bottom was just slightly rusted!  The curved iron casing over the blades was almost too much for me to handle.  I tried to play it cool as I grabbed it off the shelf but inside I was screaming "It's mine! It's mine!"  I have eyed similar fans in Pottery Barn and on different blogs forever.  It was a little more than I normally pay for an accessory at $19.99 especially since it clearly didn't work as indicated by the cut and frayed electical cord but I didn't care.  I only planned to use it sitting on a shelf or mantle. 

As I walked/ran to the front to pay a clerk stopped me and said "Are you going to buy that?" 

"Yes, Yes I am" I said probably sounding very proud.

She said "The guy in the back says those go for a lot on ebay."

My joy over the find was growing!  Onto the counter where the next clerk looked at my fan as I sat it down then looked back at me then back at the fan again,  "Are you going to buy that?" 

Again "Yes, I am" with a huge smile on my face.

"What are you going to do with it?  You know it doesn't work, right?" she said.

"Yeah, I know that.  I'm just using it for decorating at home."  At that moment I had a slight doubt about my purchase.

The almost fatal blow was "What kind of decorating do you do with something like that?"  I know you can't hear tone here but let me assure you she thought I had the worst taste in the history of Goodwill shoppers.  I mumbled something about vintage and probably even threw out something about Pottery Barn as I rushed away.  Once outside, in the safety of my van, I looked at the fan and fell in love again.  It's beautiful and I don't care if the very nice Goodwill lady doesn't like it...it's home!

Moral of the story..I'm going to buy what we like for our home.  Everyone has their own style and sometimes ours includes other people's junk.  Sidenote: Bob came home, noticed the fan and he liked it too...VICTORY!