Thursday, April 15, 2010

Specialized Pillows for the Sitting Room


I have, slightly obsessively, made pillows to match the (cough) orchids in the sitting room. My only defense is that they didn't take long or cost any money, but still, I know that puts me at a particular end of the sewing bell curve.

The grey brushed denim was a lovely thrift store find, as was the rough woven fuschia silk, in the form of a ladies' blazer. I used the fuschia to back the square cushion, and to cover fat piping for the round cushion. My brilliant hairdresser has been picking up nasty throw pillows for me when *she* goes to the thrift store, in case I want to recover them.


I had the most fun with this appliqued square, just machine-stitched on with a pressed-under edge. I picked up the fabric colors in three lines of running stitch embroidery. Which reminds me that I plan to do some spirally shapes on the round pillow, soon. Maybe in French knots.

12 comments:

Margo said...

Good defense!! (ha)
I love that running stitch. I've seen quilting like that, and I want to play around with it.

Lisateresa said...

How inventive you are! I still have never made a pillow, or pillow cover, and I'm so wanting to. One thing I've been really wondering about is - when you buy a thrift store pillow, is the stuffing still good inside an old pillow? Do you wash it first, then take it apart and use the stuffing? Or, do you only buy old pillows in which you can feel that there's another "pillow" out of muslin or whatever inside, so you don't have to touch the old filling? I have been wondering about this a great deal!

Miss Travelode said...

Nice! Love it!

Amy @ Raising Arrows said...

I don't think I have ever commented here. I read your blog in a reader and just wanted to say, I read your blog and sigh...great, bit, sighs of bliss. Breath of fresh air...thank you so much! :)
Amy

My Little Notebook said...

I love the simplicity of this pillow and the pretty colors. It's a very creative design.

Anonymous said...

I think I saw those very colors of orchids at Kroger yesterday!

Carol

Anna said...

The girls bought mine there about a month ago. I can never believe the variety of orchids available at the grocery store!

Anna said...

Lisa, to use a thrift store pillow, just take the cover off and look. If it's gross, don't bother. But lots of times it's just the cover that's past its prime, while the pillow itself is in good shape. If it seems really lumpy I'll pass on it.

Anonymous said...

I often lurk, but just have to comment: nice pillows! I'm often inspired to sew when I visit here. And inspired in countless other ways too! Thank you so much!
Rosemary

Lisateresa said...

Thanks for the tip, Anna.

~katie~ said...

Ok, your polka dotted creativity is just so inspiring these days...love all the thrifty finds you beautify!

pam said...

Don't worry. You'll still have some company at the end of that sewing bell curve!! Love the pillows.

Take care,
Pam

Related Posts with Thumbnails