I've been wanting to make a couple of new couch pillows for quite a while now. For as long as I can remember, we've only had one throw pillow, and we are three people... three people who happen to be (expert) loungers, cuddlers, and readers. One pillow divided three ways has not worked for quite sometime, if ever.
Finally, within the slowness of January, I found the time to get going on some pillow sewing. Everything I needed was found right here in the house, meaning I didn't have to put on snow gear and venture out at all for this project! (I am hibernating like you wouldn't believe this winter.)
First, I needed pillow forms. I raided my linen closet and found two standard size bedroom pillows that could be spared. I measured the width of the pillows (20 inches) and cut a bit of length off the top to bring the size of the pillow length closer to the width, making sure to leave enough for seam allowances.
Depending on the fluff and firmness of the pillow, you can decide whether to remove some of the filling or just push it all down inside the remaining pillow. Then, fold the raw edges inside and sew along the open edge, closing up the pillow. I found using a well-filled pillow to be a good idea. Sofa throw pillows see a lot of use, better that they be firm and plump than flimsy and soft.
With the pillow forms done, I paid a visit to my stash and pulled some home dec Denyse Schmidt from the shelves. I cut the fabric wide enough to cover the front of the pillows (with extra for seams), then cut the different patterns into various widths of 2, 3 and 4 inches.
Two hours later, I (and my loungy family) was rewarded with this...
What a way to perk up this crazy winter we've been having.
The pillows were backed with linen, using a fold-over envelope style for easy removal and washing.
Ahh... now if I can only get that man (outside the window) to get down from the roof once in a while to enjoy them. Bungalow's have so. much. roof. - it's a never ending task dealing with the removal of snow and ice this year. It's something we normally don't need to do, but this year seems to have taken over the record books... and the forecast for Tuesday through Wednesday? S n o w!
Last week Emily and Adam were outside playing in the snow. Instead of the usual snow forts and sledding, they just surrendered to what was, and made tunnels.
Tunnels! Not in the snow banks where you might expect, but throughout the backyard! Oh my. As for me, I've made great use of these new pillows... inside, where it's warm.
Wishing you a wonderful Monday (I'm a big fan of Monday).