Ruffled Trio Pillow

I was inspired by this image to make a throw pillow for my mother's birthday.

 I used a linen/cotton blend from Jo-Ann's in an ecru color. It was a simple and fun project!

Happy Birthday Mama!

Shells

So, do you want to know how long it took me to take a good picture of this pillow? Well, first I had it on the bed. No good. Then I put it on the sofa. No good either. I then proceeded to walk around the house in circles with said pillow in one hand and my camera in the other seeking for divine inspiration (or something like that).

It came.

It came in the form of a yellow chair.

Ah! the satisfied photographer.

The fabric is Ginsing by Joel Dewberry in a light cotton twill. I didn't use a pattern. I made it for my mom to give as a birthday present.

Secondhand Fashion Week Day Two and Dress Shirt Pillow Tutorial

Secondhand Fashion Week:

Day Two - The Polished Teacher

(Well, I try!)

Emma is turning out to be a very good photographer, don't you think?

Earrings - Belk's

Necklace - My mother : )

Ring - Gift Shop

Shoes - Belk's

Blouse - Yard Sale

Condition: Very Good/Used

Brand: Ann Taylor Loft

Price: $1.00

Skirt - Consignment Store

Condition: Good/Used

Brand: Willi Smith

Price: I think it was $7.00

I don't usually pay that much for an item when thrift shopping but I have this thing with linen skirts, I have, like, seven of them!

Today was rather busy. I have more students on Monday than any other day of the week! I must say I am glad to be sitting back, relaxing, typing this post and listening to music from such films as Penelope, Robin Hood (bet you didn't know there was a soundtrack!) and Master and Commander. Now, on to the tutorial!

Dress Shirt Pillow Tutorial

Supplies:

Enough Scrap Fabric to cut nine 5" squares

A fairly large (woman's medium and up) Button Down Shirt

Straight Pins

Scissors

A 14" square pillow form

Sewing Machine and Thread

Iron and Ironing Board

A Rotary Mat and Cutter or A piece of Paper cut to 5" square

Instructions:

Seam allowance is 1/4 inch.

1) Cut out nine 5" squares from your fabric using either your mat and cutter or your paper pattern.

2) Arrange your squares in a pleasing manner.

3) Begin sewing them together one row at a time starting with the top row and working your way down...

until all three rows are sewn.

4) Press your seams. You should press the seams of the top and bottom row towards the inside and the seams of the middle row towards the outside.

5) Begin sewing your rows together. Making sure to match and pin your seams.

6) Press your seams towards outside.

7) Button up your shirt and press the front. Place your patchwork on top centering it over the buttons. (Note: you will have cut two pieces from the shirt but you only want the one with the buttons.)

8) Pin your two squares together and sew all the way around the outside edge.

9) Clip diagonally across each corner being careful not to cut your stitching.

10) Unbutton your shirt and turn your pillowcase right side out.

11) Use the point of your closed scissors to gently poke out the corners.

12) Insert your pillow form!

Christmas Camp 2009 - Project Three

This is the pillow I made as an example for camp. It had been a while since I had done anything piping-like so I would appreciate it if you didn't look too closely.

Christmas Sewing Camp 2009 - Wednesday

On Wednesday night the girls made pillows. Everyone tried something different. Cording, applique, buttons and yo-yo's were all present.

I just remembered...

I never posted pictures of the things I made as examples for sewing camp.

Skirt

Pants

Pillow

I ran out of time and couldn't get a bag made but one of the girls had made the pattern before and she kindly brought her bag over to use as the example.

Summer Sewing Camp 2009 - Day One

Outside there is drenching rain, inside there is one tired sewing teacher! Don't get me wrong though, it was a good day! Today we made nine-patch pillows. The six girls all did a wonderful job and I hope they are all looking forward to tomorrow as much as I am!