At the risk of becoming that batty old aunt who hand makes presents for her nieces and nephews …
… I hand made monogrammed pillows for the two nieces my kids pulled in our annual cousin Christmas exchange. (Granted these will be accompanied by actual store bought presents. So that means I haven’t gone completely batty … yet).
I estimate these cost about $3.00 to make …
$1.25 pillow form (made here)
$.75 for iron-on transfer sheet
$1.00 estimated cost for drop cloth fabric used
… and plan to sell on my soon-to-be-created etsy shop
I started with my thrifty pillow form to determine the length and width of fabric needed and snipped …
… ripped …
… pinned …
… and stitched …
…then pinned and stitched again.
Then I transferred the monogrammed letter (see how I made mirror image text using Microsoft Word here) …
I followed the package instructions and ironed on …
… under the supervision of Ernie the Beagle …
… he’s not looking too pleased with me …
[A side note: I used iron-on transfer paper made for laser printers on my inkjet printer. It was a mistake I made months ago … but I much prefer the end result. The transfer comes out grainy … which I like … and doesn’t leave behind that annoying film outline … which I like even more.]
The finishing touch: hand sewed on the rosettes I made here …
One “b” down. One “a” to make …
Oh, and that “b” pillow is currently winding its way to Montana. Straight to you “b” from your batty old aunt in Chicago …
If you’re visiting from one of the link parties, then I hope you’ll click here and join me and five incredibly talented bloggers in our collective “Imagine the Impossibilities” challenge. It all culminates in a January 31 multi-blog link party …
Because, trust me, this time last year I had no idea that I could write a blog that people might actually want to read …
… it truly was an impossibility turned into a possibility …
So click on the link. Or click here and learn more about the challenge. Grab the button and join us as we tackle our scariest, most fear-inducing challenges …
Thanks and looking forward to learning more about your “impossibility” …
Linking up:
The Shabby Nest
Savvy Southern Style
Common Ground
Petals to Picots
Homemaker on a Dime
Homemaker in Heels
Debbie Doos
C.R.A.F.T.
Between Naps on the Porch
Skip to My Lou
Making the World Cuter
Momnivore’s Dilemma
Thrifty Decorating
Twigg Studio
I didn’t realize it was that easy to monogram fabic 🙂
…this could get dangerous over in these parts now…
😉
Santa definitely needs to bring me sewing lessons!
Kelly
Cute cute cute!!
Those are really cute! I am sure your nieces will love them!
Darling! I have some drop cloth remnants floating around from a curtain project I recently finished, this looks like a simple and fun project for a girl like me with DIY-ADD!
Cathy @ Room Rx
Very nice pillow! I laughed at your batty old aunt talk because I guess I am one of those! Isn’t it funny that we always need to combine the hand made gift with a little something store bought? Thanks for sharing and also I read about that pillow trick–very smart & thrifty!
Pretty Pillow!! I love the vintage look and a drop cloth at that!!The flowers soften the look and the letter adds edge:)LOVE IT!! thanks,Deidre~ http://simplysimplisticated4.blogspot.com
This is a beauty-I’m your newest follower from Beneath My Heart-stop by for a visit!
Hi,
Discovered your blog today at a linky party site. Loved the pillows and thought I would take a look. They are surprisingly very easy to make! I am not a great seamstress, but I think I will try to make a couple of these for gifts! Thank you so much for sharing this project! The rosettes just make it! Love them! Have a beautiful day! xoxo Kim
Very nice! Your pillow looks great! Stopping over from Wow Us Wednesday!I made a couple of pillows, as well!
This is so fantastic! I really like the color of the drop cloth & the way the typewriter letter works with it!
I love it! I’ve been in a pillow making mood too!! Love the flowers I’ll have to try and make them:)
Love this! Especially love the flowers!
Your newest follower! I would love for you to stop by sometime! http://lovelaughteranddecor.blogspot.com/
Jodie
Love it. Love the flowers. I’m having sewing envy. 🙂
This is beautiful! I love the look of the drop cloth for pillows, and the “b” looks so vintage and chic 🙂
What a great job you did on this pillow. I love it – I’m putting it on my list to-do for 2012. If you have a moment, I would be thrilled if you shared this on my Inspiration Board {link party}. I know my readers would love it.
http://carolynshomework.blogspot.com/2012/01/inspiration-board-link-party-31.html
carolyn – homework
Linda, this pillow is beautiful! And how thrifty. I’ve tried my hand at pillows, let’s just say I need more practice! Great job!
Very cute! Came out really nice. I need to learn how to sew!
Super love this! I’m definitely going to make 3 for our guest room bed…I think they’d be great with a z on them!
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I love these pillows!! Thanks for linking up to my party. I can’t wait to see what you have next week!
My kind of project here. Your pillow turned out adorable. thanks for linking up to my newbie party.
I just love the rosettes!
Completely cute!!!! Your nieces are SO lucky!!! Thank you SO much for the inspiration and for linking up at crafty scrappy happy.
Jaime from crafty scrappy happy
Okay…this is so inspiring….I sense a monogrammed rocking chair pad in my future.
sharon @ mrs. hines class