Hiya! I’m pretty sucky at making resolutions for the new year because it I don’t like it when December 31st rolls around and whatever I set out to do isn’t finished. So… I decided to set a shorter-term goals. This January, I hope to do a few updates to our Master Bedroom. First up, I wanted to add a bit more color to our bedding. So… I made accent pillows.

I bought the pillow forms from Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts and they are 50% until January 28th. The rectangle pillow form (12″ x 16″) is here.  The neck roll measures 14″ long with a 6″ diameter. It isn’t on their website, but you can buy one at their stores for about $6 or so when it’s on sale. As an aside, please don’t ever pay retail at Jo-Ann. There is something on sale every day and if you sign up to have coupons e-mailed to you, you can save 40% to 50% off anything that is not on sale. Sign up for their mailing list here.

Okay, so now how to make the pillows. Yes, I used a sewing machine. I am not an expert seamstress. I just like to sew and learned how to do it in junior high. I learned to how to do it on a very old machine at school (I miss you Mrs. Harris), and an even older machine of my mom’s. But about a year ago, my mom’s machine died and Mr. J’s parents gave me a new one for my birthday. This is not a beginner’s machine, but certainly not a professional one either. I have to tell you that I can sew better now than ever. Why? Because technology has made it easier. This machine is amazeballs:

• I don’t have to thread it by hand
• It’s easy to thread the bobbin
• It has a bunch of different stitches I didn’t even know existed (but find really helpful)
• I am so glad I don’t have to use a pedal (even though it has one, if I really want to use one).
• The thing sews straight automatically!
• It’s easy to regulate the speed!

So… if you already know how to sew, these are features you will appreciate. If you don’t use a sewing machine, what I am trying to say is that it’s not as intimidating as it seems. Modern sewing machines are much easier to use than ever before. And there are many classes available if you’re at all interested in learning how. If you live near me, I’m happy to teach you how to use my machine and share what I know. Seriously. Drop me a line.

As for fabric… le sigh. Until I moved here, I had no idea that there are so many amazing fabric designers out there, especially in 100% cotton.The prints I used for these pillows aren’t available at your local mass-market fabric shop. It might help to do some research. If you want something basic, then shops like Jo-Ann are great. If you want something special, high-end, or trendy, then try FabricWorm first. I like them because they have a very large selection of prints and designers. If you find a designer you like in particular, then you can do a search for that person’s textiles. In my case, I really liked some prints by this guy. And found out my favorite fabric shop in MN, Crafty Planet, stocks a lot of his designs. Yippee! If you’re at a loss at where to start finding the fabric you want locally, why not try quilting shops? Or again, get in contact with me. I’ll try to help you.

Ok, now for actually sewing these pillows. I found the patterns online, so I won’t have photos of my play-by-play. Someone has done this work for you and they should get credit for it. Click on the links below for the information that you need.

For my rectangular pillow:

• Finished dimensions: 12″ by 16″
• Fabric: Aviary 2 – Scrollwork – Granite by Joel Dewberry
• Directions are here.
• I had to alter the dimensions of the fabric, accordingly. Here’s my revised calculations: 1 piece, 17″ x 21″, 1 piece – 17″ x 20″, 1 piece, 17″ x 4″

For the neckroll:

• Finished dimensions: 14″ long x 6″ diameter
• Fabric: Aviary 2 – Damask – Granite, by Joel Dewberry
• Directions are here.
• Since the pillow form I used was the same as the tutorial, I could follow the directions without changing anything. I did not add the ribbon trim on the sides (only the ones to tie the form into the case).

How much did all of this stuff cost?

• Pillow Forms from Jo-Ann: $13.92
• Fabric (3/4 yard of each, with plenty to spare) from Crafty Planet: $15.76
• Ribbon (for the neckroll) and matching thread (for both pillows) from Jo-Ann, using a 50% coupon: $4.29
• Total: $33.97
• Time: 30 minutes per pillow, not including the time I spent washing the fabric in hot water, drying it, and then ironing out the wrinkles (I highly recommend you do this every time, so you don’t have to worry about shrinkage.)
• Result: I’m fighting with Kiddo over who gets to sleep with them. I have a feeling she’ll want me to sew her some new shams for her room in a few days…

*As usual, I get no commission for any of the links in this post. I just wanted to let you know where I got my info/materials if you are interested.

I’m attacking my closets next. See you soon!