i sat down this morning, determined to complete a project. from start to finish. and even if the results were not pretty, i was going to post about it.
so naturally, with such a challenge, it would make sense that i would tackle something i have never done...using my new and seemingly daunting sewing machine.
i bought this cute felt placemat from michaels. there weren't enough to make a table runner so I knew i had to be creative with it (because why would I use it as a placemat? teehee). i knew that i should be able to attach the placemat to an existing pillow with a simple slip stitch (that's my favorite stitch-it's done by hand and it doesn't have to look pretty) but the problem is that i didn't have any pillows that would work. i did have, however, a couple of pillow forms that i purchased at a yardsale for .25 for a pair (these are HUGE pillows...17x17).
so i put on my big girl shoes and set out to make a pillow cover (aka envelope pillow) for this pillow form.using my sewing machine. *cue jaws theme song
full disclosure. i've sewn before. in 6th grade. in home ec. but i'm pretty sure my teacher did most of the work for me. so if you don't mind, i'm counting this as my first real sewing project.
i found this tutorial on youtube (i do better with sometone talking and showing me instead of just using pics). i love this woman. really one of the clearest sewing tutorials I've ever seen.
and...
i did it. i wasn't taking pics during the actual process because, well, i was afraid of my recent craft-history-see above)...
BUT...
i freaking made an envelope pillow.
and then i sewed my little felt placemat on it.
attached a little spider i found in one of my bins.
and there. you. have. it.
a freaking halloween pillow
made with a freaking sewing machine.
by.
me.
who would have thought?
things i've learned:
1. um. i need some better sewing supplies. i'm not showing you close up pics of the hems because they're not straight. i need a straight-edge and a better pair of scissors-or one of those cool rotary things. thank goodness christmas is coming!
2. it is a glorious feeling to sew two pieces of fabric together. i'm now plotting other sewing projects. anyone want a dress? i'm sure i'll be able to accomodate in a day or two (teehee).
3. some days you just need to sit yourself down, watch real housewives of new jersey (i *love really bad tv), and force yourself to complete a craft. it's gotten me out of my slump. be ready blog, be ready...
linking to:
http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2011/10/change-your-decor-for-seasons-easily.html#more
http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/2011/09/tutorials-tips-link-party-29.html
http://todayscreativeblog.net/weekly-link-party/
48 comments:
Congrats! I know exactly how you feel. When I completed my first solo-following-a-pattern-project, I felt like it was the dawning of the Age of Aquarius. Best wishes with your future projects!
It's very graphic. I like it! I have very limited storage, so seasonal pillows are not an option for me.
I too need scissors capable of cutting fabric...
That is so neat. I love how you did this. Very cool!
Too Cute! I'd love for you to link up to my Wickedly Creative Halloween Ideas Party!
http://www.itsybitsypaperblog.com/2011/09/wickedly-creative-halloween-ideas-linky.html
fun! perfect for Halloween
You did a great job sewing your spider web pillow!
I love how simple and awesome this looks! I'd love it if you linked up to my Terrorific Tuesday linky party! http://swelldesigner.blogspot.com/2011/10/terrorific-tuesday-blog-hop-time.html
Thanks so much for linking up again this year to the Terrorific Tuesday blog hop. I really appreciate it! :) I love your blog title by the way!
It turned out great-congrats:@)
I love this pillow! I found you via The Swell Life party and would love if you joined us over at Sew Woodsy! Plus we are giving away some really cool potion bottle labels! :)
Keep coming across cute things on this blog!! Definitely following. Loving this pillow! Keep up the good work.
Also, would love it if you would stop by and share this at my linky party! http://everything-underthemoon.blogspot.com/2011/10/bedazzle-me-monday-2_02.html
Have a great day!!
this is really darling!
housewivesofriverton.blogspot.com
Cute pillow! I just started sewing this past weekend too. I think I heard the jaws music as I approached that machine and the stupid bobbin :)
Great Pillow!
I would love for you to link up your creation at http://www.jaqsstudio.com/2011/10/jaqs-studio-first-ever-linky-party.html
This is "sew" cute! Great job and gorgeous pillow for the holiday!! Found you on Sugar & Dots!! Love it!
Looove this!! :)
Guess what? You were featured! Stop on by check it out and grab a button if you'd like :)
http://www.thekurtzcorner.com/2011/10/link-party-features-no-9.html
fun & fabulous!!!
That is adorable!!! What a clever idea! I am visiting from Gluesticks and I am a new follower!
Hope you have a great weekend!
Michelle
www.delicateconstruction.blogspot.com
This pillow is so cute. I have had some of the same experiences this week. I still have a project on my table waiting to be finished but it just won't work out the way I want.
Ruth
It turned out great! I am not a huge sewer either... but I think you did great. thanks for sharing it with us. Happy Halloween!
Hi - I love, love, love all the Hallowe'en features on your site - I love Hallowe''en!
Am your Newest Follower via the sat hop - nice to meet you -
thanks for sharing all your creative goodies -have a great weekend!
Linda
beachside cottage (Ghostly beachside bookstore)
This pillow is so cute! I found you through Serenity Now. Thanks for sharing!
I love your pillow!!! It turned out so cute. And congrats on your first real sewing project, pillows are so much fun to make because they're really easy!
I'd love for you to link this project up to my Monster Mash Bash! http://afishwholikesflowers.blogspot.com/2011/10/lets-do-monster-mash.html
Hope to see you there!
So cute!
You did great! What a fabulous little festive pillow. And you totally rocked this project! Thanks for linking this up to Show & Share!
Such a cute pillow!!! I featured it today: http://adiamondinthestuff.blogspot.com/2011/10/time-to-shine-features-no-38.html
Hi Lesley! I love your spide pillow! Such a creative use of the placemat! You are a LIST MAKER this week...when you get a chance, feel free to stop by and grab a button!
Smiles!
Jami
www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com
I love how this came out!
Super cute. I love it! I'm loving all the black and white Halloween decorations this year.
liZ
(simplesimonandco)
Love this! I'll be featuring it on my blog on Saturday.
http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com
Thanks for linking up!
Sumo:)
I loved this so much that I featured it as my fave for this week's party! ♥
Dropping by to let you know you're featured on tonight's post at Freestyle Friday! I loved this, thanks for linking up!
Adrianne
www.happyhourprojects.com
This is fantastic- love black and white Halloween!! Would love for you to come share at Feathered Nest Friday!! :)
I would love it if you would link this to my link party, and any others you may have. Thanks, It just started :)
http://diycraftstomake.blogspot.com/2011/10/whacha-got-weekly-linky-party.html
Looks great!
Visiting from Serenity Now- your crafty is fabulous. Caught my eye!
;) crafty texas girls
Love it and totally impressed that you made an envelope pillow. I am scared of that level of sewing. ;) Thanks for linking up with DIY under $5!
Love this pillow glad you linked it up to scrappy saturdays!
This looks awesome! I have been meaning to make some Halloween pillow covers! :) Oh hey... SOMEBODY has a FEATURE from the Fancy This Fridays link up! http://www.trulylovelyblog.com/2011/10/fancy-this-features-46-and-winner.html
This turned out so great! Thanks again for linking up with us at Show & Share!
Marie
mylilpinkpocket.blogspot.com
I love your pillow! Great tutorial. If you could please add a link back to my party as well, I would really appreciate it. Thanks! :)
Ha! Your story had me laughing. I always get pumped to sew after a successful project. And then I wait and wait and put it off and then the whole "I can't do that!" process starts again! I love the placemat idea, genius!
Don't forget to add a link back to craft envy. Great pillow!
http://nv-craftenvy.blogspot.com
Those are such a cute pillow. Thanks so much for linking up again this year to the Terrific Tuesday blog hop. I really appreciate it.
sevgiliye hediye
I absolutely love this pillow! I want one :)
This is very cute! Thanks for linking up! I am showing this off on my blog Saturday evening! Thanks so much!
Ashley
www.simplydesigning.blogspot.com
I love this pillow. You did an amazing job. I also don't have much skill with a sewing machine but I am getting ready to buy one. I want to learn in oh a day or two like yourself :)
Sarah
www.budgetfriendlydecorating.com
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