Pillow talk

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPa53hl8xoMaxKi3ruK5Bmd1pC9mAj98C6ewXuGVOolrCCNe8g653a6hRgSaj8JGitf9VN6P651TcYoDoW1VW7Z5T0dapq7S9AHiB1k4SnQgzmcbUs8B6AR2LTaJRElKBHrLlv9DUt23Sx/s1600/100_0745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPa53hl8xoMaxKi3ruK5Bmd1pC9mAj98C6ewXuGVOolrCCNe8g653a6hRgSaj8JGitf9VN6P651TcYoDoW1VW7Z5T0dapq7S9AHiB1k4SnQgzmcbUs8B6AR2LTaJRElKBHrLlv9DUt23Sx/s640/100_0745.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I was going through some of my portfolio photography files recently and came across a stash of photos of various pillows I've made over the years for clients and for myself. I've previously published these images in different blog posts, or in my <a href="http://www.lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Portfolio_Gallery-Interior_Design-Massachusetts.html" target="_blank">portfolio</a>, but thought it would be fun to compile them in a single post. I made nearly all of these pillows, with the exception of the larger, more utilitarian back pillows which I sub out. But for the most part, I do the design and sewing of all the decorative pillows used in my projects. I like have some of my own handiwork in the spaces I've designed. My favorite thing to do is take left-overs from fabrics used in a space and create something different and unique. I usually don't do a drawing or scheme of any kind, I just take all the materials and see what I come up with. I usually do button placket closures in the back since I've never figured out how to do a zipper and while I could hand sew them closed, most clients want to be able to remove the cover from the pillow. So, cute covered buttons it is. <br /><br />The photo above shows a project I did several years ago and this mass of pillows was on the newly re-upholstered sofa in the living room.  Pillow styles come and go - sometimes they are chopped, sometimes not; sometimes they are all trimmed out, and other times not. It's really a personal preference thing and there are no rights or wrongs, regardless of what the design police seem to think. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYImqDeApOfdhv9Fcu2araXcHHFT3P42oLlvqAhnzf6FPQbl25S39mAxwPUG4vlfvaWURQTkC1VeDEYUmJOo6uyxuhKx6SRuKwxrTj3b11uWjSFGALAKGoJ8rhItKCyIBiXu8zp_epatX/s1600/100_0812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYImqDeApOfdhv9Fcu2araXcHHFT3P42oLlvqAhnzf6FPQbl25S39mAxwPUG4vlfvaWURQTkC1VeDEYUmJOo6uyxuhKx6SRuKwxrTj3b11uWjSFGALAKGoJ8rhItKCyIBiXu8zp_epatX/s640/100_0812.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Always loved this fabric! It's Kravet and include several different breeds done up like "ancestor" portraits. This client was a huge animal lover and <a href="http://www.lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Portfolio-Den-Interior_Design-Massachusetts.html" target="_blank">this room </a>featured a large portrait of her two labs. Note the striped welting, which was used on the sides of these box pillows and on the back. So cute. (oh, I had my seamstress make these, I'm not so good at box pillows). <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwmOr96_TDsMHS0BX9ft_q5w7JUXS8QVwDy5p9NTycDs6IwtiNQF-2pVMvG9ZGDuu2EODQKSkf6EDopo0PZgfv9i4Eo2O2RRUce7cBlLX-LARz61OohgTXUgAZvrtuWG4OQG05jNrFTSg/s1600/100_0896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwmOr96_TDsMHS0BX9ft_q5w7JUXS8QVwDy5p9NTycDs6IwtiNQF-2pVMvG9ZGDuu2EODQKSkf6EDopo0PZgfv9i4Eo2O2RRUce7cBlLX-LARz61OohgTXUgAZvrtuWG4OQG05jNrFTSg/s640/100_0896.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Pillow overload? Hmm, is there such a thing? My seamstress made the back three rows of larger pillows, I made the three front decorative pillows. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlk7IfXSCpKKwZsLvZ3RO8u1FQxALF5b3jN8_pIBq9bGFxNFWDVq2mwgP5O3oXBAUhJor6brcUZhZUhmYnU5WjNodxUwhjgCaR_CE7xv9xUWZS4KE-koSWknsoB3_ZLgHBQJEtPReWlUMh/s1600/100_1110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlk7IfXSCpKKwZsLvZ3RO8u1FQxALF5b3jN8_pIBq9bGFxNFWDVq2mwgP5O3oXBAUhJor6brcUZhZUhmYnU5WjNodxUwhjgCaR_CE7xv9xUWZS4KE-koSWknsoB3_ZLgHBQJEtPReWlUMh/s640/100_1110.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>A bad photo of a pretty project. Loved that floral fabric! There was also a beautiful bed skirt in the same floral as well. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQaPKGE1YHHFH2FJaJljrH9WitNv7oB7c7HURdETTiO_HzuKNnGCT1-EQTQS5CbgvUBv238ox-pTe0feMY3yZNq1DGL_sr0Tbs2G0kwKntdfID0EXDT7kRugxZ-4QZesAiYmD_hmyfkzR5/s1600/100_2035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQaPKGE1YHHFH2FJaJljrH9WitNv7oB7c7HURdETTiO_HzuKNnGCT1-EQTQS5CbgvUBv238ox-pTe0feMY3yZNq1DGL_sr0Tbs2G0kwKntdfID0EXDT7kRugxZ-4QZesAiYmD_hmyfkzR5/s640/100_2035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>These are the pillows I made for the room I did for the WHDH Boston show "Room for Improvement". Homeowners on a limited budget were paired with a designer for a room makeover. The episode was called "Bedroom Oasis". Unfortunately, the video is no longer available and they stopped doing the series. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2I6i19wKqwsfmr2_OoSoPZE2KnToqHR3Dv9KZ0DXqExVkqTTsGe44qVJkSqHzrJii6-p6tF89lKalPwp_LqiTJUwvAgsnSNzbNyO9NuJPbTTpW9E_PkAG8dz2TuEW-5PzUsqVxfyXoZvo/s1600/100_2193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2I6i19wKqwsfmr2_OoSoPZE2KnToqHR3Dv9KZ0DXqExVkqTTsGe44qVJkSqHzrJii6-p6tF89lKalPwp_LqiTJUwvAgsnSNzbNyO9NuJPbTTpW9E_PkAG8dz2TuEW-5PzUsqVxfyXoZvo/s400/100_2193.JPG" width="350" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUv8_digjvftehavrwf2AA0A2NNM2VrpKgKQ0_0gwbikiPpCcpUPZvE0rZe7kPafrxAXrAy8Jtl1TTtp9PsGJF8T-Fcr5sYH16CdRf_5qD3k_ZfOR9FOJlfsE39clxpEDVHYQsefzQEoV/s1600/100_3850_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="635" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUv8_digjvftehavrwf2AA0A2NNM2VrpKgKQ0_0gwbikiPpCcpUPZvE0rZe7kPafrxAXrAy8Jtl1TTtp9PsGJF8T-Fcr5sYH16CdRf_5qD3k_ZfOR9FOJlfsE39clxpEDVHYQsefzQEoV/s640/100_3850_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>This was a little settee that I bought at a second hand shop and recovered myself.  One of my favorite DIY projects. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC93FthG17vbBiKAiPB9BewUF3h5tnsP1Q4TqUqm4tluY8jYP4GsofPm5DV6Owbka8-FWtOBCVhyPww6zqsg2Oe6CaDxAwyiUpQj4sWoFPVMTLeHt_gwRWsnLJBKXxHesUOljDpcTECOK6/s1600/DSCN0979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC93FthG17vbBiKAiPB9BewUF3h5tnsP1Q4TqUqm4tluY8jYP4GsofPm5DV6Owbka8-FWtOBCVhyPww6zqsg2Oe6CaDxAwyiUpQj4sWoFPVMTLeHt_gwRWsnLJBKXxHesUOljDpcTECOK6/s640/DSCN0979.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />My Tiffany & Co. pillow and window seat cushion that I made for my Goddaughter. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8T_3eiqfRx1ElxvoZQF6zzzICJv10C16nPsjsdOb6SeXwq05_a1OewUKTKpjzLKv2My8V7srek8e8xlW_EkDtg5haHa7CNblzTQ4nU6GckKE9jJXfTJkLdUplOk-lb7mhlb-U4oOXeDR1/s1600/DSCN4410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8T_3eiqfRx1ElxvoZQF6zzzICJv10C16nPsjsdOb6SeXwq05_a1OewUKTKpjzLKv2My8V7srek8e8xlW_EkDtg5haHa7CNblzTQ4nU6GckKE9jJXfTJkLdUplOk-lb7mhlb-U4oOXeDR1/s640/DSCN4410.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />These are the pillows I made for the "Princess Bedroom" project for my long time client's 5 year old. Some day I'll actually get the whole room photographed. Maybe when she goes off to college... <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfdGbyjcGLx9TDE8WmHYHqctM1lDNfdM7XPfhmhFyvMP19GuxcUpUHqA1o9dFupZh3dajVD7PJYyAiOAPJtsJUGMmyyiYTRGeviaxiBM8NncFGzI39BiTKCYJXOezIc_uGEmVkHaT-V4W/s1600/KZ+LR+pillows.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfdGbyjcGLx9TDE8WmHYHqctM1lDNfdM7XPfhmhFyvMP19GuxcUpUHqA1o9dFupZh3dajVD7PJYyAiOAPJtsJUGMmyyiYTRGeviaxiBM8NncFGzI39BiTKCYJXOezIc_uGEmVkHaT-V4W/s1600/KZ+LR+pillows.png" /></a></div><br />The <a href="http://www.lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Portfolio-Boston-Townhouse_Living_Room_1-Interior_Design-Massachusetts.html" target="_blank">living room</a> in the town house of the Princess project above. Very limited view, but I made the pillows on the chairs, which had a stripped silk fabric on the back. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9K9OuxIXLgiKI8c-3JLM5OK3gQnZU_5ODOIgzRLaS4uSpaw-ut6Y6nJiWd3E3jleZKz_EJ_XH_hJwr6XkR60G8g2vHNTQ-v8YmYCxfevdDPmXyiNS_ba8tHiQsh1CL1WEmQMyyEsFWp9/s1600/Merrillbrpill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9K9OuxIXLgiKI8c-3JLM5OK3gQnZU_5ODOIgzRLaS4uSpaw-ut6Y6nJiWd3E3jleZKz_EJ_XH_hJwr6XkR60G8g2vHNTQ-v8YmYCxfevdDPmXyiNS_ba8tHiQsh1CL1WEmQMyyEsFWp9/s640/Merrillbrpill.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />This was my bedroom, in one of my many decorative iterations. I made the duvet cover and long back pillow our of the green toile I purchased in Paris. The silk peach pillows in front were an experiment in "oragami" style fabric folding. They really did look like a rose blossom one upon a time!  The dark red shams were store bought, and I made the oblong pillows with the toile inset. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Portfolio-Romantic_Bedroom-Interior_Design-Massachusetts_files/LindaBedroomCross2010-filtered.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="606" src="http://www.lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Portfolio-Romantic_Bedroom-Interior_Design-Massachusetts_files/LindaBedroomCross2010-filtered.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>And then another set of bedding. Note the same peach silk pillow. I made the roll pillow and the oblong silk pillows. The ruffled bedspread was from Brocade Home, before they went out. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Portfolio-Oceanside_Bedroom_4_-Interior_Design-Massachusetts_2_files/Nethpill2-filtered.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://www.lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Portfolio-Oceanside_Bedroom_4_-Interior_Design-Massachusetts_2_files/Nethpill2-filtered.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />These pillows were for the <a href="http://www.lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Portfolio-Oceanside_Bedroom_4_-Interior_Design-Massachusetts_2.html" target="_blank">formal master</a> in an ocean front bedroom project I did several years ago. I made all the pillows, including the cute "starfish" pillow, which was meant as a kind of joke, but was still charming, I think. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSb8S7GjPUKmo2eO68vc8J6fBsNBWoG8_lbws3yqV3ETLOsA_dDje6p-oUg4QIGzo2Lca6ap6xH_hgRbX84yeV7QShPDs41LkUj_xrbwTR0oc224dhlQpng0MxmNFt5jW6TB_lj0z9NOX/s1600/BR+pillows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSb8S7GjPUKmo2eO68vc8J6fBsNBWoG8_lbws3yqV3ETLOsA_dDje6p-oUg4QIGzo2Lca6ap6xH_hgRbX84yeV7QShPDs41LkUj_xrbwTR0oc224dhlQpng0MxmNFt5jW6TB_lj0z9NOX/s1600/BR+pillows.jpg" /></a></div>These are some of the most recent pillows I've made. This for the <a href="http://www.lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Portfolio-Duxbury-Master_Bedroom_1-Interior_Design-Massachusetts_2.html" target="_blank">master bedroom </a>in the Duxbury project I recently completed. Notice things have gotten much simpler with much less embellishment. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXJWUa_N3hHOJhcy4IMJ5CpK8A5LDywC2M6-i7WkvC9rQl6UaBTRD4bCX1m2_OoHx5HRhOXAIsLRRzkaVAE2IbROhZolzjx29rSkAecV4YQQxla0Y7h_UNKxbLn_UzJrOZcJS_zSPfpNc/s1600/Overhead+pillows.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXJWUa_N3hHOJhcy4IMJ5CpK8A5LDywC2M6-i7WkvC9rQl6UaBTRD4bCX1m2_OoHx5HRhOXAIsLRRzkaVAE2IbROhZolzjx29rSkAecV4YQQxla0Y7h_UNKxbLn_UzJrOZcJS_zSPfpNc/s640/Overhead+pillows.png" width="640" /></a></div>And this is the <a href="http://www.lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Portfolio-Duxbury-Casual_LIving_Room_5-Interior_Design-Massachusetts_2.html" target="_blank">living room</a> in the same project. I never got very good photos of these pillows, so some of the fine details are missing. For instance, I used the striped fabric to make the welting on the blue and tan medallion pillows as well as the small paisley in the corner. I love putting in those small details that many people won't notice, but some will, such as this client who has quite a discerning eye. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittW8ydEmsyxgzm3RP-mWKQK0OZd5AQgKD1aNREEoF_kxO2EDhFUCT1wGDT_ifb-nvr2CPM7qZD-Gi8WHgKBrBXZaHaI0NrKx2nA1TKqG8keoOVautx5JlrtHdzUBvy8ODYQP0V7Ue-cCi/s1600/100_0810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittW8ydEmsyxgzm3RP-mWKQK0OZd5AQgKD1aNREEoF_kxO2EDhFUCT1wGDT_ifb-nvr2CPM7qZD-Gi8WHgKBrBXZaHaI0NrKx2nA1TKqG8keoOVautx5JlrtHdzUBvy8ODYQP0V7Ue-cCi/s640/100_0810.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNeAEbjGcee9NHn4yVfVstejBD_b79X7o9p1ob31tGv8lq-r6TFk337xLP9lE2UbefSSpk2NjKB1UP3m63B5BQCblBPPW4uAF6h_TWoBmzNymKiUyVZ8TwX54Kc2QQ1x8WpnaeH1A5qJG/s400/il_fullxfull.1424368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNeAEbjGcee9NHn4yVfVstejBD_b79X7o9p1ob31tGv8lq-r6TFk337xLP9lE2UbefSSpk2NjKB1UP3m63B5BQCblBPPW4uAF6h_TWoBmzNymKiUyVZ8TwX54Kc2QQ1x8WpnaeH1A5qJG/s320/il_fullxfull.1424368.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />These cute crewel pillows were done for a guest room and paired with matelasse coverlet and shams. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWfB3xkeCYkd4U-0eLqDu0oVoGJdCCggPZHiVErugLWPkrmrjYLfz3-8LMwf01G-xsHtpBpNeVpZ23XsQrNCeu0Wxnlm29thp2S_9HQLqkuE6Q-JzQWt6iUZ5FdA0CF7E-G6CRzU9dOD0/s1600/000_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWfB3xkeCYkd4U-0eLqDu0oVoGJdCCggPZHiVErugLWPkrmrjYLfz3-8LMwf01G-xsHtpBpNeVpZ23XsQrNCeu0Wxnlm29thp2S_9HQLqkuE6Q-JzQWt6iUZ5FdA0CF7E-G6CRzU9dOD0/s640/000_0029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />So, of course, I have quite a stash of leftover fabrics. One of my favorite "projects" was for a fundraiser at the local library. I forget the details, but we were asked to dress or decorate a toy "dragon" to raise money for something. Dragon is the Duxbury, Massachusetts mascot (oddly). Anyway, I went a little overboard and made a complete bedding ensemble, plus a nightgown (possibly that was purchased and altered to fit)  and "dolly" for the dragon. Note the bunny slippers. I used a small unfinished serving tray that I picked up at Joanne Fabrics and painted it white, then made a mattress with sheet and coverlet, and the pillows. These fabrics, and the green cotton ball fringe,  should all look familiar. I think I bought a whole roll of the green ball trim on sale and used it everywhere for a while. I have no idea what happened to this or where it went. But I had so much fun making it!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOK6lf3EHSOIiCG8V2QyWBwvUYWpRfqKF9Bdv32oE_sl-R9BCsWHbDusMsk7XfbCFmYLX0lpi2EHWKiFfuBDzUew0O3bVDtGlbzXqpxeZMve3jR4GzYs2F18_A40CpUs7wB6xsMokcGWRg/s1600/000_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOK6lf3EHSOIiCG8V2QyWBwvUYWpRfqKF9Bdv32oE_sl-R9BCsWHbDusMsk7XfbCFmYLX0lpi2EHWKiFfuBDzUew0O3bVDtGlbzXqpxeZMve3jR4GzYs2F18_A40CpUs7wB6xsMokcGWRg/s640/000_0027.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/s720x720/246591_4009606474437_1769155934_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="477" src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/s720x720/246591_4009606474437_1769155934_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />And, here is my latest pillow "creation". I seriously just took a memo sample that I had lying around, took off the tag, sewed a seam and slipped in a pillow. I didn't even sew up the sides. Sad, but true! When I get bored with it, I'll rip out the seam, press the sample and return it. shh - don't tell coughkravetfabricscoughcough. <br /><br />I hope you enjoyed my little pillow parade. <br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Pillow talk

I was going through some of my portfolio photography files recently and came across a stash of photos of various pillows I've made over ...

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Decorator's Closet Sale: Silk Pillow

As I previously mentioned, I'm in the process of redecorating my bedroom. I have a pair of oblong silk pillows that I made a couple of years ago that I'd like to sell. They are on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/471200/silk-garden-pillow">sale over at my Etsy shop</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJ8MxJOnq3iNeuTlRvsrZArIOPwMpCRofZeQcRolqCEMoFfoGDe8CnWuYNglTFxpxSjBd5oZUtfmPuYsEXDt_xLtbQNX7lfFzt5OsXKAr-6JIhaM3pUbbefQ-mOGfAi8TQFdO_5yBDJjk/s1600/pillow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJ8MxJOnq3iNeuTlRvsrZArIOPwMpCRofZeQcRolqCEMoFfoGDe8CnWuYNglTFxpxSjBd5oZUtfmPuYsEXDt_xLtbQNX7lfFzt5OsXKAr-6JIhaM3pUbbefQ-mOGfAi8TQFdO_5yBDJjk/s1600/pillow.jpg" /></a></div><br />Hope you're having a great weekend!<br /><br /><br /><div style="background-color: #d5a6bd;">If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!</div><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Decorator's Closet Sale: Silk Pillow

As I previously mentioned, I'm in the process of redecorating my bedroom. I have a pair of oblong silk pillows that I made a couple of y...

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Welcome New Sponsor: Donna Elle Seaside Living

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://donnaellelifesabreeze.com/images/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://donnaellelifesabreeze.com/images/logo.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcw94TyMnE6cSKGuSEfvsm2GOuBE0hp3qEpsXPK4aUaksjcaan0rp61LAyHt23Pnovwx-JCsy4NTrpJUqQCxIESZdnuNgiJ10jT2q_mOtsyJ43zGV8_8WRJGB3QE_fWDdv74Bz6D6Rz_sA/s1600/sconset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcw94TyMnE6cSKGuSEfvsm2GOuBE0hp3qEpsXPK4aUaksjcaan0rp61LAyHt23Pnovwx-JCsy4NTrpJUqQCxIESZdnuNgiJ10jT2q_mOtsyJ43zGV8_8WRJGB3QE_fWDdv74Bz6D6Rz_sA/s640/sconset.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I wanted to take a moment to welcome a new sponsor of ::Surroundings::. <a href="http://donnaellelifesabreeze.com/">Donna Elle Seaside Living</a> is based, fittingly, on Nantucket. Surrounded as she is with such natural beauty, its not wonder that Donna, an interior designer, was inspired to create a collection of beautiful textiles, pillows rugs and more.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://donnaellelifesabreeze.com/lab/Pillows/Large/Seachange%20french.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://donnaellelifesabreeze.com/lab/Pillows/Large/Seachange%20french.jpg" /></a></div><br />Life’s a Breeze™ began in Donna Elle’s sketchbook—pages filled with visual impressions from faraway travels, scenes from Nantucket Island, and recorded memories of childhood summers spent by the shore and aboard her family’s boat. Sea-inspired artwork of another form also influenced her furnishing designs: Nantucket Breeze fabrics owe their shell forms to drawings by Elle’s daughter, Katie Lou, completed in high school art class.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZPCAB-2g_o1xlWkp25S6-bJ9qu9d8oCvVVWAfmZAipAfpa41HvQieMpNWFqi2M7tWy7X8R7ip3Uh92HtB2eemDXzhEOvzBmN8M-It0jDWu3hUdbw4aHEJRvA8sp68qJJo8B5ff6PfuoI/s1600/Donna+Elle+Life%27s+A+Breeze+09+Collection+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZPCAB-2g_o1xlWkp25S6-bJ9qu9d8oCvVVWAfmZAipAfpa41HvQieMpNWFqi2M7tWy7X8R7ip3Uh92HtB2eemDXzhEOvzBmN8M-It0jDWu3hUdbw4aHEJRvA8sp68qJJo8B5ff6PfuoI/s640/Donna+Elle+Life%27s+A+Breeze+09+Collection+040.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>With creative vision and a passion for textiles and sewing, Elle began her entrepreneurial journey as a workroom owner, later evolving into a textile and furnishings designer. Currently her role as product designer and director of <a href="http://donnaellelifesabreeze.com/"><span style="color: #0070c0; text-decoration: underline;">DONNA ELLE seaside living</span></a> allows for expanding her product line and servicing clients on the east coast renovating and designing their homes along with updating interiors for seaside resorts. Recently Elle completed the interior renovation of the White Elephant Cottages on Nantucket. Donna is a member of IFDA and ASID Allied member.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://donnaellelifesabreeze.com/lab/Accessories/Large/starfish_surf_pole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://donnaellelifesabreeze.com/lab/Accessories/Large/starfish_surf_pole.jpg" /></a></div>Purchase <a href="http://donnaellelifesabreeze.com/the-collection">online</a> or from retailers across the country and select islands such as Bermuda and Grand Cayman. Click here for a<a href="http://donnaellelifesabreeze.com/retailers"> list of stockists</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://donnaellelifesabreeze.com/lab/Bedding/nb_bedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://donnaellelifesabreeze.com/lab/Bedding/nb_bedding.jpg" /></a></div><br />I so appreciate the support of <a href="http://donnaellelifesabreeze.com/">Donna Elle Seaside Living</a> and hope all my readers will take a moment to visit her site and bookmark for future reference. As she says "Life's a Breeze"! And even if you don't live near the ocean, you can always get a little taste of it!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> <br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Welcome New Sponsor: Donna Elle Seaside Living

I wanted to take a moment to welcome a new sponsor of ::Surroundings::. Donna Elle Seaside Living is based, fittingly, on Nantucket. Surrou...

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The "Tiffany Pillow" Bedroom update

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKI_XgoMt7JQVi73IPcEy50VQBsCjKedWFJGKbGwudPailLduqmq1NhRoAZjzBeJt4mnj4kQJJb-vj5-kR5z6f7lk3zsvuQeEHy-AVGjstvDcCqwj2kfelJEcw3FUFd_KJXwGnt-9KC_wU/s1600-h/3779055656_abb4cccb8a.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369677653905655474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKI_XgoMt7JQVi73IPcEy50VQBsCjKedWFJGKbGwudPailLduqmq1NhRoAZjzBeJt4mnj4kQJJb-vj5-kR5z6f7lk3zsvuQeEHy-AVGjstvDcCqwj2kfelJEcw3FUFd_KJXwGnt-9KC_wU/s400/3779055656_abb4cccb8a.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 276px; height: 274px;" /></a><br />I <a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/2009/08/diy-weekend-tiffany-co-pillow.html">blogged last week about this "Tiffany Pillow"</a> and window seat cushion that I made for my Goddaughter Maddy. She's enterting high school and she and her parents went to town on her bedroom. They all did a great job and I wanted to share the final project with you. The room has gone through several changes and was most recently a mid-toned blue. Her dad added all the new moldings above the windows and doors, plus made custom wood baseboard heater covers. The furniture is from <a href="http://www.ikea.com/">Ikea</a>, the bedding is mainly <a href="http://www.pbteen.com/">PB Teen</a>, with some <a href="http://www.target.com/">Target</a> and <a href="http://www.homegoods.com/">Homegoods</a> thrown in.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3419/3819020309_e3e4833ebd.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3419/3819020309_e3e4833ebd.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 445px; height: 592px;" /></a>How fun and hip is this bed with the chic "fur" throw. The stuffed tiger (I think) has been a long time friend of M.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2477/3819021193_08a8f54c37.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2477/3819021193_08a8f54c37.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2477/3819021193_08a8f54c37_b.jpg">Click to view larger image</a></span><br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2495/3819827772_aa7cff6b22.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2495/3819827772_aa7cff6b22.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 526px; height: 479px;" /></a><br /></div><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2496/3819020745_8b9f9cb342.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2496/3819020745_8b9f9cb342.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 454px; height: 605px;" /></a><br />You can see my pillow and cushion in the window seat - and me in the mirror!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/3819022013_86034155a8.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/3819022013_86034155a8.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 447px; height: 596px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/3819022013_86034155a8_b.jpg">Click to view larger image</a></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3478/3819829330_43a29c211d.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3478/3819829330_43a29c211d.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 441px; height: 588px;" /></a><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3478/3819829330_43a29c211d_b.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;">Click to view larger image</span></a><br /></div><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2590/3819022433_f61d1d087b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2590/3819022433_f61d1d087b.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 428px; height: 570px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2615/3819023413_f17fd648e9.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2615/3819023413_f17fd648e9.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2649/3819830062_943da174eb.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2649/3819830062_943da174eb.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" /></a>My friends did a great job with this project. It's youthful and exuberant, yet hip and trendy as well. The wall color is bright - but not enough to make you squint - and all the white accents just pop!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a><br /><br /><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none ; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a></p>

The "Tiffany Pillow" Bedroom update

I blogged last week about this "Tiffany Pillow" and window seat cushion that I made for my Goddaughter Maddy. She's enterting...

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DIY Weekend: Embroidery salvage

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UIfMITTNq_kfqtZPQsqSNKmCVTUXcXL7OvmxZgrkDMOi_mCBdWP1pEJ55z3brIcT2nqL6MBd6P1GX-FICF4-sqX7H_a2ADieMffiUKNJX2CdqqRC2EUinUFQHodNWlw7DyjRLePPSMqx/s1600-h/DSCN0989.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368113179616639522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UIfMITTNq_kfqtZPQsqSNKmCVTUXcXL7OvmxZgrkDMOi_mCBdWP1pEJ55z3brIcT2nqL6MBd6P1GX-FICF4-sqX7H_a2ADieMffiUKNJX2CdqqRC2EUinUFQHodNWlw7DyjRLePPSMqx/s400/DSCN0989.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 156px; height: 117px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2562/3804716411_8c68ab62db.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2562/3804716411_8c68ab62db.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 534px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3450/3804717419_43a59037db.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3450/3804717419_43a59037db.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" /></a>I meant to write about this pillow a few weeks ago, but never got around to it. Mainly because when I made it, I didn't document the process. Anyway, I got a second chance and thought it would be a good DIY project to share. The pillow above (and the one below) were embroidered by my Mother about 30+ years ago. She got interested in doing embroidery for a little while and these were two completed projects, both made into pillows. They were kits that she ordered (maybe from Colonial Williamsburg) that came complete with linen, pattern, embroidery yarns and backing material. Okay, so fast forward three decades and a couple of house moves and these pillows found themselves hidden in my parents attic - dirty and falling apart. When my Dad got sick in December, he was using whatever pillows he could find to prop himself up in his chair and the one above was getting a new workout. After he passed away in January and we were cleaning things out, we almost threw out the pillow. It was flat, dirty and sad looking. (So were we, actually). Mom said to threw it out and I had it in my hand over the trash when I realized that in daylight, the pattern and workmanship was quite lovely and it could possibly be resuscitated. And, I am so glad I took that second look. Funny, because when I came walking back into Mom's house with it in my hand, she said as I walked in, maybe you should keep the pillow. I spent a lot of time making it!! Whew! I think if we'd tossed it, it would have been one of those niggling things in the back of our minds, just a little regret.<br /><br />Okay, so now I have a pretty pillow, remade to match my living room - sorry Mom! Anyway, she did kind of want it, but greens don't match her house. Well, luckily, she found another one in need of a new suit of clothes! I think she must have made this one first as it's significantly less complex than the pillow up top.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2511/3804718367_7229a9fd86.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2511/3804718367_7229a9fd86.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 482px; height: 500px;" /></a>So, here is how I resurrected these sad little embroidered pillows. First, they needed to be washed. The photo above does not do justice to how dirty this pillow really was (as was pillow #1). The photo below better shows what I was dealing with. There was also some shredding in the linen to be dealt with.<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2509/3804720399_4d079c5f4f.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2509/3804720399_4d079c5f4f.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" /></a> So, after removing the pillow (which was trying to break free anyway) I cut off the back, leaving the welting in order to stabilize the linen during the washing process. I used liquid laundry detergent and very hot water to get out as much dirt and dust as possible. I rinsed till the water ran clean and then submerged in a mild bleach and soap bath in hot water and let sit for a few minutes.<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2656/3804720885_361ddf20b0.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2656/3804720885_361ddf20b0.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" /></a>Well, okay. This one did not hold up as well as pillow #1 did. More shredding... A big side note - if these were real antiques or of great value, I would not recommend doing as I did without input from a professional textile restorer. Since these were homemade, attic finds, I felt okay just blundering along on my own.<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2662/3805539972_f9ac04d535.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2662/3805539972_f9ac04d535.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 470px;" /></a><br />I mentioned this to Mom, who said, throw it away, that's fine. I was up for the challenge and figured that it wouldn't hurt to keep trying. The linen needed to be stabilized in order to stop shredding, so after cutting off the old welting, I adhered to a stiff iron on interfacing. <a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2651/3804723415_ce95a96732.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2651/3804723415_ce95a96732.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 498px; height: 500px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3582/3804724095_9772f332c5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3582/3804724095_9772f332c5.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 446px;" /></a>Once that was done, I needed to find coordinating fabrics. Since I wanted to give this to my Mom (generous, I know!) I wanted it to match her decor, which tends towards blues. Normally, I would piece together the fabric border around a center image, but since this linen square was now compromised, I figured I'd just sew it on top of a fabric square, and top with an embellishment. I like to keep hold of discontinued fabric memo samples for use as pillows - so quick and easy!<br /><br />Below, you will see the face fabric and trim that I'd chosen and the fabrics I was deciding between for the backside fabric.<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3664/3805542810_18138c8225.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3664/3805542810_18138c8225.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" /></a>In the end, I went with the simple blue basketweave, which is fine - it's not about the back anyway!<br /><br />And, voila - a dirty old pillow gets a new lease on life!<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2571/3804727523_cb338585ef.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2571/3804727523_cb338585ef.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 547px; height: 410px;" /></a><br />So, check your attic and see if you have anything that could be remade. 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DIY Weekend: Embroidery salvage

I meant to write about this pillow a few weeks ago, but never got around to it. Mainly because when I made it, I didn't document the pro...

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