I don't think I've shown a pillow on the blog before so I thought I'd show you some of my process for making them. I'm not creating a tutorial, just offering a few tips.
I was lucky with this one because I had some cording in my stash. In fact, I had almost exactly enough! I cut 2 1/2" strips of bias silk and beefed it up with some interfacing. Using the interfacing totally negated the benefit of using the bias (it's not as flexible in the pillow as it should be) but I was most concerned about the durability and the interfacing will help with that.
I make my own pillow forms using whatever fabric I have in my "don't like it anymore" pile. I also always make my pillows with button or zipper closures so I can remove the forms easily for washing. If I had to hand sew a pillow closed it would sit for years waiting to be finished!
I use an old pillow for the stuffing. Since I use allergy cases on my pillows I know the stuffing is pretty dust mite free. I fill the pillow really full because I like them firm and fat.
Because I used Ultrasuede for the backing I did not have to sew traditional buttonholes. I only had to outline the button area with a straight-stitched box and then cut the buttonhole slit. Ultrasuede doesn't fray and it's got some heft to it.
Even with a very puffy pillow form the corners will still not fill out. I cut 4 pieces of polyester batting and stuff one in each corner. After you have the form in place, shove the polyester batting into the corner to fill it out and then spread it out on the edges so that the batting isn't lumpy.
Then you have a professional looking pillow!
I can't wait to take a nap with it and drool on it.
don't you dare drool on that pillow...it's too pretty. LOL
Posted by: shirley bruner | January 19, 2011 at 11:22 AM
Well I guess drool is better than some things that could get on it at my house from two small dogs!
Thanks for the tips - the button closure is a great idea.
Posted by: Ruth Lane | January 19, 2011 at 02:02 PM
Beautiful pillow and instructions; the tip re. the button is great.
Posted by: Sandra | January 19, 2011 at 02:26 PM
It is wonderful as a pillow. Great decision!
Posted by: Sarah Stevens | January 19, 2011 at 03:10 PM
It's such a fancy pillow - use and enjoy!!
Posted by: Becky in VA | January 19, 2011 at 04:26 PM
DROOL on it? Nooooooooooo!!!
Posted by: Mary Anne | January 19, 2011 at 06:51 PM
Wow, what a great use for that awesome quilt!
Posted by: Connie Rose | January 19, 2011 at 09:09 PM
It's a gorgeous pillow!
Posted by: Kim | January 20, 2011 at 09:04 AM
You've got now a Wonderful pillow :).
The tips were great and fully appreciated ;). Thank you.
By the way : I did laugh out loud at the drooling fase :)) Please try not to :D.
Posted by: Teodora | January 23, 2011 at 05:49 AM