But boy, am I proud of this pillow.
I’ve been threatening to start sewing for a long time now. The primary reason is that every time I go to U-Handbag I find another bag I want to make. I’ve just been too lazy to set up the sewing machine I bought a few years back.
| The other day, however, I decided enough was enough, I was gonna start sewing. I am more or less a complete novice–I’ve sewed a little here and there, but not enough to have any degree of competence.
A couple of years ago, I bought a cool book called Sew Subversive, which contains a lot of easy but cool patterns and funky ideas for customizing your clothes. |
It contains a pattern for a simple tube top made out of a t-shirt and I decided I wanted to make one, but I thought it would be best to start with the first project in the book: a pillow slip cover.
I went to Joann’s and found a fabric that I liked, then asked the nice lady to cut me a yard of it. Then I found some thread to match it. Armed with these and a few other supplies, like sharp new scissors, I went home to tackle my project.
Alas, when I set up my machine, I realized I didn’t have the manual, and I couldn’t figure out how to fill my bobbin (yes, folks, I am that inexperienced). After some trial and error, I finally got it filled, and thanks to a helpful diagram on the front of my machine, I was able to thread it. Next, I measured and pinned my fabric, then ironed the hems to make it easier to sew (and, they say, to make it look more “professional”).
I actually ended up making three pillow slip covers. The first one I made was for a 20×20 pillow, and while it looked real purty when I was finished with it, one of the seams didn’t sew correctly and I decided to do it over, but with a smaller pillow so I would have enough fabric for two slip covers.
The second cover I made came out absolutely perfect (well, I use this word loosely) and it’s the one I photographed for my blog. The third came out not-so-perfect, but perfect enough for my purposes. I proudly have them displayed on my sofa, much to the dismay of Mick who is already frustrated by the amount of pillowage in our house. The concept of throw pillows escapes him, poor sod.
Today’s project will be that tank top. I bought a t-shirt at the Police concert specifically so I could make one out of it. Sting will be proud.
Of course I win! I always win! tee hee
There should be some kind of secret society for people who are disturbed by the excessive shows of pillows nowadays. I’m surprised there has been less of a backlash against recent throw pillow trends, and I suspect it must be part of some kind of implicit social bargaining contract whereby we allow you your countless pillows if you allow us,….. er,…. Darn! You win again!
I miss having a sewing machine. Mine died years ago. I was drooling over one at Costco the other day.
Your pillow is beautiful. You did a great job. I can’t wait to see the t-shirt!
You Sew Girl!