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Monday, April 4, 2011

Re-pillowing (with video tutorial)



This is a good look -- if I may say so.


But, when we have guests over, they sometimes look around, like a deer in the headlights, for a place to sit.

I have to admit, with all those pillows, my sofa looks a little...well...complicated.
 

I decided to go for a cleaner look when I found this yard of fabric for around $5.  Jealous?  


I love the fabric with the rug -- the only real color or pattern in the room.

Using a queen sized down bed pillow I found at the "Maxx" for $14.99 and a scrap of bronze colored silk for trim, this ginormous pillow cost me around 20 smackers....what a deal!




Making the awesome trim is easy even if explaining it isn't.  

I cut 2-1/2" strips of silk 3 times as long as the length of trim I need when finished.  What on earth did I just say?  Let's try that again...

Say I need 1 yard of trim.  I would cut strips of fabric 2-1/2" wide and would need 3 yards of it when stitched end to end.  I hope that's better.


I fold the strip in half and stitch down the center, sewing little tucks in as I go. 


Grab some popcorn and watch the video for details.  
It's my first so I hope you enjoy it!!!




Once you get the hang of it, this goes really fast.  I was able to make enough trim for my pillow in about 10 minutes.  



Now you have the perfect 5/8" pleated trim with a perfect 5/8" flang for stitching.




Here's the new look...













If you enjoyed this post (and, gosh, I hope you did) please BECOME A FOLLOWER!

34 comments:

  1. Art From The heartApril 4, 2011 at 5:18 PM

    Love the pillow Lindy,the couch looks sooooooooooo inviting!
    Hugs, Amy

    ReplyDelete
  2. MelissaApril 4, 2011 at 5:27 PM

    You are right - that fabric is absolutely gorgeous. Great job on the pillow.

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  3. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsApril 4, 2011 at 5:40 PM

    Great pillow, Lindy! I do my ruffles and pleats the same way, except I don't go down the middle, just closer to one edge. I'm sure it would make a professional cringe, but it works best for me. The gathering thing never works for me and I just wind up frustrated!

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  4. Ann from On Sutton PlaceApril 4, 2011 at 6:03 PM

    This is terrific. I know exactly how to make the trim...you explained it perfectly! I agree about sofas filled with pillows...my family just throws the pillows on the floor. I try to be a good sport about it because secretly I agree...but I love pillows too much to give them up. Great post. ~Ann

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  5. TerriApril 4, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    I just love that fabric! What an excellent choice for bringing some color into the room. Great tutorial, too!

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  6. NanaDianaApril 4, 2011 at 7:21 PM

    Lindy- She's a beauty! Love the trim-perfect finish! xxoo Diana

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  7. SusanApril 4, 2011 at 7:58 PM

    Lindy your re do is beautiful!! I would love to sit on your beautiful sofa!! I am going to watch your video to learn how to make the trim!

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  8. Diane WritesApril 4, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    The new look is indeed simpler and better. I also love your home pieces. The candle holder on the wall and the side table. You have a nice and comfortable place!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Patti @ Pandoras BoxApril 4, 2011 at 8:15 PM

    Love that pillow...I am one of those people who just freezes and wonders where I am supposed to sit..too many pillows say "don't sit here" to me!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Laura at Ms. Smartie PantsApril 4, 2011 at 8:35 PM

    Love this, you could sell this stuff! I like the new look so much better, not a symmetrical girl.

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  11. La Vie QuotidienneApril 4, 2011 at 9:51 PM

    Beautiful pillow, I love the fabric. What a great way to add trim, very effect and quite pretty. Thanks.(-:

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  12. All That GlittersApril 4, 2011 at 10:05 PM

    You are so dang talented girly!!

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  13. Sonya@Beyond the Screen DoorApril 4, 2011 at 10:54 PM

    I know what you mean about the multitude of pillows. But I just can't help myself! Good for you with your pillow reducing!

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  14. morninglorycottageApril 4, 2011 at 11:43 PM

    You're right. I am jealous of that fabric. It's awesome. Also love the finished pillow. Liked the before but also like the after. Have a great week.

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  15. Nita StacyApril 5, 2011 at 12:41 AM

    This is so funny! My sofa resembles the before pic...perfectly arranged decorative pillows that people always look at like "Should I sit there?" and then they look around and see no where else to sit so they do and then I'm all freaked because they are squishing my pillows! Seriously...I can't wait for them to get up and as soon as they are out the door I am fluffing pillows.

    I need to follow your example.

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  16. SueannApril 5, 2011 at 6:07 AM

    Wonderful pillow...that fabric is TDF for sure!!
    And that trim...sigh!!!!!
    I have to say though, that I liked all the pillows in the first picture!! Better! But I love pillows! I always tell folks to throw them on the floor and sit...!!! The looks on their faces is priceless!! Ha!
    Hugs
    SueAnn

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  17. Yvonne @ StoneGableApril 5, 2011 at 7:16 AM

    Ruffles, especially silk ruffles are perfection! I love the sass and class they give your pretty pillow.
    Thanks for the easy and well done tutorial. I will certainly makea ruffled pillow. It is so easy!!!!
    Wonderful post!
    Yvonne

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  18. ErinApril 5, 2011 at 7:48 AM

    That pillow is gorgeous Lindy! I love the colors and pattern and it draws the eye in a terrific way!!

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  19. Miss KittyApril 5, 2011 at 9:24 AM

    Thanks for posting that great tutorial! I DO think your sofa looks more inviting with your new pillow...it is beautiful (AND you probably saved yourself about $100 or so by making it yourself).

    ReplyDelete
  20. {Trulie Scrumptious}April 5, 2011 at 5:00 PM

    How fun!!! That pillow is AMAZING!! My sister and I just started a blog and would love any comments or tips on making an amazing blog like this one!
    trulie-scrumptious.blogspot.com
    I Love this blog SO much! thanks for that awesome tutorial..

    ReplyDelete
  21. JulesApril 5, 2011 at 6:08 PM

    I love your new pillow. The video helped me understand what you were saying. But then again, I have always learned better by watching it actually being done rather than by reading instructions. Thanks for sharing! :o)

    ReplyDelete
  22. FarahApril 6, 2011 at 4:40 AM

    Hi Lindy...
    beautiful transformation... Although your before was also beautiful and very decent but that cushion gives your sofa a new colour and a new life... beautiful job
    http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/
    Love
    Farah

    ReplyDelete
  23. Brandy J.April 6, 2011 at 8:06 AM

    Beautiful pillows...I love the trim.

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  24. LisaApril 7, 2011 at 7:33 AM

    Love that trim. Hey! I have the same rug as you!

    http://lisasroombyroom.blogspot.com/2010/11/window-makeover.html

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  25. CharityApril 7, 2011 at 8:42 PM

    Beautiful, I love the color it adds to th sofa. You did a great job.

    Cha Cha

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  26. MeApril 7, 2011 at 9:17 PM

    I wish I had a sewing machine to do this! It's such a nice to a pillow. I'm sure I'm not the first or last to ask this but do you mind sharing the name of the color on your living room wall? It's so pretty :) Thanks!

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  27. NikkiApril 8, 2011 at 5:32 AM

    Love your pillow. The fabric and the ruffle edge are just perfect. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Cathy ~ Tadpoles and TeacupsApril 8, 2011 at 8:31 AM

    Ok, this is just what I've been looking for...an easy way to make nice pillows!!!
    Love your blog, btw.

    :)

    Cathy

    ReplyDelete
  29. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereApril 8, 2011 at 7:57 PM

    Hi Lindy, Everytime my husband sits on the sofa he takes EVERY pillow off! Even the ones that are on the other side of the sofa. Love the fabric and trim of your new pillow. Thank you so much for sharing this at my party.
    xo,
    Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  30. Anita @ GoingALittleCoastalApril 8, 2011 at 9:22 PM

    That really turned out gorgeous. Your way looks so easy. I wish I saw it earlier. I just bought a ruffler attachment to make some. I hope it works out. I have quite a bit to make for a lampshade.

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  31. AnonymousApril 9, 2011 at 12:54 PM

    Love.. love the pillow!! gorgeous!!

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  32. AnonymousApril 9, 2011 at 8:16 PM

    Hi Lindy! Oh, I'm jealous! I love your new pillow. The fabric is gorgeous and aren't you the smartest one making that pretty trim! :) Love it.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  33. akaber9598April 14, 2011 at 11:12 AM

    That's great trim and your video "explains" it beautifully. Thanks for sharing!

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  34. GailJune 13, 2011 at 11:05 AM

    Even after seeing you make it (and trying to make it sound easy) I am amazed at people like you who can see it and then do it (perfectly). Beautiful pleated trim.

    ReplyDelete

I'm excited you're leaving a comment. I can't wait to read it...L.