Sewing For Beginners: Lil' Pillow

Lil' Pillow Instructions using Sewing Machine

Here's what you need:

1  jersey knit fabric (solid color)

1 cotton print fabric

Poly-Fil

Tailor's Chalk

Straight Pins

Scissors

Sewing Machine

I bought my fabric from Hancock Fabrics President's Day weekend. They were having a pretty good sale. So of course I took advantage.

Pink jersey knit remnant fabric was $0.67
The print fabric was a fat quarter for $1.49

I got my Poly-Fil for only $3.49. Not bad but I wish I would have bought more regular price was like $5.

First thing you need to do is to measure and cut your fabric 8 1/2in X 11 1/2in. I suggest using tailors chalk before you cut to insure you cut in a straight line.

Now you need to turn fabric right side facing each other. If you use straight pins to hold the fabric together, it will make it easier when sewing.

Don't worry about the frayed ends...we will be turning this right side out

Adjust your sewing machine to a straight stitch about 1/6 in.

You will need to raise your needle and presser foot before you can begin.





Let's begin:

Slowly press down on foot controller and sew 3 sides leaving about a 1/2 for the seam allowance.

Once you get to the last side, continue to sew but you need to leave enough space for you to turn fabric right side out and to stuff with Poly-Fil.

Raise your needle and presser foot to remove fabric. Now turn the fabric right side out.

Now you can fill the pillow with the Poly-Fil. Be sure to tease the fiber so that there won't be any hard clumps in the pillow.

After you fill the pillow to your soft/firm likeness...you need to sew the remaining opening for closure.

If you dont want tassles, then your all finished. Continue reading for tassle instructions.


Cut four  4in X 4in squares from your remaining jersey knit fabric.

Fold suares twice creating a triangle. Pin the square to the corner of the pillow (using a straight pin) on the same side as the jersey knit fabric. Hand stitch the triangle to the pillow.

 

Cut the tassles to your liking.  DONT CUT TO FAR!!!! I didn't want thin strips. I think I cut about six times. Repeat steps for other three tassles.

Ta-daaa! And your all done. I made this pillow for my daughter who insisted on having a pillow for naptime at school. LOL.

Polyvore

I have been so addicted to Polyvore. I love that I get to create my own look book. Polyvore is very easy to use. You choose your clothing, add accessories, name, and publish. Easy Peasy. Now of course the clothing on Polyvore can be expensive, but you could always recreate the look at stores such as Plato's Closet and Wet Seal to name a few. Follow me on Polyvore! These are just a few of my sets. What do you think?

Create with Microsoft Word

Finally had a breather to play with my new font! I have been looking for places to get my monogram printed but it can be pretty pricey. My motto is "I won't pay someone to do something that I can do unless absolutely necessary." Since I like to use paper calendars instead of the more modern day technology apps, I created a calendar in 45 mins using Microsoft Word. I think monograms can make anything look elegant. If you would like to create your own monogram calendar I have created a template that you can use. All you need to do is edit it to your liking. Enjoy!!

This is a screenshot of the file. Download using the link.

Use this link to access my DropBox file:

DIY Monogram Calendar