RePurposed: Blouse To Pillow

I was fortunate growing up to be very close with my grandma.  We spent a lot of time together.  I did a lot of watching and helping as we made tons of things with fabric, yarn, glue, sewing machine...you name it, we probably made it. 

I inherited a bunch of her clothes that no longer fit her to use as costumes for a theater production I was working on.  Most of them were very pretty, having fancy lace collars and other decorative elements.  It just so happened that we didn't use them and I found myself still having them in my possession after she passed away.  I grabbed the bag full of these blouses one day and opened it up.  They still smelled like her and I just couldn't bring myself to get rid of them.  I thought long and hard about what I could do with the blouses to make sentimental keepsakes, rather than leave them closed up in a bag.  It finally hit me to turn them into decorative pillow cases.

That year I turned three of those blouses into pillows for my mother for Christmas.  Two of them are pictured below.  I saved a few blouses to make pillows for myself.  You can see one of them in the instructions posted here.  This turned out to be a great way to make good use out of something near and dear to us.  The project requires basic sewing skills.  If you wish to have pillows like this made but can't sew, it's worth asking a friend for help to get them made.  You'll be glad you did.

Supplies

Shirt

Pillow form

Sewing machine

Scissors

Thread

Measuring tape or ruler

Instructions

•  First determine the size/measurements of your pillow form.  I add one inch to the lengh and width of my form to determine the size I need to cut my fabric (or blouse in this case).
• If the blouse you are using is a button up you will need to sew down the center to keep the blouse closed once it has been sewn into a pillow case.

• Pin the blouse across the top of the general area you think you will be cutting.  This allows you to make one cut through the blouse, cutting the top and bottom piece at one time.
• Carefully measure and cut the blouse to the size needed to cover your pillow form.  You may want to make a pattern or template out of a material like cardboard or poster board. 
• For example:  My pillow form was 14"x14" so I cut my blouse into a 15"x15" square.

• Once cut, turn your two pieces inside out and pin together along the top edge.  When sewing a pillow case you always want to sew the front and back piece facing one another.
• Begin sewing your two pieces together about a half an inch in from the edge of the fabric.  Start at one corner and work your way around to about halfway on the fourth side.
• NOTE  It is very important to leave an ample opening on the fourth side (the bottom) so that you are able to push the pillow form thru.  I typically sew the last side too far closed because I'm not paying enough attention.  LOL
• After sewing, trim off the four corners by rounding them off with the scissors.  I also trim around the entire piece so that the seems aren't too bulky once turned inside out.

• Turn your piece inside out, revealing the front side of the blouse/pillow
• Carefully stuff the pillow form through the opening at the bottom and into the form.  You'll need to manuever the corners around and into place.

• You'll need to close up the opening once you've got your pillow form in and situated.  This part can be a little tricky but isn't impossible.  Some people fold over the opening in towards one another and simply stitch it close by hand with a needle and thread.  I'm not quite as particular about it (since it's on the bottom side) so I usually pin the opening together and sew it closed on the machine. 

Canvas Creations - Painting Negative Space

I inherited some blank canvases from my aunt that have been sitting in my basement for well over a year.  I knew that there would eventuall be a project that they would come in handy for.  That project has finally arrived.  LOL

I've been doing a lot of experimenting on cutting vinyl with my Cricut.  I paired my vinyl cutouts with some scrap fabric and a blank canvas to create a custom sign.  I used the vinyl as a reverse stencil, painting the negative space over the cutouts.  I'm fairly impressed with the results and can't wait to continue to create other signs.

I will definetely be making more of these and will be sure to post the pics.

Supplies
Stretched Canvas
Fabric
Staple Gun
Spray Paint
Contact Paper
Scissors (I cheated and used my Cricut)

Instructions

• Start by cutting out whatever you'd like to have showing on your piece from a stickable vinyl.  I used contact paper.  I cheated and cut my pieces with my Cricut but you can easily cut whatever letters, images or designs you wish by hand.  Use stencils and trace them if needed.
• Wrap your canvas with your fabric by stretching and stapling it onto the backside of the fram.

• Peel the backing off of the vinyl and stick them directly onto the fabric.

• Take your spray paint and give the enitre piece an even coat of paint.  I could tell that this would need two coats so I was careful not to oversaturate the fabric for fear the paint would bleed under the vinyl.  Be sure to get the sides of your frame as well.

• NOTE: The vinyl started to peel up after it had set for a while.  Watch it carefully and try to get the second coat of paint on before it starts doing so.  You can see the peeling on the next pic.

• After the piece is completely dry, begin removing the vinyl from the fabric.

Chipboard Letters

I love, love, love letters!  In fact, some people laugh because I have my initials scattered all over the house.  I also love to have random words spelled out on a shelf or counter for holidays and other special occassions.  One of my newest obsessions is using the pages from an old book and old hymnal as my medium for ornaments and other decor items. 

These letters are great to give as gifts.  You can tie them to presents, wine bottles, etc.  You can also spell out words or entire names and string them together into a garland with ribbon.  The possibilities are only limited by your imagination.  I will definetely be making more of these using different papers and embelishments.  Check back to see how I've covered the next batch.

Supplies
Chipboard letters
Paper
Scissors
Craft knife
Glue stick
Acrylic paint
Paint brush

Instructions

• Paint the edge (and back if you wish) of your chipboard letter.  Choose a paint that compliments the color of the paper you are using to cover the front of your letter.  Let the paint dry completely before moving on to the next step.

• Cover the entire front surface of the letter with glue.  Be certain that all of the edges of the letter have plenty of glue to prevent your paper from peeling off.

• Place your letter face down onto your paper choice.  Apply plenty of pressure to be sure that your paper is sufficiently stuck to the front of your letter.  I turned the paper over and ran my finger along the front, just to be certain that everything was firmly glued on.

• Take a sharp craft knife and carefully cut along the edges of the letter.  Be certain that your knife is sharp.  A dull knife may cause you to tear the paper rather than cut.  Tearing the paper often pulls it off of the front of the letter.

• You may need to take your knife and clean around the front edges once you have finished cutting off the excess paper.

I went one step further with these particular letters and applied an antique linen finish using something called Distress Ink (purchased at Hobby Lobby) to make the paper look aged. 

My Christmas Mantel 2011

My Christmas Open House is over and as promised, I've got pictures of my mantel.  I've been eyeing the most amazing mantel garland for a few years at Grandin Road and decided that I'd treat myself and purchase it to adorn my freshly made-over mantel.  I LOVE IT!