Thursday, April 26, 2012

Lazy and cheap girl's pillow revamp... sort of tutorial ;)


So, my couches are brown, and I like them (even though they are brown) - but our pillows were dead and needed some sprucing up.  I went to a few places just to buy pillows because Clint said I would never get to making them myself.  I took that as a challenge, especially when I priced out the pillows I wanted and the cheapest ones were $20 a piece, the ones I really wanted were $40 bucks a piece. I have six pillows, but I wanted to add six more because we have two sectionals in our family room and there is a ton of room for extra pillows.  So, I went to Joann's and picked out some gold suede and some tapestry fabric for the pillows - thankfully they were both on sale for 40% off.  Then, I checked out the pillow forms.  Holy crap - I had no idea that pillow forms were like $12-21 bucks.  Shocker - no way was I going to spend as much on the pillows as buying them already made.  So, I went to good old Walmart - don't judge - you know you go there too - and I bought their queen size firm pillows for $5.98.  I bought 6 pillows and ended up with 12.  Read on if you want to know how.........
  

Since my pillows were dead and I was covering them anyway - I cut a slit in the fabric of the pillow and the pillow from Walmart.  Then, I took some stuffing from the Walmart pillow and stuffed it into the dead pillow.  Lovely - I didn't even worry about closing this baby up because you know that in a few months I am going to have to add more stuffing into because even though the kids know they aren't supposed to play with these pillows - they will.

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So, I cut out a 16 1/2 inch square for the front of the pillow. Then I cut out 2 rectangles 16 1/2 x 11 1/2 inches and sewed an edge on one side of each rectangle. Then, I placed them right sides together - pinned them in place and sewed all the way around the pillow. 

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Then I turned the pillow right sides out. 

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Put the newly stuffed dead pillow inside.

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And there you go - quick fix for the old pillows.

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The before picture.
 
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The yummy tapestry fabric.
 
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Same technique with the tapestry - then I took the remaining Walmart pillow, I didn't even bother to sew it shut, and stuffed it into the new tapestry pillow I made. So, there you have it - two pillows out of one and that makes the pillow forms only $3 bucks!

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Then, of course I had to get a rug to tie it all in. I love little fixes that make rooms more lively, and I especially love it when Clint loves that I made the pillows myself! Told you I could do it, Honey!

21 comments:

Gale, Ky quilter said...

Awesome! Your pillows and rug look great!

Becky said...

Your pillows turned out great! The rug looks perfect too. Pillows are always such a simple and fun thing to make and can make such a difference.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

And I thought I had a monster sectional!! Love the pillows - thrifty and crafty you - yes, the new rug just showcases the room.

Laura said...

The pillows look great, and you have a SERIOUSLY HUGE FAMILY ROOM!!! I think I might be able to fit my entire house in it. :)

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

Great job! Love your family room!! And that tapestry fabric has me wanting to go to JA's! ;-)

Jen said...

Looks so welcoming! And I L.O.V.E. that tapestry fabric!

Linda said...

What a great fix! Your living room looks beautiful!

regan said...

What a beautiful room.....looks like it's right out of a magazine! Well done!

Auntie Pami said...

Can I come over? I love that couch and I really need a nap. Great job! Isn't pillow fighting part of childhood? We used to lay on the floor with the pillows and a bowl of popcorn and watch Tarzan. Dad usually fell asleep among all of us kids. Good times. Thanks!

See Spot Shop said...

I can see why you want to keep your sofas. That is some serious relaxing space! A comfy chaise is the best. I have some sad pillows on mine, and you've given me just the fix. Thanks!

Jan Maree said...

That tapestry fabric is indeed gorgeous - well done on the cushions -Love the rug too and man! That sofa looks perfect for a good bit of TV watching, a good snuggle with hubby or a good book!

Joni said...

great room!

Joan said...

Great work on the Pillows.
I have just nominated you for the sunshine award...You can check it out on my blog. I had 4 children under 6 - many years ago - so I truly don't know how you manage. I have long been an admirer of yours. Do hope you can accept.

Josie McRazie said...

I have done the SAME thing for pillows! How crazy is it that a form is the same price!! I LOVE that rug!!!

NMSue said...

When we women set our minds to it, we can do anything. Pillows look great-love the tapestry fabric.

Funola said...

Brilliant idea. You rock. :)

KatieQ said...

Thanks for sharing how you made the pillows. Buying the queen size pillows and winding up with 2 for 1 is a great tip.

Cathy said...

WOW!! very dramatic with the rug. Looks crazy good. You did a great job with the pillows and a great idea. thanks for sharing that.

Patty said...

Beautiful pillows! And I'd love to get that rug. . .source??

Beth said...

great idea...I'm the same way about pillows. I'm glad you showed me a cheap way of doing them.

Lisa said...

I got the llama fabric to make my son a pillow for his room and found out how expensive a pillow form was, so I went to Gabriels (like a Big Lots) and bought a 16 1/2" square pillow for $3.99. I love a bargain! I am a new follower, you can find me at www.intheboondocks.blogspot.com