Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Shower Curtain Pillows

Yesterday I whipped up some pillows for my living room.  The area rug in that room is green, and so I wanted to carry that through to the accent pillows for the sectional.

I started with some feather-filled pillow forms, a shower curtain, and a silk skirt, all picked up for a buck or two at thrift or consignment stores in the last year.


When I was originally planning this out in my head, I  knew I wanted to use a button closure for the shower curtain pillows, but was not excited at the prospect of making button holes (my sewing machine has become very temperamental of late).  But guess what?  Fabric shower curtains have a row of button holes along the top edge for the hooks.  It was brilliant!

Basically, I just cut the shower curtain into strips, folded them over envelope-style with the button-hole edge positioned as the top flap, and sewed up the sides.  I made two of these.



For buttons, I went through my old button jar and picked six, all of them pearly white, but different designs.



I cut the skirt into front and back panels and sewed up three sides, and used a zipper from one of the original pillow covers for the fourth side.  I kept the skirt's contrasting edge for interest.

The polka dot pillow (there are two of them) came from Target.  A few weeks ago they were selling just pillow covers for $4.99.  I decided not to worry about whether or not all the different greens work together, and instead think of it as fresh and fun.


Because it's also about pillows, and doesn't warrant its own post, I'm going to show you my other couch as well.  I had gone back to Target to get one more of the green polka dot pillow covers, and they were out, but what was left of the other colors was on clearance for $3.49.  Thinking of my red accents in the family room, which is now back in its warm weather furniture arrangement, I got a few covers to add a bright summery punch.  I think that does the trick!



14 comments:

Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings... said...

Nice job Holly!
Pillows can sure add Punch to a room.
Have fun with this project...
xoxo~Kathy @
Sweet Up-North Mornings...

Jen said...

Oh so lovely Holly!
What a clever idea with the shower curtains ;)!!

Paula@SweetPea said...

Great job on your pillows. I wouldn't have thought to use a shower curtain. I love the red accents on your other sofa, too.

Melissa said...

Very pretty - nice calm colors in the greens...

Cass @ That Old House said...

Looks fabulous! Two things -- i LOVE the idea of using the pre-button-holed shower curtains for pillows, as I loathe sewing button holes (did way too many on little girls' dresses years ago).

And second thing -- it is Mother Nature's rule that ALL GREENS GO TOGETHER. Truly. They do. Actually I think I may have made up that rule, but it works!

Cass

Mrs Mary Joy Pershing said...

LOL I just LOVE LOVE LOVE accent pillows!!!! I am teaching my new teen daughter to create some for her bed this summer too. Bright spots of color and style that are so easy to change! Love it!!!

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

Holly!!! I love what you did...how brilliant to use the existing button holes. :) I've only made button holes once, and it was a little complicated with my machine. I've been trying to remember how to do the envelope closure, and I just can't remember--I have a hard time with the measuring and cutting.

You did a great job. :)

Unknown said...

Love it! I do the same thing. I buy feather pillows from the thrift and save them until I find a cover I like. Good idea using the button holes! Thanks.

Melinda said...

Great pillows. I saw the orange stripe pillow cover yesterday. Looks great on your couch.

Melinda

Mrs Mary Joy Pershing said...

I know that I commented once already but I had to stop by and tell you what I am up to today...thanks to you for giving me the courage to try something out of my comfort zone on my blog...you did that when you featured me you know...I have never been the same! (happy tears) I so appreciate that vote of confidence you showed me!!!

I decided to step out and host my first weekly Linky Party this summer!!! Its on Low Cost/No Cost Summer Family Fun Activities. I could never have done this without your encouragement! I mean that!!! Thank you for your friendship!!!

You are one of my favorite blogs and I check on you everyday!!! Not to mention you give the best ideas!!! I am seriously going to use this shower curtain one!!! I promise to share pictures once we have a chance to dig out my sewing machine from the boxes I am still unpacking! Have a great day!!!

Pamela said...

Those turned out just fabulous!

Wendy @ Ramblings from the Sunshine State said...

They look great!

Carmen @ Life with Sprinkles on Top said...

Both couches look fab! I love how you made the pillow out of a shower curtain. Genius!

Honey I'm Home Blog said...

I love your blog. And I love "thinking outside the box" ideas like this.

Warmly, Michelle