Vintage inspired pillow

I wrote about the gorgeous lampshade  that my sister created in a previous post. Her lampshade gave me some inspiration, so I created the pillow below using the same embellishments; tulle, ribbon, vintage photographs and antique buttons.  I love just about anything that is vintage or antique and I love finding new ways to incorporate that into home decor.

For step by step instructions how to make your own read on.  You can use your own family photos to personalize yours. You don’t have to limit your decorative touches to just ribbon, tulle, vintage buttons and photos either. You can add flowers, vintage costume jewelry or any other object that may have special meaning to you.

1. Cut out two pieces of fabric exactly the same size for the front and back of the pillow.  I like to cut the fabric the same size as the insert I am going to use so it ends up just a bit over stuffed.
2. Cut a 4 inch strip of fabric that is the same exact length as the other pieces you cut out.  This piece will be used to put a zipper into the back of the pillow.
3. For a really nice finish surge all 4 edges of the 3 pieces that you have cut out. This is not necessary if you do not have a surge machine,  it just helps keep the pillow from fraying.
4. Fold the 4 inch strip in half length wise and press.
5. Place the 4 inch strip on top of the larger piece right sides facing each other.
6. Use the pressed line as a guide to baste the pieces together.
7. Open up the seam and press.
8. Place your zipper facing down on the seam.  Open up the zipper and line the edge of it up exactly with the seam. Place the presser foot as close to the zipper as you can and use it as a guide to sew the zipper on.
9. After you have sewn the one side of the zipper down close the zipper and sew down the opposite side.
10. Once the zipper is in place rip out the basted seam so the zipper can open and close. Now the back of the pillow is complete!
11. Next layout your design on the front of the pillow and pin it in place.  
12. Sew down either end of ribbon, tulle and or trim to opposite edges of the pillow front.  Because I used a tassel trim, that is a bit heavy, I actually sewed that one down to the pillow front the entire length of it.  The ribbon and tulle though, I just sewed at either end.
13. Again, for a nice edge, surge your edges.
14. Now sew the back and the front of the pillow together right sides facing eachother.
15. Turn inside out and stuff with your insert. I prefer down. I think it gives the pillow such a soft cozy look and feel.
16. Next add the rest of your decorative touches using a hot glue gun or fabric glue and tie the bows with your ribbon.  

If you try this project at home please share your finished product with me.  I would love to see what you all come up with!!

I have been in a really creative mood today.  I just wanted to sit and sew all day long, so after finishing the pillow above I decided to make a coordinating pillow. The back of it is made with the same silk as the first one and uses the same tassel trim.  The front of it is this really great almost tufted like fabric that is also silk.

*Sewing Tip: To make a really nice sharp corner cut off the excess fabric at an angle like shown in the picture below.  Make sure to get close to the seam, but don’t cut through it. This is especially helpful when you have sewn on a trim like the one I used above because the corners get really bulky and difficult to turn.