Pillow Covers

When we painted our bedroom a milk chocolate color, I wanted to make all new pillow covers. The old ones we had didn't match our duvet cover, and I just wanted something new and fresh. I found this amazing fabric with the large flower patterns and paired it with the striped fabric that I used for the back of the pillows. The smaller cotton flower fabric I used for the actual pillow cases, and then used the more ornate thicker fabric for the decorative pillows.

Since I already had previous pillow covers, making the pattern for my new ones was simple. Instead of putting zippers in the back, I used buttons for all three pillows. I also found some really great trim in matching colors.

For the smaller pillow, I spent a lot of time appliqueing the bird. I found a realistic picture of a bird that I based my pattern on, then pieced the bird together using all of the fabrics. I embroidered it with all hand stitching, none of it was done on the sewing machine. I added beads to help embellish the bird, which I love. Anytime I can use beads in my projects I love them all the more.

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Apron set

For Mother's Day I made my mother-in-law this apron set. She saw the one I made for myself, and liked it so much she wanted to buy a set for herself. But I decided that she definitely deserved one as a gift. This set is really similar to my first one, however the fabric is slightly different, but the same design. And in doing something twice, I find easier/better ways to do things. This set turned out "cleaner" then my first. I also did a lot of the applique' by hand, instead of the sewing machine because I like the look of it better, and I have more control over the details by hand then with the machine.

For the back of the apron, I picked a matching fabric to make it a double-sided apron, a feature my apron didn't have. It's nice to be able to use the back of the apron for those messier occasions, and it covers up all the stitching from the applique'. Plus the extra layer of fabric makes the apron feel sturdier as well.

I also decided to add a fun pocket that is different than my other apron. I appliqued an owl on the other apron pocket, but liked having a fun flower shape for this one.

When making things a second time, you discover easier ways of doing things and can't believe you did it the hard way before. For example, I used bias tape around the oven mitt and pot holder-but I decided to put the bias tape on the oven mitt BEFORE I stitched the oven mitt together.

And with the pot holder, I stitched the bias tape around one side first then hand stitched it on the reverse side, instead of trying to stitch both sides together at the same time. I like to use contrasting thread so you can see the stitches-adding to the look. I think these turned out really well and I hope my mother-in-law enjoys them! Thanks for everything Jana! xo

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