Sewing is a lot like life...sure, there are patterns for just about everything, but in order to love what you do, or love what you make, you have to change the pattern to make it your own regardless if the change is a fraction of an inch or the length of a yard. And more often that not, those choices you make to change the pattern do not work out exactly the way you hope. It can be frustrating and challenging, and sometimes you have have to rip it all apart at the seams and start completely over. Which requires patience. A lot of patience. But in doing so, you create something that is far more rewarding, and far more beautiful, then what you started with.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

One of those "a-ha" moments!

Have you ever had one of those "a-ha" moments where once you realized something you were kind of in disbelief and wondered why it took you so long? I have been having quite a few of those lately.

First though, let me introduce you into my poor, neglected, boring, drab guest room. A medium brown bed with a dark brown bedspread in a light brown bedroom. The poor thing...it is the kind of room that every time you walk by you pull the door closed because you feel so sorry for it. I mean would, you want to stay in it? Me neither.


Until today. I am standing in Target and I see some pretty cute throw pillows on clearance for roughly $10 a piece. While I stand there and wrestle with whether they are really my style, or the style of the poor room (I know, sad right? this room has no "style") it dawns on me. I sew. I can make my own pillows.

That's right. My "a-ha" minute today is in Target. And it is that I can sew my own pillows.

Seriously? I wonder what is wrong with me sometimes.

I went home and rummanged around in my stash and found these super cute fat quarters I purchased several months ago from my LQS on clearance no less. Let me introduce to you my two super cute throw pillows!



The fabric is Pretty Bird for Michael Miller and I originally planned to use the fat quarters for a tote bag, but now I am really glad I held on to them because I am so happy with the way they turned out!


I decided to make the pillows rectangled shape instead of square since I already had two sets of square pillows on the bed and I am glad I did. I like them.



To make the pillows, I used almost the entire fat quarter for each one, so the dimensions are roughly 9" inches tall X 20" long. I top stiched both of them and I am glad I did because I think the rectangle shape will remain in tact much better.

I love the bold, bright colors and I love the birds...pretty birds indeed!



Trust me, I know two little pillows aren't all it is going to take to help this room along, but at least they are a start and they do actually make a pretty big impact. The colors and print at least give me some direction I can now go with the rest of the room. And for $1.25 a piece you can't beat them. Maybe I will start leaving the door open again. :)
Happy Monday!


Linked up this week to:

The Girl Creative: Just Something I Whipped Up
Round Tuit
Made with Love
Life Made Lovely
Made by You Monday
Sew Modern Monday
Making the World Cuter Monday
Market Yourself Monday
Handmade Tuesdays
Get Your Craft On
Take A Look Tuesday
Sew Cute Tuesday
I Made THIS Tuesday
TOO Cute Tuesday
We Did It Wednesday
Creative Share
Anything Related
Sugar & Spice
Whatever Goes Wednesday
Somewhat Simple
Thrilling Thursday
Frogs, Snails & Puppydog Tails
Show Off Your Stuff
A Crafty Soiree
Feature Yourself Friday
Pity Party
Creation Corner

12 comments:

  1. Too funny...I seem to be having quite a few of these moments myself..LOL! Love the fabric. It really compliments the brown...great job :)

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  2. Very pretty! Love the fabric you used -- really "dresses up" the bed and coordinates so well!

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  3. What a great "a ha!" And the colors look fantastic on the bed. The spare room will come together when you're ready. :) I just wish we had another room in this house, period! lol

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  4. Cute! I think the fabric you chose goes really well with your bed linens. I love the birds, too!

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  5. Pillows sure can make a difference in livening up a room! Gorgeous!

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  6. Love the fabric! Your pillows came out super cute. Good luck with the rest of the room.

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  7. These are fabulous! Thanks for linking up to {Sew} Modern Monday! Have a great week.

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  8. Those are so pretty. I'm your newest follower. Be sure to stop by my blog Monday and add your project to the More The Merrier Monday Link Party.

    http://diyhshp.blogspot.com

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  9. Beautiful fabric - and the pillows look great on the bed! They really brighten it up!

    I do the same sometimes - look at something, consider buying it, then realise, hang on - I could make that myself!! Glad I'm not the only one!

    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Hope you have a great weekend!

    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

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  10. And it's much more fun to make them than buy them at Target, right? I LOVE the fabric! Maybe you will leave the bedroom door open now! Please link up to my weekly linky party every Wednesday (it's still up now)!
    www.seaminglysmitten.blogspot.com
    Jenny

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  11. So cute! I love that fabric! And the bed, I love iron beds like that!

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  12. These are DARLING! They brighten up the room beautifully.

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