enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

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I cannot figure out if this pillow idea came to me in a dream or if I saw it while scanning blogs sometime last week. But the pattern and color scheme was very set in my head before I even entered a fabric store.

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It's different than the colors I am usually drawn to, that is for sure.

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It took much longer than it should have because I was unsure of how to make the stripes do what I wanted to. Because of this, I don't have step by step photos. Also because of this, my stripes are far from perfect and don't measure up quite right.

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But what ended up working best was cutting the fabric into strips and then sewing them in a repeating pattern so the ends were like stairsteps.

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Once I had my "striped" fabric piece, I sewed another one and then sewed the edges with the stairsteps together so the stripes lined up and formed a "V" down the center of the pillow. It became much more complicated than intended, (and very wrinkly – yikes!) but I am happy with the result.

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Instead of using one full piece of fabric for the backside, I used two and hemmed the edges. I pinned the pieces together to form one piece and sewed the front and the back together. After I removed the pins, I had a pocket to slide the pillow insert into. I might need to add a little button to the back to keep it together, but for now it's working well.

Hmmm, maybe I'll get a complete tutorial together for this project … 🙂

Dottedline

26projectslogo This is project 3 of 26.

I am attempting to tackle 26 personal craft projects before I turn 27 on 02.22.12. You can follow my progress here on the blog, on pinterest or on flickr.

See project 1 & 2.

Dottedline

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13 responses to “project 3 of 26 / a striped pillow.”

  1. Sarah Avatar

    I love the pattern – great choice! I have a sewing machine, and I have done a few things, but, to be honest, I am kind of afraid of it! But, you have inspired me, so maybe I will get it out of my basement and try to show it who’s boss 😉

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  2. destri Avatar

    Love it! I do the same thing, did I see this on Pinterest? A blog? A dream? It all starts to blend 🙂

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  3. Susan from Maryland Avatar
    Susan from Maryland

    Very Cute! Love the color combo. Just a piece of advice, though — if you iron your seams open after each step (tedious, I know, but it pays off in the end) it won’t look so wrinkled when you’re finished.

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  4. Erica Avatar

    I love the design and colors–they remind me of summer berries! 🙂

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  5. elise blaha Avatar

    YES. I need to do this. I ironed them down so they were flat on direction, but I should have opened them. Thanks so much for the tip.

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  6. elise blaha Avatar

    DO IT. you wont regret it!

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  7. Angela Spangela Avatar

    If you try this one again cut your strips on the bias of the fabric, as well as ironing out the seams, will allow the fabric to have a little more give.
    Basically, if you want a chevron/diagonal pattern cut them diagonally from your piece of material.
    Does that make sense? I hope so. I’m doped up on cold medicine!

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  8. Project:Lorna Avatar

    Elise, this reminds me of the apron from Rachel of Smile and Wave’s Modern Patchwork course. I love how you just give things a go, its so inspiring!

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  9. Jen Avatar

    love this & love the colors!

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  10. ihilani Avatar

    this is awesome! you’re inspiring me to get into the habit of creating ideas that come to me!

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  11. Maria Stenlund Avatar

    Oh, the colours! The colours!! ❤

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  12. jessica Avatar

    I love this idea for 26 projects. I’ve tried “accomplishing” as many things as I am turning, 25 before 25, etc, but this is so much more fun and such a great twist! Love the pillow!

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  13. Sherried Avatar
    Sherried

    Love the pillow. try using a little Velcro to keep the pillow closed.

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