Designer Pillow Cover Tutorial {beginner level sewingl}

It seems like almost everyday those deal websites (ie. Groopdealz, Very Jane, Zulilly, etc.) are running deals on designer toss pillow covers. Even at $10.00 plus shipping they can still be pricey. But they are so gorgeous! 

Right now is that time of year when I get a little antsy to do my spring cleaning and update my decor to be in line with the changing season. So this week I decided to spruce up my home for spring and summer and add a *pop* of color by making some of my own designer pillow covers for cheap! I'm talking like $4 for the cover... total! 

Want to learn how to make your own?? It is a beginning level sewing project. If you know how to measure fabric, cut fabric, iron frabric, and sew a straight line this is the project for you!

Here is what you need:

{These instructions are for ONE 16"x16" pillow. Be sure to adjust your fabric measurements accordingly}

• 1/2 yd home decor weight fabric (50-60" width) - I bought mine from fabric.com here (If you order more than $35 they will ship for free!!)

• measuring tape

• cutting mat and rotary cutter {or just fabric scissors}

• iron

• thread and sewing machine

• serger {optional}

I know my pillow is 16" but just to be extra sure, go ahead and measure the length and width of your pillow. Mine was 16" on the dot! 

Time to cut your fabric. I added 1" to the measurements I took (16"+1=17"). You will need to cut three pieces:

• 17"x17"

• 17"x12" {2 of these}

**HINT: If you are using a pillow of a different size just add 1" to your length and width measurements. Then subtract 5 inches on one side to get the measurement for your two rectangle pieces. 

Be sure your iron is nice and warm {and set to manufacturer recommended settings} and take one of the rectangle pieces. Place it right side down and fold over one of the long sides (17") about 1/2" and press. Because of the weight of the fabric I was using it wouldn't really stay down. So, I used a quick spray of starch to keep my ironed folds in place. 

**HINT: If your fabric has a definite top and bottom to the fabric you will want to fold over the top of one of your rectangle pieces and the bottom of the other. 

Then fold it over again and press. {repeat for the second rectangle piece} 

Again, if you have a pattern with a top and bottom your pieces will end up looking like this once they are both ironed. See how the folded edge is on the top of one of the patterns and the bottom of the other.

Next, take your pieces to your sewing machine and run a straight stitch about 1/4" from the folded edge. I chose to add a second stitch next to it for a decorative look, but once stitch is totally fine. 

Grab your square (17"x17" piece) and lay it face up. Then take your rectangle piece that has the bottom edge folded and lay that face down on top of your square piece matching the top two corners.Then take your other rectangle piece (with the top folded over), lay it face down on top of that and match up the bottom corners. Your two rectangle pieces will overlap a couple of inches. 

{I goofed on my first one and switched which rectangle piece was on the top -- you can see it in my picture. When you do it like my instructions say, when your pillow cover is done the top flap will lay over the bottom flap on the back of your pillow -- one of mine is the opposite. Really, it's okay either way.... so if you goof on your first one don't go ripping out all your seems!}

Pin all the way around your pieces. Yes.... ALL THE WAY AROUND. The part of your cover where your two rectangle flaps overlap is how you will be turning your cover right side out. 

I chose to serge around the edged of my pillow cover because it is easy and gives a great finished look to it. If you don't have a serger, just sew a straight line around your pillow leaving a 1/2" seam allowance. Be sure to snip the corners a little before turning it right side out but be careful not to snip through any of your threads. 

Here is how the back side of your cover should look once the edges are sewn. 

Use your iron to press the stitching around the edge. 

Turn your cover right side out using the opening between the flaps. Press the sides with your iron. 

Here is how the back looks now...

... and here is the front. 

Now, just make a few more!

The envelope opening in the back makes it easy to take off and clean, or take off the cover entirely making it easy to change up your decor every now and again! 

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MIA lately...

... here's why...

My poor baby had a cold a few weeks ago that turned into an ear infection. After a week on antibiotics she was starting to get worse. Back to the doctor we went for another round of stronger medication this week. 

I'm hoping this will do the trick and I will be able to make a big blogging comeback!!! 

It always makes me so sad when my babies are sick. :( 

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Reusable Wipes for Cloth Diapering: Tutorial and Giveaway!!

I am brand new to the cloth diapering world, but I absolutely love it. Like, love love love it!! Why? Well, besides the whole "more environmental" aspect of it, it is a lot cheaper, it's totally easy, and seriously... could those cloth diapers be any cuter!?!? I. Think. Not. 

Today I set out to make my own reusable cloth wipes for diapering. It's been tricky using the regular Huggies and Pampers wipes with reusable diapers -- yah, it kinda defeats the purpose of saving the environment -- but I was having to make a pile of used wipes for the diaper change and then carry them to a trash can to throw them away. 

Now.... I have cute, super soft, reusable wipes that I can just wet with a little bit of water, wipe my little one clean, and toss in my wet bag with the dirty cloth diapers. Then dump it all in the laundry and I'm good to go! 

I order some of the softest ever  fabric from an Etsy shop called Vancouver Bamboo. The shop is located in Canada (duh!) but they will ship from the U.S. My package arrived within 2 days of it being shipped. The owner was so awesome to deal with. I ended up overpaying a little for shipping so she threw in an extra 1/4 yard to account for the extra $ I spent. Love it! Great customer service. Great! 

Okay, enough gushing over the shop, back to this amazingly soft fabric. It is 100% Organic bamboo terry cloth. Here is the one I purchased. 

{photo courtesy of Vancouver Bamboo}

It is called the Baby Terry fabric and is perfect for the cloth wipes I made as well as cloth diaper inserts, wash cloths, bibs, and so much more!!! 

So... how did I make them!?! Simple. Cut a 8" square out of the fabric and serge around the edge. That's it. Easy peasy! If you don't have a serger you could ask around for someone who does to see if they could do it for you, or fold each side over twice and straight stitch along the top. 

If you want a double thick wipe, sandwich two squares -- right sides together -- sew around the square leaving an opening of about 2". Snip your corners, turn your square right side out and stitch around the top to hold the two pieces together and close the opening. 

Honestly though, if you like to sew and you don't have a serger you should get one. I used credit card points and redeemed them to Wal-Mart to buy mine. It has probably been the BEST thing I have redeemed points for... ever! 

I made a ton of these little guys and filled up an empty Huggies wipes box. Oh yah... did I mention that!??! These are the perfect size to store in there. Just fold it in half and plop it down in. 

BUT.... I actually ended up making a couple extra. Lucky you! 

Want a chance to win some!?! I though so. ♥

I tied up 6 of these cute guys as a gift to one of you lucky readers. {yah... I love you guys!!!}

 If you don't use cloth diapers... use them for wash cloths, hankies, face wipes after meals... or for yourself! They are so soft you'll want to! Promise! 

Here's how to win:

• Take 2 seconds and become a follower on the blog and leave a comment that you did (with your email so I can tell you when you win!)

• Leave me a comment. About anything!!! Tell me about the weather. Tell me your favorite cloth diaper brand. Tell me your dogs name. Doesn't matter, just say something. ☺

• Share this post on Facebook or on your blog and leave me the details. 

That's it! Easy huh? 

The winner will be chosen by random.org on Wednesday April 3, 2013 so be sure to get those entries in!!! 

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Welcome Spring!!

Yesterday was officially the FIRST day of Spring, and really, our weather here couldn't have been any better! 

We spent some time in the backyard yesterday afternoon where we found a patch of clovers that had several lady bugs in it. I happened to be in the house when the big kids discovered the lady bugs and the way they were screaming you would have though they discovered gold! Ha! 

My cute little one had her first real grass experience. It was so fun watching her discover something new!

{Don't judge me because of the pacifier. She was trying to eat the grass.... so I gave it to her to keep her little mouth busy! lol!!}

She loved pulling up the grass and touching it with her cute chubby fingers, but she wasn't all that sure about crawling on it. 

How is the Spring weather treating you!?! Is it nice or still a bit on the cold side!?!?

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Craft Room Tour - Fabric Storage Wall

I have been working on a little {okay, HUGE} project at my house: organizing my craft room.

You may have seen my preview post here. Today I'm getting down to some storage specifics. What I used and how I make it work. 

Here is how my craft room/office has been looking for a while.

You can see why it wasn't working for me anymore. Since starting to sell fabric in my Etsy shop I had to find new ways to store larger quantities of fabric. 

I had been using two small bookshelves (from Target) but even they were starting to get too full and fabric shipments would sit in the shipping boxes until I could get them on my shelf.

Not to mention all of the other sewing and crafting supplies that had begun to take over my little craft room. 

So, what's a girl to do!? Beg and plead her hubby for a trip to IKEA to get some organizing necessities! Thankfully, I have the best husband in the world and we got our date night to IKEA a couple of weeks ago! 

{He laughed at me taking pictures of our trip to IKEA... but really, I was so excited I couldn't help myself!}

We didn't have a chance to put them together that weekend, so.... I (with the help of my little ones) put together three tall Billy Bookcases while the Mr. was at work. I should have just waited... but it's like getting a new present that you can't touch or play with. So, I took matters into my own hands. 

I will say, it would definitely have been easier with another adult to help, but we ladies know that we can get a lot of difficult things (sometimes nearly impossible things) accomplished if we are determined enough. 

I got them up, in place, and shimmed ...

Yes... my floors really are that uneven. My craft room and the kids playroom, is an addition to the back of our home.

But, all of that hard work totally paid off!!!! 

I am in LOVE with the way it turned out. I'm not completely done with the rest of my craft room, but I was so excited (*squeal) to get this part done that I just had to share it with you guys!!! 

I used three Billy Bookcases from IKEA for my fabric wall storage. They are the perfect depth (11") and all but the middle shelf are adjustable so it's perfect for fabric storage!! 

Here is an overview of what I have in my fabric storage wall....

... and here is the breakdown. 

The top of all three of my bookshelves hold my full bolts of regular sized cotton fabric. 

All of these fabrics came directly from the manufacturer on bolts which makes it really easy for me to just take it out of the shipping boxes and stick them on the shelf. Easy peasy!

If you don't buy direct from the manufacturer but buy long yardages of fabric at a time here's what I suggest. Go to your local JoAnn's or Hobby Lobby (or any fabric store for that matter) and ask them if they have any cardboard bolts from old fabric that they don't need anymore. They can't really reuse them so if they have any on hand they will generally give them to you. 

Now, I'm not suggesting you go in and ask for 20 of them.... instead, just ask for a couple. Then go back in a few days or the next week and ask for a couple more. Be inconspicuous. :)

On both of the outer shelves I have a middle section where I store all of my washed fabric. These are prints that I have purchased for crafting and sewing projects as well as larger left over pieces from previous projects. 

I use these comic book boards to store all of these pieces of fabric. The bookcase on the right (shown in the above photo) stores all of my pre-washed fabric pieces that are under 1 yard. 

The bookcase on the left (shown above) is where I store all of my pre-washed fabric that is more than 1 yard, but less than 3 yards. Why less than 3... because if I wind more than three yards on my board it becomes too bulky... and not as neat and pretty looking. (ya, I know... it's an aesthetic thing).  

In the middle bookcase I store some of my prettier packaging materials. I keep all of my bakers twine and packaging twine as well as my business cards. 

You may remember my tutorial on how I store my smaller amounts of baker's twine here. I have found that it is so much easier (and cuter) to store them on spools than all wrapped up and tied. Right!?! Not to mention they stay nice and neat {not all tangley <--- yep, made that word up!} 

Next to my spools of twine is a small square white dish that holds some of my business cards so that I can easily grab them and slip one in to the packages I ship. I actually painted the inside of it on a cruise -- my hubby probably laughed that I wanted to go paint something -- but it is one of my favorite pieces. Not because I painted it, but because it the perfect size for corralling all the little things that don't really have another home.

My larger rolls of twine I store in this gray bucket. I found it in the one spot at Target. Seriously.... they have some cute storage stuff in there sometimes. I think this bucket was a whopping $2.50 and I LOVE it! 

Just in case you are wondering {because I know someone out there is...} I buy all of my twine from The Twinery. They have the absolute cutest colors and every so often they run a special on GroopDealz so you can get a really awesome price!! 

The bottom shelf of my bookcases (yes, all three of them) are filled with the larger bolts of fabric that I have. 

 The minky and chenille fabrics, and the 58" chevron in my shop I purchased by the bolt so they came on the cardboard bolt already... again, super easy to store that way! The other utility type fabric (the blue rib knit and white flannel) I purchased several yards of and picked up some empty bolts at my local JoAnn's to be able to store them on. 

So for now... that's what I have done. I still have the other 3 walls in my craft room to go! Ha! I'll post more updates as I get them done. I LOVE being organized and, hopefully, I have shared a couple tips for storing fabric that might help you out! 

Just for fun.... because who doesn't love a good before and after... 

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