Monday, January 26, 2009

Today's Craft Project and a New Award


Today I decided to get working on a pillow I've been wanting to make. I found a wool sweater at the thrift shop for a couple dollars, and I had an old pillow sitting in my linen closet. Last week I had washed the sweater in the machine and then put it into the dryer to felt the wool. This shrunk it down as the fibers of the wool came together.

I gathered all my supplies....

First, I cut off the ruffle on the pillow so it wouldn't be bulky on the inside.



Then came cutting and sewing a square out of the front and back of the sweater, leaving one side open. You can see from my first picture that I had some ball fringe out to use with it. As I started the pillow I changed my mind and went for a simpler look. I snipped off all the corners for the same reason as above, so it wouldn't bulk up the inside of the pillow.
Turned it right side out and stuffed my pillow in there. I closed the side with stitches I did by hand. You could probably do this on a machine as well, but at this point it was very thick and just easier to sew by hand.
After that was all done I began cutting out some fun flowers out of felt and leftover wool from the arms of the sweater. These were stitched on by hand as well.

And here it is all done! It didn't take me long at all but I may have neglected my family some while my crafting took over the dining room table. I find it so relaxing to create things and get lost in it. Just please don't ask me what they had for dinner tonight....really, don't ask.


And on another note, I received a great mom award from Kristen at Kristen's Creations! If her blog isn't in your sidebar, it needs to be. Be sure to stop by and see her. Her blog is filled with great inspiration. Thank you so much Kristen! Although I may not deserve it today. I hope the criteria for this award isn't a 5 course, made from scratch, meal. If it is, I'm in trouble!

27 comments:

Sarah said...

Well done on that pillow darling! It looks amazing!! :)
Congrats on your new award. You're so speshul! :wub:

AndreaLeigh said...

that looks so comfy and cute! i love it!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous pillow! You did a great job!

Cottage Lifestyle said...

The pillow is fabulous...love the flowers. You have given me some ideas.

Renee

Unknown said...

I haven't thought of using an old sweater for a pillow...but I love the effect!

Congratulations on your award!

Tootsie said...

I love the pillow!!!! and congrats on the award!

Lulu and Co. said...

Oh I love the color and the touch of flowers is perfect! "heart" it very much!
LuLu

Unknown said...

Love that pillow! OH, if only I could sew...

adb said...

i have an old sweater i wanted to do this to--but i wasn't sure what to add to it---love the little flowers, they really make the pillow! very cute idea!

Wendy said...

I have never thought of using an old sweater. Looks fabulous and the flowers give just the right touch.

Wendy

cherry said...

That is adorable! I love that old chair it is sitting on...soo sweet. Way to go you thrifty girl you. cherry

cherry said...

OHHH sorry...didn't have my v8 today...Thank-you for the award..will post soon and congrats on yours. cherry

Unknown said...

Congrats on the award!

I think that pillow is perfect for that little chair. I have thought about making one of these a couple of times. Now I think I am re-inspired!

~Liz

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Michelle...Congrats on the award! And I love the sweater pillow! You have so many creative and wonderful ideas! ...Debbie

tam said...

Your pillow came out so well it is darling! I love the chair it sits on too! Hope you are having an awesome week!~Smiles~Tam!

tam said...

P.S.~Oh yea and congrats on the award! Kristen is such a sweetie!

rosecreekcottage-carol.blogspot.com said...

Very clever!! I recycle sweaters for my Santas and dolls! I found your blog via Cherry Jubilee. I'm glad I did!!

Stacey @ The Blessed Nest said...

THat is such a cute pillow!! So pretty, you did a great job :)!

Mrs. Gray's Class said...

What a great way to recycle a sweater into something beautiful - love the touch with the flowers.

The Muse said...

Awesome!!!

Helen said...

Pillow and chair are perfect combination ... good job!

Melissa Miller said...

Oh my goodness Michelle you are so talented.
The pillow is precious! Great job and Congrats on your well deserved award.

Thank you so much for coming by and your kind comments and understanding about our doggies.
One day we'll get another.

I am following your blog and have added you to my blog list as well.
I really use the followers feature to keep up with new postings. I hope you can come back and add yourself. It really helps me to keep track.

I really like your wonderful and creative blog. I look forward to getting to know you better!

Have a blessed day.
Warmly, Melissa :)

SarahJarnagin said...

Love the pillow!!!! It turned out amazing and cozy!

Chris Kauffman said...

That is the cutest pillow , amazing , I love what you have done with your house , wonderful.

The Kramer Angle said...

Hi, I found your blog through Cherry's and she is right; your blog is fabulous!

I love the pillow project.

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Girl you are very creative love what you did with an old sweather no less..I mean the girls rooms and now this...WOW!! thanks for sharing..and I love Kristen..hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

pammiejo said...

Have you done any other felting? I bought 2 sweaters at the Thrift Store and felted them and would like to make a purse or tote from them. Haven't found a source to help me along yet. Do you know of any? PAM