Upcycled Linen Decorator Pillows

A while back at the local thrift shop I found a dress that was destined for parts unknown. The dress wasn't my style but it was made of linen and had wonderful machine embroidery on it. I snatched up the dress thinking there was plenty of material in it to make something....but not sure what.
My recent shoulder surgery gave me a few ideas.....and a little bit of time to work on them. I took a good look at the dress and decided on pillows. At first I thought big square pillows would be good (and easy, too, the inserts would be pre made) but since I like a challenge, and didn't really want to fool with buttons, I decided to make two small pillows that would be a good size for travel, or support my poor, miserable arm when I try to sleep. (Forgive my whining. Sorry).

Here are some pictures of the fabric I used.

 Each side of the skirt had different embroidered flowers, too pretty to throw away.

I like the natural color of the linen, too. 

I made the pillow cases envelope fashion, no zipper. I had to make the pillow inserts to fit the pillows. 

Here are the finished pillows. One is a little longer than the other but .......

Not too hard to make. Another unfinished object (UFO) out of the pile, and I sleep better with the little pillow to help support my poor shoulder (sorry, whining again). 

I still have quite a bit of fabric left. It was a large dress. I thought a pincushion or two might be nice. Not sure what else but that's the fun of recycling/upcycling.  

4.15.11 MissEileen's Top Etsy Picks for the Week

Only a few days before Passover and I am swamped with things to do. Good things, though, so I am counting my blessings. I have two dear friends getting married and having bridal showers on the same day (the showers, not the weddings.  That’s what I made the fabric rose bouquets for). Our friends came down from up north and are staying with us (someone to stay up late and talk with. Good reason to open a bottle of wine). And one more thing, a blog to tell the world about the fantastic things I found this week on Etsy.



Oh, before I forget, the winner of last week’s contest is ClayBeadsandMore with the Clay Flowers and Butterfly Barrette. Check out her shop and congratulate her. Don’t forget to look for her interview.







Skull & Crossbones Pirate Jingle Anklet by Angelyques











Wine Mezzuzah Case by ReneesNeedle







Set of 4 Bibs, Upcycled Vintage Embroidered Bread-Basket Kerchief Cream and Green, Infant/toddler size by UrsulaGlassGoddess







Large Round Muffin Basket By BasketsbyEmily








Reproduction 1920's Cloak by BlueMoonLighting







Hippy Summer Cotton Beach Hat by OriginalSample









Silver Multi Textured Link Bracelet by ManicSilver















If Only ring by JenHough



Each pick is beautiful. The poll will be in the Left Corner of the blog. Polls will close Wednesday night.



Good luck to all.



Post by Eileen Patterson of GoofingOff.etsy.com, GoofingOff.Artfire.com, and MissEileen.etsy.com