Friday, February 13, 2009

PILLOW TALK and A NEW BLOG

Vintage embroidery, fabrics, and a little time on the old sewing machine allowed me to put together some pillows. Now this pillow idea came to me from my good friend Martha in Ky. She does not yet have a blog, but needs to in order to share her wonderful talents with all of us. Several years ago Martha gave me one of her "vintage" pillows and I still have it on my bed. It is my all-time favorite. On some of our cold rainey days this winter, I managed to create a few myself in preparation for the Music City and Tailgate Antiques Show in Nashville Feb 20 -22. I thought I would show you a few. I was hoping they would add some life to the primitive antiques in my booth (and of course price them to sell).


While I am on here, I would also like to mention a new blog. My daughter-in-law Kelley, has been concerned for some time about the direction our leadership is taking our country. I agree with her. She is now writing letters to the President of the United States expressing those concerns. Although she is not expecting any response, she is taking action. I am impressed with her letters, her writing skills that make her point, and even more, her drive to make a difference. Kelley, like me, is conservative, but her letters are not written as attacks on the new administration, but rather concerns using facts and current circumstances. I am inviting you to get a cup of coffee or tea, and take a few minutes to visit her blog. She decided to share the letters in hopes to inspire others. Kelley named her blog "Letters ...", and it can be seen at: http://www.atinyspec.blogspot.com/
Don't miss the cute pictures of my grandsons!


Now for the pillows! I started with a doubled ended dresser scrarf that had some damage and rust stains in the center. I was able to salvage the two embroidered ends to make two pillows. The back of each pillow has a different vintage fabric because I only had enough of each piece for one pillow. The borders on the front are the same as the back. I made an envelope opening in the back for insertion of the pillow form.

Laying it out and choosing A vintage backing.
Adding fringe to this one with my 40-year-old Sears Kenmore that my mother gave me when I was graduating from high school. She knew how much I would use it, and she was right! It has sewn for miles and miles and miles, and I taught my own daughter to sew on it as well.The finished pair. Old handkerchief sew on a dresser scarf with hand crotcheted edge.Two embroidery pieces are sewn together. Side edging is difficult to see, but has pink stripes from a pillow case. I used the vintage blue bow fabric on top and bottom edges and for the backing. Wish I had more of the bow fabric; I love it.


This pillow is the edge of two pillow cases joined with another spread sewn in the center. The tulips are not sewn down but are free on the edges to give the feel of a pillow case. It is actually sewn in the center where they join, but I used two layers to give the effect. On the back, the envelope enclosure has a scolloped edge from the original pillowslip.

12 comments:

  1. Darling pillows!!! It is so much fun to use vintage linens and give them a new life!!!
    Isabel

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  2. Loving the pillows. Loving your well spoken dil. Wow!

    Two words, Carrell. Cheap enamelware. ~Mindy

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  3. Hi Carrell, I just love what you've done with the old linens. NOW I finally know why I have a collection with small stains and rips - they have been waiting to become pillows!

    You're so sweet to leave me the nice comments on my blog. Thank you! I was being modest (or understating the fact) about my collection of things. Truth be known, I'm just like you in that respect...3 stall barn (with loft) full of random things, "wife's side" of the garage with rolling carts full of things, entire closet in upstairs guest bedroom full of things. Thing-finders we are! :-)

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  4. Love your beautiful pillows, Carrell! I used to do so much with vintage linens, but have been playing with wood and wire, and salvage a while now--you have inspired me to dig out my fabrics again!!

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  5. Carrell, you're pillows are so cute! Also, thanks for sharing your DIL's blog. She speaks well and I admire her for becoming involved. She does so without the hate we have become so accustom to in recent yrs. May her voice be heard!
    marcie

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  6. Just wanted to wish you good luck on the show!! I have some friends coming that will be looking for your booth. Hope it is fantastic and fun, and looking forward to the pictures!

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  7. Hey, Thanks for the comment. Come by and see me, I think my booth number is 101 but not sure as they moved me last min this morning. Take it easy and looking forward to seeing you soon.
    Tricia

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  8. Wow girl ... your blog looks great! We are catching on little by little, I think we started at about the same time. Right? YOur pillows are darling. Love the boot pic idea, I might have to run with that one!
    nite nite Debra

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  9. I came by to thank you for your prayers and kind words during the loss of my sister in law.
    It really has been a comfort to know how many truely kind people there are out there and to have the prayers of them is an extra blessing.
    Your pillows are just lovely.
    I may just have to make one myself!
    Hugs
    Becky

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  10. What a pretty pillow!! Thank you so much for your sweet prayer for Deb and her family. I really appreciated it and I know she will too.

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  11. I love this pillow and I LOVE your blog.

    Thanks for visiting my blog and your wonderful comments. I'm off to add yours to my RSS feed...Have a Great Evening!

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