finally...
new pillows for my living room! This has been on my 'to do' list for months. I cranked out 9 pillows in two nights (late nights that is) They came together so fast, it left me wondering why in the world I had put it off for so long. It felt like this huge project, but in reality it was pretty quick.
I love the simple detail on this one above. I couldn't get a decent photo of the small one on the far left in the top picture--but that was super fun to make. I used a wool sweater from the thrift and added 3 strips of ribbon to the front. I also really love the cream and brown print below. I only had enough of that to make one, but I'm planning to make another. It's Amy Butler's Nigella line and the print is called wood fern. I have so many more ideas for pillows I want to make! But really, how many pillows can one living room take? (BTW, I don't keep all those pillows on that one sofa--just for the photo ;)
And there is yet more...a new tablecloth for the kitchen table. This was a bedspread from Urban Outfitters that I so *adore*. I just layed it across the table and cut off the long spots. Then my mom zig-zagged the raw edges for me (my mama has been visiting me this last week and just left today :( Noah wanted to get in on some sewing so she said he could hold the pedal down while she guided the fabric. You should have seen him, he looked so cute! Quietly sipping his cup of tea with his little foot stretched out to reach the pedal. He was doing a great job keeping it at a nice steady pace. Until... from the living room I hear the machine take off at high speed and my mom screeching, "slow down! oh no! stop! stop! STOP!" The machine jammed in a knot of scribble-y thread. I rushed into the kitchen to investigate why Mr. Steady had suddenly become Mr. Lead-foot and he replied, "I'm sorry, I just wanted to give her a thrill." We will be laughing about that one for a looooong time to come.
To top off the run down on my busy week, here is a new corner in my living room. After several attempts my mom and I came to a happy conclusion. My love seat used to be in this spot but we all like this for a change. I hadn't done any rearranging in a long time, so this with the new pillows feels quite exciting.
This is why I've been absent from here for the last week--enjoying my mom and getting some much needed home stuff done. (insert happy and satisfied *sigh*)
First, you are so lucky to have a Mom! Everything looks so beautiful, well taken care of and cozy for winter. This post is a real inspiring treat, thank you for that. My Mom always used to inspire me on visits, just moving a lamp even! It's another pair of eyes but mostly it's a Mom. I feel like you shared your Mom here, boy that feels good!
Posted by:Kathe Kramer | November 04, 2007 at 05:29 PM
Wow, it's like you read my mind! I've been thinking about pillows for my couches. Thanks for the ideas!
Posted by:Dawn | November 04, 2007 at 05:39 PM
wow toni, everything looks so great. i am in the middle of sprucing thing up here at my house too and this is really inspiring to me. thanks :)
Posted by:jen b | November 04, 2007 at 05:43 PM
How wonderful that you were able to spend time with your mom--that's a really lovely blessing.
Everything looks great--the pillows, that tablecloth and your new corner.
Posted by:June | November 04, 2007 at 06:41 PM
Lovely! We just moved into a new home and you are giving me great inspiration! Thank you =)
Posted by:Heather Wilson | November 04, 2007 at 06:48 PM
Toni, everything looks wonderful! You accomplished so much! Your home looks lovely. I love the pillows and the tablecloth! It sounds like you had a fantastic week :)
Posted by:Karin | November 04, 2007 at 07:00 PM
The photos are wonderful, great work! I really like the nigella pillow too!
Posted by:Penny | November 04, 2007 at 08:45 PM
This is so refreshing-your home is beautiful and I love how you have put things together.
Beautiful!
Posted by:colorsonmymind | November 05, 2007 at 02:56 AM
Hey, great "corner", and I think the sofa looks great with all those pillows on it...very cosy, it makes me just want to curl up there with a cup of tea and a good book!
Posted by:emma | November 05, 2007 at 03:12 AM
I have been away for a week and I was looking forward to catching up on your adventures, you did not let me down, I was thrilled with this post, such lovely pictures, love the cushions and laughed out load to the 'thrill' bit, I too have a little chap who is just like that... Lovely post
Suzie Sews
PS Only got one granny square done last week...tut tut...I must catch up...
Posted by:suzie sews | November 05, 2007 at 03:52 AM
your living room looks so cozy with all those handmade soft cushions, well done!
Posted by:lucykatecrafts | November 05, 2007 at 04:44 AM
it looks great, toni!
Posted by:erin | November 05, 2007 at 04:56 AM
Oh, I just love your pillows! I also have some Nigella Wood Fern set aside for our couch, love that pattern! Thanks for the inspiration.
Posted by:Jessica | November 05, 2007 at 06:48 AM
OMG that's SO funny!!!! "I just wanted to give her a thrill". And he DID, didn't he?!
Posted by:Keri | November 05, 2007 at 06:54 AM
Time with mom...nothing like that! Love all your redecorating! I was wonderfing if you kept all those gorgeous pillows on the sofa all the time...You could, just not let anyone sit on the sofa, so you can admire your cushions all the time ;o) Happy creating & hugs!
Posted by:Tracy | November 05, 2007 at 07:37 AM
The pillows are lovely! I have been delaying making mine also-you have inspired me!
Posted by:Chelsea D. | November 05, 2007 at 07:53 AM
Oh dear. You really MUST leave all the cushions on the couch. It looks wonderful!!
R/
Posted by:Rebecca F. | November 05, 2007 at 08:30 AM
Just found your blog today, what a treat! I too, love to make pillows. And I have that same slipcover on the couch in my loft upstairs (hubby's man room). I also LOVE Amy Butler fabric (am working on making her Frenchy Bag at the moment). After reading a few of your earlier posts, glad to see that the funk has lifted. I will definately be visiting again.
Anna
Posted by:Anna | November 05, 2007 at 10:33 AM
That Noah is a riot! A thrill. I love it.
I'm happy for you and all your great projects and decorating....
Posted by:Amy | November 05, 2007 at 03:17 PM
Your home looks so warm and inviting. Good work on all the pillows....perhaps I will get some sewing done this week now that I see all that you have done!
Posted by:ellen | November 05, 2007 at 04:01 PM
Toni how beautiful are each of these pillows, and they look gorgeous on the sofa... Your home is so warm and inviting. The shells, and flowers are also lovely... You and your family have a wonderful rest of the week...
Smiles to you...
Beverly
Posted by:tea time and roses | November 06, 2007 at 11:34 AM
The pillows look great and that room looks very relaxing :)
Posted by:Felicia | November 06, 2007 at 11:36 AM
It all looks great! Love the colors and that table cloth is gorgeous!!
Glad you had a good time with your mom :)
Posted by:Christina | November 06, 2007 at 01:51 PM
the pillows look great! I am so glad that you had a chance to spend time with your mom.
Posted by:amandajean | November 06, 2007 at 05:26 PM
Your home looks very warm and inviting. :-)
Posted by:Rennagayle | November 06, 2007 at 10:31 PM