Christmas Pillows

 Over the weekend I made several Christmasy pillows for my mom. I've had the fabric for awhile and finally made a trip to Ikea this week to pick up pillow forms.

I made this Peace On Earth pillow.

The front is made with a piece of canvas. I used a freezer paper stencil to paint the lettering. It amazes me how crisp the paint comes out, no smudges!

While I waited for the paint to dry, I used my serger to cut some upholstery strapping in half.

I ended up with this.

I pinned the strapping all the way around the front piece of the pillow and stitched along the edge.

I used red and white striped canvas for the back. Like the poinsettia pillow, I made these covers so they could be easily removed. Pin both back pieces and stitch down.

Turn right side out and stuff with the pillow!

I also made a simple plaid pillow using the same technique. Instead of painting lettering on the front, I stitched a piece of upholstery webbing down the middle before I attached the back panels.

I'm sure you've seen these around blogs and even in stores. I recycled an old red sweater to make this one.

I love the knit texture and making it was so easy. First lay out your sweater and place your pillow.

I wanted to use the finished edge on the bottom of the sweater so I lined the pillow up at the corner. Then cut out your square and stitch the sides, leaving the bottom open.

I stuffed the pillow inside and covered the open edge with an extra strip of the sweater. I stitched a few pieces of red ribbon to act as ties for the open edge.

You could easily sew the edge closed, but I liked the added interest of the ribbons.

Lastly, I made a little striped NOEL pillow to throw in with the others.

I love that they are all so different, but have something in common. That's what makes them work together without being too matchy.

Are you working on any holiday sewing projects?