Since my love affair with the vintage crazy quilt began, I have been thinking about how to bring more of that same fallish warmth to our living room. The other day I stumbled upon my stash of felted wools, packed away in the top of my closet. Since I don't have a craft or sewing room in our litle cottage, things sort of get stashed away and relegated to awkward storage places. But it's always a nice suprise to find something I had forgotten about.
These felted wools have been gathered from all kinds of places, mostly yard sales and thrift stores. Most of them were acquired for mere pennies, and were nice quality sweaters in their day. Lots of them have designer labels, and are lovely wools, cashmeres and angoras. I guess if you're not a crafter, the uses for a shrunken sweater are somewhat limited. How lucky for those of us who delight in repurposing cast-off, forgotten items.
I picked my favorite fall colors to use, cut squares measuring 5-3/4 inches, and sewed them together in 1/2 inch seams. You can see that I added in a few plaids too, from vintage Pendelton wool skirts that I have picked up here and there. These were not as thick as the felted wools, so I backed them with a piece of craft felt. The finished pillow is the perfect size for a 20 inch down pillow form.
I also wanted to bring in touches of red, just like the crazy quilt. Although I have multiple mason jars full of buttons, a large cookie tin full, and even a couple of gallon ziploc bags full, I couldn't come up with 18 red ones. But oddly, I did have 3 different half-used cans of red spray paint. So yes, I painted 18 odd assorted buttons with spray paint! It only took a few minutes, and worked out great. Buttons this size are 2/$3 at the fabric store, so I saved a bundle, too. But best of all, I used some of my stash! See, there is a reason that I keep all of this stuff.
I have been eyeing the jute-trimmed pillows at Pottery Barn, but haven't been able to find any trims like that here locally. So once again, I made use of some of the yardage of burlap that I had on hand. I cut a 4 inch strip, ironed it in half lengthwise, then ironed the cut edges in half to meet the center crease. It was a little challenging to sew through so many thicknesses of wool and burlap, so I switched to a heavier machine needle and just sewed slowly. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out!
Here's a tip: when I find a good quality felted sweater, or one that has the potential to become one, I use this method for felting from Craft Stylish. And my secret to storing all of these sweaters? Space bags! It's amazing how many can be stuffed into one, and how small it becomes once the bag is sealed up.
I'm working on a BIG project in my living room! Yes, I'm finally making a new sofa slipcover. Wish me luck, and hopefully I'll have photos for you soon!
Love to all, Andrea
I'm joining Donna's Saturday Nite Special at Funky Junk Interiors
Nita's Mod Mix Monday at Mod Vintage Life
Susan's Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
Debbie's Newbie with a Twist at Debbiedoo's
Kim's Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
Love the red. My favorite color. These are so cozy looking and perfect for this time of year.
Posted by: Sunny Simple Life | October 04, 2012 at 03:56 PM
I've been deconstructing two wool plaid skirts this afternoon getting ready to felt them. Decided to take a little break to check out the blog world, and here you are with a felted wool project. I'm going to make pillows, too, but using applique. Can't wait to get started. Sally
Posted by: salmagundi | October 04, 2012 at 05:11 PM
Oh my gosh Andrea I love that pillow!!
Posted by: Martina | October 05, 2012 at 07:28 PM
That turned out so darling! It does remind me of those crazy quilts. You were clever to just paint the buttons to match.
Posted by: Kelly | October 07, 2012 at 04:20 PM
Love it! What a cozy pillow and great idea to spray paint the buttons! I'll have to remember that tip.
Posted by: Manuela@a cultivated nest | October 07, 2012 at 05:05 PM
Wow, that is one very beautiful pillow! Your sewing skills are also impeccable!
Posted by: Funky Junk Interiors | October 07, 2012 at 06:02 PM
ohhhh how very cozy and cute those are Andrea. I really love the patchwork. Thanks for sharing. You know I love spray paint too.
Posted by: debbiedoos | October 08, 2012 at 01:15 PM
Such a nice pillow and I love the touch of burlap! And spray painting those buttons was pure genius! I checked out your vintage quilt post and am jealous of your $5 deal. Never realized you could get that type of price at a big market like Canton. Thanks for sharing and inspiring.
Posted by: Casandra | October 08, 2012 at 01:16 PM
Cute cute pillows.
Posted by: kim | October 08, 2012 at 06:14 PM
I absolutely love that! It's a great twist on plaid, and I REALLY want one for myself!
So impressed with your workmanship. I'm a new follower ♥
Posted by: Miranda | October 10, 2012 at 09:15 PM
How clever ... spray painting buttons! I would've never thought to do that. Well, until now!
Thanks so much for linking up to our spray paint party!
:)
Linda
Posted by: Linda @ it all started with paint | October 15, 2012 at 08:38 AM
I love this project. It looks great from the felted wool pillow to the spray-painted buttons.
Posted by: Vee | October 16, 2012 at 09:37 AM
I love your pillows patchwork. The fabrics look beautiful together.
Posted by: sunwon | November 15, 2012 at 02:39 AM
CUTE pillows...
I'm reading backward today, and have a burning question! How good are the "space bags" long term?? I store quite a few linens, etc., and have eyed those bags. I hate to invest and then find out that they don't hold for more than a week or two. Any suggestions on brand??
Many thanks for any information.
Blessings,
J
Posted by: Jaybird | March 25, 2013 at 04:02 PM