Pillows!

Welcome to PILLOWS A-LA-MODE, a blog about my new hobby–designing and sewing pillows.  Why do I need a new pasttime? When I was an elementary teacher, my hobby was writing children’s books, but now I get to write all day for Benchmark Education Company in New York. I work from home where I live with my walking-encyclopedia husband Dave, who sweetly puts up with all my quirks and whims and where we love to entertain our big family while embracing the motto “The more, the merrier!”

My grandmother taught me to sew and embroider when I was young. I’ll always remember the many happy hours we spent together and all the wisdom she imparted not only about our projects, but about life. When she passed away, I inherited all of her fabrics, threads, flosses, and now-vintage buttons. My mother inspired me, too. She made a beautiful quilt for me when I (finally!) graduated from college, but her favorite medium was painting. Then it was my sister and best friend Susan, a musician, quilter, photographer, baker, and storyteller. Today I’m blessed to have seven daughters-in-law who never cease to amaze me with their creativity . . . scrapbooking, cardmaking, photography, painting, pottery, cake decorating, interior decorating, quilting, cooking, writing, designing birthday parties for our adorable grandchildren, and much, much, more. And I mustn’t forget my dad, who gave me my first sewing machine (the one I still use!), drove us to 4-H meetings and the county fair to make and display our projects, made it possible for me to pursue my love of piano, and reads my books. Dad, by the way, lives an innovative life himself . . . but that’s another story for another day.

One of the reasons I enjoy making pillows is that I can simply browse through my stash, put this and that together, and come up with a one-of-a-kind creation. I also love to upcycle things like vintage clothing and table linens into pillows. And, of course, I’m always excited when I find intriguing remnants and decorative items in the clearance aisles of my favorite stores!

I call this one “Pillow Pillow.” I found the stamped mini pillowcase in a bargain bin at Michaels, cut it out close to the edges, and appliqued it onto a piece of pink polka-dotted fabric from my collection. The finished cushion is 14×14.

Besides sharing my pillows, I hope to post some recipes (“Chicken Pillows” coming soon!), kids’ crafts, sewing and decorating ideas, and general chatter.  Thank you for visiting, and please come back again!