decorative pillows sewing

decorative pillows sewing

How Pillow Covers Achieve the Artistic Effect in the Case of Decorative Items

Unless there is a very special pillow design, all models come together with their adjacent pillow covers; these external items are the ones that actually achieve the artistic effect in the case of decorative items. We should make a clear distinction between the pillow covers used to sleep on and the pillow covers used for the nice cushions on armchairs or sofas. The former are only made of certain types of material that are good for direct skin contact: cotton or silk on a regular basis. No synthetic texture should be used for the pillow covers you sleep on, as they increase the risk of skin infections and irritations.

Sleep pillow covers are usually bought in matching sets with the rest of the sheets and mattress covers; they have the same material, the same design and look great in any bedroom. Pillow covers or casings should be changed at least every weak, or even more often in case you have a skin problem such as acne. They are easy to wash and likely to last for a large number of uses. Not the same thing could be said about decorative pillow covers that usually require extra care when it comes to cleaning; due to the artistic pattern used in the design, such pillow covers are more exposed to deterioration.

We should not forget the fact that most pillow covers need to be a perfect match for the rest of the room decorations: too adorned items would contrast with a very simple interior design for instance. Sometimes, there are special cases when decorative pillows have no casings at all; this is the situation with leather made cushions that are the match for leather-covered couches. Nevertheless, such examples are pretty rare, as in general house owners have regular pillow covers, which can be alternated according to the season for increased good looks.

Thus you can very well use some great pillow covers with Christmas or Easter decorations; you can also alternate pillow covers with flowery or fall motifs depending on the season. The flexibility of use specific to such elements allows one to add an ever new colorful look to any house corner. Pillow covers can be changed according to the house owner's wish particularly since their main role is to give comfort and warmth. Sometimes, old drapes provide the material for pillow covers, and all one needs to do is to be skilled enough to design and sew the casings at home.

About the Author

Muna wa Wanjiru Has Been Researching and Reporting on Pillows for Years. For More Information on Neck Pillows, Visit His Site at PILLOW COVERS

Children Caterpillar Pillow Wall Hanging Bag & Decoration SEWING CRAFT PATTERN

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Can I get your suggestion for the best pillow making book for a beginning sewing guy?

I'm not married and know no girls that know how to sew and or are willing to teach and I want to learn a life skill, I live in the middle of nowhere, no sewing shops or I want to self teach myself how to make decorative handcrafted pillows for my beautiful house. I generally can learn something from a good book, etc. Help me obi-wan!

Sounds like you could use the 2001 edition of "Simplicity's Simply The Best Sewing Book", which was written for beginners and focuses on home dec projects (earlier editions do not have that focus):

http://www.amazon.com/Simplicity-Simply-Best-Sewing-Book/dp/073942100X

Though I've been sewing too many years to properly judge this book, I've heard from beginners that it's quite helpful. I "know" the author from a couple of internet sewing groups, and she definitely knows her stuff and how to communicate.

You might also see if there's an ASG neighborhood group near you: http://www.asg.org/html/chapters.html -- a chapter is a regional or state group with a number of neighborhood groups -- sometimes it's really helpful to have someone take your pillow with the puckered corner, turn it inside out, and say, ah, here's the issue... you needed to clip this a little more deeply here.
Community education classes, community college classes and classes run through fabric stores are other possibilities.

When you get a little experience under your belt, you can go on
to books like: 'Sewing Edges and Corners' (http://www.amazon.com/Sewing-Edges-Corners-Decorative-Embellishment/dp/1561584185) or Conlon's Fine Embellishment Techniques (http://www.amazon.com/Fine-Embellishment-Techniques-Classic-Clothing/dp/1561584967 or) Wolff's Art of Manipulating Fabric (
http://www.amazon.com/Art-Manipulating-Fabric-Colette-Wolff/dp/0801984963) or... or... or...

PS: very handy thing for beginners putting in zippers:
Collins Wash-A-Way Wonder Tape. Easy to sew through, doesn't hurt fabric and much, much easier than pins.
Photo so you know what you're looking for:
http://yummyfabrics.com/product_info.php?cPath=5&products_id=95 -- available at most fabric stores.

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