Thursday, March 31, 2011

no sew knock off pillows

I don't make a secret of the fact that I can't sew...as in I can't even figure out how to load the bottom bobbin on the old Singer that I have.  I'm sure I can sew a straight line {or at least a sorta straight line} but that's about the end of my abilities in the sewing department.  I wish I knew how to sew...I'm jealous of those people {including many family members} who are talented with a Singer.  Anyone want to volunteer to be my Sewing For Dummies private tutor?  NO.  Is that crickets I hear?!

Well, thank God for the people that invented Stitch Witchery.  Thanks to that product I was able to make some Ballard Design/Restoration Hardware-like pillows for a FRACTION of the cost.



Supplies Needed:  A canvas painter's drop cloth {any size in the regular weight}, Stitch Witchery, pillow form {I like to get pillows from the thrift store...just throw away the old, ugly pillow cover that's on there}, an iron, CitraSolv cleaner, black and white images copied using a toner-based copier.

I won't bore you with a lengthy and confusing tutorial in writing.  I basically watched THIS VIDEO and just used Stitch Witchery where people with sewing skills would normally sew.  Just so you know, if you do a no-sew version it will take you about 20 minutes per pillow.

Once you finish your pillow cover, grab a toner-based image and tape it right-side down.  Using a paint brush or q-tip, LIGHTLY apply full strength CitraSolv all over image then burnish with a metal spoon.  If you are using an image with wording, make sure you invert the the image/lettering before copying or it will come out backwards.  If you want a tutorial on how to do the CitraSolv transfer method, just check out my tutorial post found here.



Tada a cheap knock-off pillow. On this one I made a pocket using scrap fabric. It holds a reproduction French postcard.

I will be linking up to the parties on my side bar as well as the ones below:





The Charm of Home

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18 comments:

  1. they have become really nice pillows!

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  2. I absolutely love these...I've been dying to use the CitraSolv method...you make it seem so easy!!! Wonderful pillows...

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  3. Oh wow, you've totally answered my prayers with this post! I am hopeless when it comes to sewing so I end up paying an arm and leg for pre-made pillows. I will definitely have to try this one!

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  4. These pillows are gorgeous. I also faux sew and will be giving these a try soon. Thanks for sharing!!

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  5. I would love to try this method of transfering an image to a pillow. That is so smart and the Stitch Witch was smart too. They are really pretty! Thanks for linking up!
    Sherry

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  6. Very nice! I don't think anyone could tell that they weren't sewn.

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  7. I love this. I used to sew ages ago but now i don't even remember how to thread the dang machine! Beautiful result!

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  8. They came out so cute! I love the pocket one. They really look authentic (as in sewn!). Shhh, I won't tell.

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  9. Very cute! I have been wanting to try this method but have not found the CitraSolv. Love the little pocket!

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  10. Love the pillows!! i want to make one too but have not found CitraSolv yet, got to resort on buying it online from i dont know where! loving the pokcet pillow one!! all of them beautiful though! x Susan

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  11. Miss Tea, I got mine at my local all natural/healthy living sorta store...if you have one of those near you give them a try. I know it can be ordered online but not sure where. I know at one time it was avaliable at Amazon.com. Good luck!

    -Aaron {the girl with the boy's name}

    mudpiesandmarigolds.blogspot.com

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  12. Looks great! I need to find me some CitraSolv!

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  13. Oh how I love your pillows! Every single one of them!!!!

    Jeanine

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  14. These turned out great! I love the pocket.

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  15. Your pillows are amazing. I always use stitch witchery for my pillows. I did 2 about a year ago and with Grandchildren coming in and laying on them they look just as good as the day I made them. I am going to have to try your transfer idea. I have never heard of that. Sounds great. Thanks for sharing. ~~Sherry~~

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  16. They look wonderful, and soon I will be trying this technique..soon as I get my studio table cleared :D lol

    xx
    z

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  17. nice idea, and quick, my kind of pillow!

    blessings
    barbara jean

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  18. Sweeeeet pillows! You did an amazing job on them! That little pocket really makes it look unique! Thank you for the idea and the tutorial! I'll be looking for some CitraSolv at the store tomorrow! :)

    xoxo laurie

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