MY FIVE FAVORITES: PILLOWS!

My blog friends Pam of Simple Details, Lisa of Shine Your Light, Kris of Driven by Decor and I are back today (and the first Tuesday of every month) for this month's feature of My Favorite Five.  Today we're sharing something near and dear to all of our hearts... our favorite pillow projects!

We are thrilled to have KariAnne from Thistlewood Farms as our guest for this month's MFF.  I had a short encounter with KariAnne at Haven (a blogging conference) two years ago while we waited on an elevator, and I can assure you she is every bit as genuine, sweet, and charming in real life as she  appears to be in the virtual world.  And, I can't say that sometimes I'm not just a teensy bit jealous of her family's decision to pack it all up, leave the city life, and move to a house in the country.  Be sure to stop by and say hello to KariAnne, and tour her gorgeous farmhouse.

We added one little twist to this month's My Five Favorites, and we all created a new pillow to share with you today.  My project could not be quicker or easier (ANYONE can do it, promise!!), and I can't wait to see what awesome pillow projects my co-hosts have come up with today, too.

Pom Pom Placemat Pillow

I know, I know... another pom pom pillow!  But hey, if it ain't broke... ;)  I do restrain myself to using only one set of pom pom pillows per room, though.  I was browsing the Target ad a few weeks ago and stopped dead in my tracks when I saw this placemat-

I couldn't believe how similar the pattern was to a pricey designer fabric that I've always loved called Betwixt.  They were at the top of my list on my next trip to Target, and I knew they'd be perfect to make into pillows (with around a $4 price tag!).  I remembered seeing some darling pillows that my friend Julie had made from placemats at Christmas, and thought these were the perfect candidates for my own.  However, I couldn't leave well enough alone with just the placemat, so I added some multicolored yarn poms with a few quick stitches in the corners.  

No Sew Placemat Pillow

So here's the quick, no sew tutorial that I followed from Julie at Less Than Perfect Life of Bliss.  All you need is a double sided placemat, a hot glue gun, a pillow insert, and 5 minutes to have a brand new pillow!  This style was SO cute at Christmas.  I'm hoping they have more great seasonal designs this year!

Click here to see the cute new version she just made for Spring too!

DIY Pom Pom Pillow

This is the pom pom pillow that started my pom addiction. This post also includes a super simple tutorial on how to make your own pom poms.

Monogrammed Pillows

I made this monogrammed pillow sham in my daughter's room by simply adding her initials to a ready made sham.  My sewing machine does this kind of embroidery (this Etsy shop is my fave for downloading monogram fonts), but it's not very expensive to have a custom embroidery shop add a monogram to almost any pillow cover for you.  I think this kind of personalization instantly adds a chic touch to any room.

Simple Zipper Pillow

One of my very first pillow projects to share with you was how to sew a pillow with a zipper.  I used to make mainly envelope pillows, but for the past several years have converted to zippered pillow covers.  I like being able to use both sides of the pillow, or even a contrasting fabric on the front and back, which you can't do with an envelope style that has a definite back side. 

What's one of your favorite pillow designs?  Be sure to head over to Simple Details, Shine Your Light, Driven by Decor, and Thistlewood Farms to check out their 5 favorite pillow projects, too.  I know there will be some great ones!

Missed any previous My 5 Favorites posts? Catch up here!

My 5 Favorite Paint Colors

My 5 Favorite Quick and Easy Holiday Decorating Ideas
My 5 Favorite Tips for Organizing Your Home

My 5 Favorite Home Decor Accessories
My 5 Favorite Ways to Decorate for Spring

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