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Upcycled Pillows

October 1, 2014 by Ashley Mayes 21 Comments

 What do you guys think about chain reactions? Probably depends, right? Well, earlier this year, I shared my “30 Before 30” list. One of the things on that list was to start being healthier. Well, I’ve been doing that. I’ve been working out and eating cleaner and that has resulted in some body changes. With those changes, I’ve taken a hard look at my closet. I’m coming to the realization that I would rather have ten pieces in my closet that I absolutely love than one hundred pieces that are just ok. So, over the past six months, I have purged and then purged again. Anything that didn’t fit right (or has never fit right) immediately got purged. This project is a by-product of that purge. Take those purged clothes and make some upcycled pillows!

Take these two outfits, for example.  The dress on the left is cute but has never been long enough. The waist sat too high and, you can’t really tell from that picture but, the pockets in the back came way higher than they should have. With some weight loss, the top part was just sloppy. So, purge number one.  The skirt on the right was just too full. It wasn’t flattering, because it just added emphasis on my belly button region. So, purge number two.

Upcycle Ill Fitting Clothes to Throw Pillows

I loved the pattern on both outfits, so why not use them? This project is so simple that I hate to even share steps, but I will. =)

Grab an old throw pillow to use as your insert.

Old Throw Pillow to Use as stuffing for DIY Pillow

Cut your fabric slightly larger than your insert and turn the fabric so that what you want on the outside are facing each other.

Fabric for DIY Pillow Made out of a Skirt

Sew three sides of your pillow; making sure to stay at the same seam allowance.

How to Sew a Simple Pillow

Turn your pillow form inside out and stuff your pillow.

DIY Pillow out of Old Clothing

Tuck your fabric under so that you have a clean line.

Finishing up your upcycled Pillow

Hand-stitch your last opening closed.

Hand-stich the seam closed for your upcycled DIY pillow

Upcycled Pillows made out of Ill-fitting clothing

Purge your closet and make some new pillows

Pillows are so easy to make. Next time you are doing a closet purge, just think about what kind of new pillows you could make!

Upcycle a Skirt to make a throw pillow

Are you ready to see what the other ladies did this month?

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Lovely Etc. shared an Upcycled Keyhole Necklace.

10687473_10204995804565825_6199126076977834244_o

Thrifty and Chic shared a Repurposed Sunburst Mirror.

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Life as a Thrifter shared her Upcycled Fan Belt Display.

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Linking up to:

C.R.A.F.T., Project Inspired,  Restless Arrow, The Makers, Outside the Box,   The Winthrop Chronicles, Home Stories A-Z, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Work It Wednesday,  Fry Sauce and Grits, Liz Marie Blog, The Inspiration Gallery, Think and Make, Creativity Unleashed – The Bold Abode, Remodelaholic, Whipperberry, The Creative Collection, Tatertots and Jello, Link It or Lump It, and Frugal Crafty Blog Hop.

 

 

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Filed Under: Home Decor Projects Tagged With: Living Room, Repurpose Recycle Reuse

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Reader Interactions



Comments

  1. Amy W

    October 1, 2014 at 1:25 am

    So clever!

    Reply
    • Ashley Mayes

      October 2, 2014 at 10:52 am

      Thanks Amy!

      Reply
  2. [email protected]

    October 1, 2014 at 5:59 am

    Love how they look as pillows. Such a great idea!

    Reply
    • Ashley Mayes

      October 2, 2014 at 10:52 am

      Thanks Julia! I’m pretty smitten with them.

      Reply
  3. Marybeth

    October 1, 2014 at 8:46 am

    Brilliant! This would be fun with shirts from the thrift store, too.

    Reply
    • Ashley Mayes

      October 2, 2014 at 10:52 am

      Yes, it definitely would!

      Reply
  4. Trisha D.

    October 1, 2014 at 9:09 am

    Perfect way to upcycle and reuse some of those fabrics you were drawn to in the first place!!

    Reply
    • Ashley Mayes

      October 2, 2014 at 10:53 am

      I know and free as well! =)

      Reply
  5. Jen

    October 7, 2014 at 11:46 am

    What an awesome idea! I have a skirt sitting in my closet right now that I love— but, when I’m honest, it just doesn’t fit right. What I love about it is the pattern. And now I’m thinking it would be the perfect pop of color in my living room!

    Reply
    • Ashley Mayes

      October 7, 2014 at 2:35 pm

      That was my whole problem! Grab a pair of scissors and get to work. =)

      Reply
  6. Sarah J

    October 7, 2014 at 5:51 pm

    Color me inspired! I have 3 old sweaters with small holes in them but I don’t want to toss because they were comfy. Pillows it is!

    Reply
    • Ashley Mayes

      October 7, 2014 at 7:57 pm

      Awesome! I wanted to use some sweaters, but didn’t have any that would work as a pillow. I bet they will turn out great!

      Reply
  7. Jonni

    October 9, 2014 at 7:56 pm

    Great way to make me start being healthier! Love the idea, thanks.

    Reply
    • Ashley Mayes

      October 9, 2014 at 9:57 pm

      Thanks Jonni!

      Reply
  8. LZ Cathcart

    October 10, 2014 at 3:21 pm

    Amazing! I can think of about 10 shirts/dresses/pants that I would love to do this to. Thank you for the inspiration 🙂

    Reply
    • Ashley Mayes

      October 12, 2014 at 7:38 pm

      Awesome! Glad you found it useful!

      Reply
  9. Kyla @HouseOfHipsters

    October 15, 2014 at 9:21 pm

    Oh my goodness! Best idea ever on those pillows! There are so many pieces I hate to part with because I love the pattern but never wear. You. Are. Brilliant! Hope you are having a good week!

    Reply
    • Ashley Mayes

      October 17, 2014 at 3:49 pm

      Thanks Kyla! I feel the exact same way. Have a great weekend.

      Reply
  10. Janice

    October 22, 2014 at 9:14 pm

    Love this! I have a few shirts.. Even cute button up ones from hubbie that would be perfect! I switch out my pillows way to often!

    Janice
    http://freshlifeliving.blogspot.ca/

    Reply
    • Ashley Mayes

      October 23, 2014 at 6:32 am

      Thanks! Yes, those button up shirts would be great!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Change Your Decor without Spending Money - Bigger Than the Three of Us says:
    June 15, 2015 at 9:58 am

    […] you don’t use? You could easily make your own pillows to change up your decor. Or try this trick that I did with ill-fitting […]

    Reply

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