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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?

    10687371_10204996952114513_1633355476983570638_o

    Lovely Etc. shared an Upcycled Keyhole Necklace.

    10687473_10204995804565825_6199126076977834244_o

    Thrifty and Chic shared a Repurposed Sunburst Mirror.

    10658697_10100227507689851_9219700264095943951_o

    Life as a Thrifter shared her Upcycled Fan Belt Display.

    1391757_10202950671703558_6425875721333909955_n

    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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    About Ashley Mayes

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    1. Amy W

      October 01, 2014 at 1:25 am

      So clever!

      Reply
      • Ashley Mayes

        October 02, 2014 at 10:52 am

        Thanks Amy!

        Reply
    2. Julia@Cuckoo4Design

      October 01, 2014 at 5:59 am

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

      Reply
      • Ashley Mayes

        October 02, 2014 at 10:52 am

        Thanks Julia! I'm pretty smitten with them.

        Reply
    3. Marybeth

      October 01, 2014 at 8:46 am

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

      Reply
      • Ashley Mayes

        October 02, 2014 at 10:52 am

        Yes, it definitely would!

        Reply
    4. Trisha D.

      October 01, 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 02, 2014 at 10:53 am

        I know and free as well! =)

        Reply
    5. Jen

      October 07, 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 07, 2014 at 2:35 pm

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

        Reply
    6. Sarah J

      October 07, 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 07, 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 09, 2014 at 7:56 pm

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

      Reply
      • Ashley Mayes

        October 09, 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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