Oh How I Hate Making Pillows!!!!!

I know the title is quite dramatic, but it's the truth. I hate making pillows! Well maybe hate is kind of a strong word, but it definitely causes major wrinkles in my creative brain. So, I finally decided to make some new decorative pillows for my couch. I bought my couch from Ikea, and it is that typical light tan color. The pillows that came with it were also the same color and material. Total blah! I threw in 3 extra red pillows for some added pop of color. In my recent efforts of redecorating, I felt it was finally time to dress it up. Now, here comes the reason why I hate making pillows. Pillow making is such an adventure for me. Every time I decide to make decorative pillows, I have the hardest time trying to make them all go together. They don't have to match exactly, but I want them to all compliment each other in various colors and textures. Like they do in the decor magazines. I always have a general idea of where I am going, but the journey is agonizing. I can never find the right combination of fabrics when I want. This time was no different.

Now, I started out strong. There were 7 pillows total. My idea was to make 2 navy, 2 red and white designed, 1 other solid color, and 2 other designed. My coworker Jen told me about a new fabric store in Marietta, Fabric and Fringe. If you haven't been there, go! I left there with the navy fabric, a pretty yellow/mustard silk (the other solid color), and a purse FULL of swatches. A trip to a few other of my fabric store gems, and my swatch collection became increasingly large.

As you can see, no idea was off limits. Next, I found the red and white fabric at Forsyth. Now comes the road block, the other 2 designed pillows. I got in my head to have a white or cream base with some sort of multicolored print. The print had to have teal in it. Unfortunately that created tunnel vision, and I was not finding what I wanted. I came across some fabric at Hancock. I wasn't crazy about it, but it worked so I got it. I figured once I found the last pillow it would all tie in together.

Now, for the last pillow. Back for another round of fabric searching. On what probably was my 10th trip to Forsyth Fabric, I saw a brown polka dot fabric. The base was brown so it brought in some warmth, and had some of the colors of the other pillows tying the whole thing together. I got a big swatch, brought it home, and laid it across the other pillows. I tested it for a whole week and decided that it was the one. I was so delighted that I was about to be done with these pillows. On what I thought was my last trip to the fabric store, I set out to get the last piece. I got in the store, started looking around, and decided I was not as in love with it as I thought. UGH! Someone shoot me. Back to the drawing board I go. I pondered my options, and happened to see some gray fabric that I kind of liked. It had texture, but was plain. I needed a design. The sales girl suggested adding trim. They had some pretty trims, but they were a little pricey and I had no idea what direction I was going in at this point. I bought the gray fabric, and figured the rest would come to me at some point.

After days of trying to come up with ideas, I decided to make my own pillow. I was going to use the gray as a base, and add ribbon in different colors to create my own design. Now, I was not very excited about making a pillow. I had every intention of not going down this route, but it didn't look like that was going to happen. I took a trip to JoAnns, and loaded up on ribbon. Of course I got other ideas while I was in there, so I picked up some extra just in case. Now here comes the good part. My next stop was Target. Target is one of my most favorite stores on the planet. I get a euphoric feeling every time I am in there. I was in there for rubbermaid bins and spices. Of course before I go find these items I must wander a little. Good thing I did. I came across one of Target's home decor brands, and they have new pillow designs. I look down the aisle and wouldn't you know....they have pillows that work perfectly with the room! WHAT?! Are you serious? Cool designs, interesting patterns, and the vibrant colors I wanted. I couldn't believe it. Where were these damn pillows for the last month while I was looking! *sideeye* I'm not surprised though. It happens every time without fail. When I'm looking for something it's not there. Then out of the blue when I'm worried about something else...there it is in plain sight. I bought 2 of the pillows. One I liked the colors, the other I liked the design. Being that I already had the other pillow and gray fabric for the last pillow I wasn't really going to keep them. I was just looking for ideas on what to do with the ribbon. I came home, put the pillows on the couch and....PERFECT! It was just what I wanted. Not what I originally envisioned, but what I wanted none the less.

I love it! They really set the couch off, and gave it that needed pop of color. Originally I wasn't going to keep them. Being that I had already spent money on fabric I didn't want it to go to waste. But, after marinating on it for a few days it was too perfect to not keep.



I am soooooooo glad that this project is done. Making pillows are never the funnest experience, but quite rewarding once I finally get it right. Oh, and the gray fabric you're wondering. Well that went in my fabric box. I'm sure I'll use it for something else. I think I already know what so stay tuned. On to the next project!