DIY Felt Pillow

My felt pillow

If you read yesterday's post, you know that I am currently coveting felt pillows. The only thing I don't like about them is the astronomical price tags attached. I asked myself, why are the pillows so expensive? Felt is one of the most affordable fabrics. Once I started to craft my own, the answer became very apparent. Constructing the type of pillow I was longing for is extremely labor intensive. But don't let that stop you from trying this project at home. While it took me the better part of the day to complete, this is a fairly simple project that even a beginner could tackle.

For this project, I purchased a travel pillow from Target for $4.99 and 1/2 yard of felt for $3.00 from Hobby Lobby. Since I already had matching thread, the entire project cost me $7.99. Not bad considering that some of the felt pillows on the market run $125 and up.

If you are up for the challenge, let's get started.

Start by measuring your pillow form and adding a 1/2 inch to both the length and width. Since I wanted to be able to remove the cover to have it cleaned, I chose to make an envelope style back. For the back of my pillow, I cut two pieces that would overlap.




To make the rosettes, start by tracing and cutting out approximately 50 3" circles from your felt. (I know, that's a lot of cutting and tracing!)





To form each rosette, fold each circle into quarters. Secure each rosette by making a few stitches at the bottom to hold the shape. (I warned you it was time consuming.)




Starting in the center of the top of your pillow cover, hand-stitch each rosette on to the fabric by stitching through the base of the rosette. Be sure to use thread that matches your fabric. Continue to add rosettes in the pattern of your choice. I worked in a circle, placing the rosettes in different directions, but you could place them in rows facing the same direction to form a square or rectangular shape.

Continue adding rosettes in this fashion until you are satisfied.

To apply the backing, line up the larger of your two back pieces with the edges of the top piece. Place the smaller piece at the opposite end so that the two pieces overlap in the center. Pin the pieces in place and you are ready to sew.

Turn your cover right side out and place your pillow form inside. You're done!

Confused? A step-by-step tutorial can be found here.

Falling for Felt

I woke up Monday morning to rain and violent winds that lasted the entire day. It was the perfect day to curl up on the sofa with a cup of steaming hot coffee, a cozy throw blanket and a good book. What would have made this scene on the sofa even better would be the addition of a new pillow. I have been currently swooning over felt pillows. Perfect for this time of year.

You can't deny that the craftsmanship that goes into the construction of many of the felt pillows is fantastic. The more intricate the detail, however, the higher the price. Take a look at what a quick online search turned up:





This pillow from Loolo runs somewhere between $125-$230. Apparently you need to "call for specific pricing". My Mama told me if you have to ask, you can't afford it.

For a mere $80 the Autumn Wool Felt Applique Pillow can be all yours.

The Aqua Moss Bud Explosion can be found at Etsy for $125. Gorgeous, but that's a lot of green.

Starfish pillow from Hable Construction, $170.00. Ouch! I'll toss that fish back in the ocean.

Never fear, you won't need to sacrifice your first born if you want a felt pillow. There are a few options.

A more affordable option can be found at PB Teen for $29-$39. These would be a nice addition to a nursery all the way up to a teenager's room.

I love the detail on the Medallion Cutwork Pillow from Land's End. A 16" X 16" pillow is just $34.50. This look says Christmas to me, I'd probably put it away after the 1st of the year.

Better yet, how about making your own felt pillow. Check out this great tutorial at Etsy and this pillow can be sittin' pretty on your sofa:



I priced felt at three fabric stores in my area and prices ranged from $4.99-$11.99/yard depending on the percent of wool. Pillows don't require a lot of yardage so if you have the sewing skills, this could be your best option. To boot, you can select the color.

I plan to try my hand at a felt pillow myself. I'll be sure to post the results as soon as I'm done.

I'll leave you with a few felt creations from Selina Rose. When I spotted these on Slipcover Your Life, I fell in love. Way out of my price range, but amazing all the same.

Should It Stay or Should It Go: Popular Trends

This installment of "Should It Stay or Should It Go" focuses on current trends that have spread faster than the swine flu. Do you love them or do you wish that there was an anecdote to rid the world of the epidemic?

*Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and are not intended to offend any of you fabulous readers.

Brown and Blue Rooms

Image from Fabulous Finishes

Image from Interior Design Story

First up, rooms designed around the color combination of blues and browns have surged in popularity in the past few years. Designer extraordinaire, Candace Olsen, reports that clients continue to ask for this combination in droves. I would use brown and blue in my home, but I would choose a turquoise blue and a pale shade of brown. I'd probably throw in another accent color too, maybe coral. What do you think? Yes or no?

Coral Images

Image from Williams-Sonoma Home

Image from Burke Decor

A pillow done in coral fabric, yes ma'am! Upholstering a large sofa in it, no thanks. The pillow could be switched out easily, the sofa, not so much. If I lived in a beach house, I would love the wallpaper below. But, alas, I'm from the Midwest where winter doesn't seem to end until approximately mid-May. Thoughts? Are you an ocean-lovin' decorator or would you just assume drown than cover your walls in coral?

Image from JVW Beach

White Ceramic Animals

Let's talk ceramic animals. I'm still fancying these little darlings. God help me, I love me a ceramic rhino!

Images from Z Gallerie




Keep Calm and Carry On


Image from That's a Hot Mess

I just can't contain my distaste for this overdone trend. I've seen posters with this phrase in every imaginable color. Oh, but it doesn't stop there my friends:

I would have no problem wiping my muddy boots on this.

The phrase was used on motivational posters during World War II. The only thing it motivates me to want to do is tear each and every one of those posters to smithereens!

Let's hear from you, should these trends stay or should they go?

Burlap Bliss

Image from Blondie 'N' SC

Image from My Home Ideas

Burlap as an accent fabric in interior design has exploded in popularity. I've seen picture frames, wine bags, and table runners crafted from burlap. Just about every retailer is carrying their version of the burlap pillow.

Image from Creative Little Daisy

I'm not sure I'd want to rest my face against a burlap pillow. I'm picturing taking a little siesta on the couch only to find an imprint of burlap tattooed over half my face. I do, however, like the use of fabrics that bring texture to a room and burlap fits the bill nicely. What better time of the year than Fall to introduce texture into your home with burlap.

Take a gander at the some of the uses for burlap in the home:

Image from Apartment Therapy

Image from Eab Designs

Images from Freckles Chick

My own creation: stenciled burlap.

I plan to hang a hook below each of the kids' initials where they will hopefully hang their wet towels in their bathroom instead of tossing them on the floor for the maid to pick up. The maid being me!

Burlap: It's not just for scarecrows anymore!

Canadian House and Home

For a low cost date night, my husband and I like to head to Borders for a cup of coffee and all the magazines we can scan before an employees give us a look that says, "How about buying something, tightwads!". On our last cheapskate adventure, I had the chance to check out the newest issues of Canadian House and Home and Canadian House and Home Makeovers. Even the most frugal among us should consider forking over the cost of a subscription. We don't want another beloved shelter magazine to go the way of Domino!





The pages of H&H are filled to the brim with great ideas and inspiration. My favorite idea came from the makeover issue that featured a number of newly made over rooms and tips for getting the look. The suggestion was to have a large scale outdoor hurricane lantern wired to create an indoor light fixture. It showed how you can turn something like this:

Image from Pottery Barn

into something like this:

Image from Design Esquire

If you've priced similar light fixtures you know that they aren't giving them away.

Unfortunately, I couldn't find images from H&H Makeovers issue on their site, but next time you pass a news stand, grab a copy. You are in for a treat.

I'm So Honored!

Strictly Simple Style has just become the recipient of "The Honest Scrap Award". A big thank you to Design Esquire. I'm just as proud as a girl can be!

Here are the rules I must follow, upon receiving this award:

1) Say thanks and give a link to the presenter of the award.
2) Share "10 Honest Things" about myself.
3) Present this award to 7 others whose blogs I find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged me.
4) Tell those 7 people they've been awarded HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving.

10 honest things about myself, that should be easy:

1. My educational background is in Public Administration and Community Service.

2. While I don't practice, I am a Licensed Massage Therapist. (Please, don't ever call a LMT a masseuse. Trust me, it is an insult!)

3. I have been called for jury duty more times than anyone I know. At last count I think it was six times. I've served twice, but I am scheduled again for next Tuesday.

4. I chose to get braces put on my teeth when I was 26.

5. I love animals and one of my dreams is to spend six months volunteering at a primate rescue in Africa. (Have you ever seen "Escape to Chimp Eden" on Animal Planet? That's where I want to go! My husband says I'm going to need a lot of shots first and to have a good time without him.)

6. I am the fifth of six children. We're just like the Brady Bunch-three girls/three boys.

7. I still watch "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" every December.

8. I am considering going back to school to get a degree in interior design.

9. I never, never, never wear t-shirts with writing or any type of athletic shoes unless I'm going to the gym or doing housework.

10. My fantasy vacation is a very long trip to Italy, lots of wine included!

Now for the the moment you've all been waiting for, the Honest Scrap Awards go to:

1. Chateau de Luc
2. Blue Hydrangea
3. My Little Happy Place
4. Shanty 2 Chic
5. Nuestra Vida Dulce
6. Simply Seleta
7. Journey Chic

Be sure to stop by for a visit that won't disappoint. Thank you again Design Esquire!

You Can't Win Them All

Remember a few days ago when I was excited about the tile stickers I ordered? Well, I received them today and I couldn't be more disappointed. From the image on the site, I thought I would be getting something similar to a vinyl decal. Instead, I received something that looks like a large version of a child's sticker. The cheap, shiny kind!

I thought that I would be burnishing the "sticker" on my tile with a tool and only the black portion would show. The description said "black or white designs on clear stickers". What I got was a mottled black design printed on a shiny white background. Thankfully the company (I will not use their name and slander them here) has a generous return policy. It's going back tomorrow.

Closet Revelations

A few weeks ago I did my annual "Fall Weeding of the Closet". In other words, I was pulling out all the clothes that I haven't worn in the past year. These items will be boxed up and shipped off to a thrift store. While I was doing my sorting, it occurred to me how closely certain rules that apply to making budget-conscience fashion choices are similar to the principles used when making wise purchases for your home. Here is what I came up with:

If you buy high quality pieces, you will save money in the long run.

Pay a little extra for quality. Well constructed items won't do this:

Is that a blue thong I see peeking out of the middle?

While I love a bargain as much as the next girl, I am a stickler when it comes to quality. If you are willing to pay a little more for an item of clothing that is well made, most likely you won't have to toss in next year's pile for the Goodwill. How many times have you purchased a sweater only to have it stretch out or pill? If you are looking for a well-made garment you need to look at how it is constructed. Is the stitching straight? Are the buttons of a good quality and sewn on tightly?

Image from cabparts.com

The same principles apply to furniture pieces. The extra effort that goes into the construction of a dovetail or the upholstering of a furniture piece adds to both the visual appeal of the item and the longevity of the piece. Antique furniture is, and probably always will be, popular because the quality of the craftsmanship is so high. If your goal is to save money over the long run, quality is key.


The finishing touches make all the difference.

Sometimes it is the smallest detail that makes something special. Remember the gorgeous emerald earrings Angelina Jolie wore to the Oscar's? While she chose a simple black strapless gown, the earrings are what the fashion critics noticed and she was proclaimed one of the best dressed women of the evening. (It doesn't hurt to have Brad Pitt at your side either!)


On a piece for your home, the finishing touch could be the glass pulls on a drawer, the ribbon trim on a curtain, or piping that contrasts with the main fabric used to upholster a chair.

Image from House of Antique Hardware

When buying high ticket items, spend your money on classic pieces.

While it is tempting to buy a sofa that is upholstered in the latest trendy print, it is best to avoid fads and go for pieces with a timeless appeal. A brown leather sofa with nail head trim or a clean lined white sofa will still look great for years to come. Likewise, what is more classic than the little black dress. The wrap dress from Dianne von Furstenburg, while designed in the 1970's still looks fresh today. Buying classic pieces will save you lots of green in the long run. Round out your wardrobe and your rooms with accessories instead.

Image of Diane von Furstenburg wrap dress from Saks Fifth Avenue

Image from Williams-Sonoma Home

If you want to indulge in a trend, use accessories.

If the hottest color on the runway for the fall season is fuchsia, you can bet it won't be making an appearance on the catwalk for spring. Instead of buying an entire new wardrobe in fuchsia, buy a new scarf, bracelet or shoes and you will get the same effect. Designers want our money, that's why they introduce new colors and styles each season.

Take a good look at the colors proclaimed the Fall must-haves at Style Week in February 2009. They may be gone from stores by April.
Image from Pantone.com

The same goes for your home's interior. Pillows in the latest fabric or a vase in the color-of-the-moment will give your room a lift without emptying your bank account. A sofa in an ikat fabric might look great, but a pillow cover or throw in the same pattern can also make an impact on your room, not your wallet. This sofa is pretty gorgeous:



But take a look at how ikat was incorporated into the design of this room. You could recreate the look with a couple yards of fabric. I want that!

Image from Elle Decor

A few more principles that equally apply to fashion and home design:

-A mix of color and pattern makes for an interesting look.

-Too matchy-matchy is never a good thing.

-Personal style is reflected in the items you choose.

-Attempting to completely copy another person's style rarely works.

-Don't save your special pieces for special occasions. Everyday should be special.

-It's best not to make spontaneous purchases.

-Make sure that whatever you choose is comfortable to you.


Anyone else care to add to the list?