Wednesday, May 30, 2012

The Denim Shirt Pillow


I seem to be thinking denim this week--
maybe because it's such a part of "farm fashion" and farm style. . .

Years ago, I got this idea when I needed blue denim pillows. I had just washed and dried shirts for my nephews and thought how cute it would be to cover the pillows with them. At first, I planned to cut the shirts up but hated to do that to perfectly good shirts. So, I came up with another plan--one I'll explain a little later.

My favorites remain the plain and simple ones, with little decoration--maybe a button cover or pin. Yet, at times, I wanted a little more and began to decorate the pillows to reflect my whim. . .

Shabby Chic. . .


Western Cowgirl. . .
(I lived in Texas for a time. . .)

Bow ties or regular men's ties. . .

Whatever your decor, these pillows will fit right in. In fact, any shirt or blouse could be used. Try plaids for the fall or a silky blouse for spring. The possibilities are endless. 

Gather supplies together. Denim shirts (children's shirts work the best), old pillows, safety pins. That's all you'll need for the basic pillow.
Decide how you'd like to decorate them and gather those items together, too.



Don't cut the shirts to fit the pillow. . .

 Stuff the shirt with the pillow. . .

 Button it up. . .

Safely pin under the back collar. . .

Fold bottom of shirt up. . .

and safety pin. . .

Now, pull the sleeves to the back. . .safety pin them. . .

 That's all there is to it. . .now you're ready to decorate. . .

Don't you love how simple this is?
Of course, if you're making one for a gift, you'll probably want to cut the shirt to fit 
and stitch it up the way your home ec teacher taught you.
But, for a quick change, try it the easy way. . .
It'll take you 30 minutes tops. . .

Rooted In Thyme

10 comments:

Maura @ Kisiwa Creek Photography said...

Well how cute is this!!! What a wonderful way to use denim shirts and still keep the shirt at the same time. I may just have to try my hand at this since I won't be wearing mine for the summer. Thanks for the instructions! I hope your day is a WONDERFUL one.....Maura :)

Unknown said...

Okay these are freakin' Awesome!! :)
So cute!!
I'm going to have to try find some time and attempt to make one.
Great job.
Thanks for sharing.
Hugs,
Tam

RaNae @EweCreekCottage said...

aren't these the cutest idea I like the shabby chic and western cowgirl ones the best such a great original idea love them.

Lynn Wood said...

What an amazing cute, fun and simple idea! I love that you don't have to ruin the shirt to make one. Best of all you'll always have a friend around!

vikki said...

How fun, I have a shirt I could do that with. Thanks for sharing.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

These are cute and don't look too hard for a nonsewer like myself.

Shabby chic Sandy said...

Oh my goodness--you are so creative! these are adorable!

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

Very cute idea! Thanks for sharing on Simple & Sweet Fridays. Have a great week.

Jody

Carmen said...

Great idea!
Carmen

Kelly Acheson said...

Love these! I am getting ready to make pillows out of my dad's western shirts - that's all he ever wore and I made them all for him! He died 3 years ago and I'm giving a pillow to each of his grandchildren. What size pillow insert did you use? Thanks so much for sharing your creativity!

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