Pleated Dropcloth Pillow Tutorial

Pillows are such a simple way to refresh a room. I am replacing all our throw pillows with feather inserts so, it gave me the perfect excuse to create some new pillows.

For this pillow, I combined Dropcloth fabric with a pretty Blue and White Floral fabric.

A pleated accent and an inviting message in french make up this new design.

Supply List:
- 14 x 24 Pillow Form
- Iron-On Transfer Sheets
- *approx 1/8 yard Decorator Fabric - for the Pleat
- *approx 1 1/2 yards Main Fabric - I used 'Dropcloth' fabric for my pillow.

*Pre-wash and dry all fabrics to set the dyes and pre-shrink.

Cutting Instructions:
From the Main Fabric -
- Cut one 6" x 15" panel for the Pillow Front
- Cut one 15" x 20" panel for the Pillow Front
- Cut two 10 1/2" x 25" panels for the Pillow Back
From the Decorator Fabric -
- Cut one 4" x 44" strip for the Pleat

Pillow Construction:
Start with the pillow front:

Use your favorite iron-on transfer sheets. I like Lesley Riley's TAP brand. The final transferred image is soft with a matte finish (not stiff and shiny like some others).

Use a press cloth while ironing on the transfer. A Teflon Pressing Sheet is my preferred choice for Iron-On Transfers.

Choose your message and font. I chose the word **'Bienvenu' (the french word for 'Welcome') in a pretty scrolled font called 'Mutlu Ornamental' that I found on the Dafont site. Print text as a mirror image onto your transfer sheet. Center the transfer horizontally on the larger pillow front panel and closer to the pleated side vertically - this measurement depends on the size of your transfer.
**CORRECTION:  One of my smart readers alerted me that I misspelled 'Bienvenu' - it's correct spelling is 'Bienvenue" - the 'e' is applied when the word is used by itself and not part of a sentence.

My transfer measured 14 3/4" across, so I placed the image approx 1" from the pleated edge. Also,  I needed to print the transfer on two separate sheets because of the larger size.

Next up is the pleat:

There are many different types of pleats. I used a 'Knife Pleat' for this pillow. Begin by pressing your 4" x 44" strip in half the long way as shown.

Make a simple pressing guide by cutting a piece of cardstock 1 1/2" wide. Use this as a guide to fold over and press your pleat as shown by folding fabric 3" from last fold and press and repeat for the length of the strip.

Your final pressed pleat should measure approx 17" long.

Place scotch tape along the folded edge of your pressed pleat to temporarily hold together. Baste raw edges together using a 1/4" seam allowance. Remove scotch tape and trim pleat to 15" length.

Pin basted pleat (raw edges together) to right side of larger pillow front and stitch using a 1/4" seam allowance.

Pin the smaller pillow front to the larger pillow front with attached pleat, right sides together and stitch using a 1/2" seam allowance.

Press to set seam. Open and press the smaller pillow front with pleat to one side, using a press cloth to protect the transfer.

Topstitch 3/8" from the folded edge as shown.

The pillow top is now completed.

Now, onto the pillow back:

Hem the two pillow back panels. Using a 3/8" Bias Press Bar, fold the fabric over the bar and press. If you don't have Press Bars, you can make your own by cutting a strip of card stock (or a manilla file folder) 3/8" wide x approx 11". Fold the pressed fabric back over on itself and press again. Stitch the hem using a 3/8" seam allowance and press to set the seam.

Place a back pillow panel over the top half of the pillow front with right sides together. Place the other back pillow panel over the first panel as shown and pin. The finished hem edges should overlap to create an envelope style back. Stitch the pillow back to the pillow front using a 1/2" seam allowance. Stitch a zigzag stitch to the inner seam to prevent fraying.

Turn Pillow Cover right side out and place pillow form inside. The envelope style back makes it so easy to remove and replace the pillow cover.

The newly completed pillow awaits the arrival of some others that I am working on and will post about soon.

It's the little things that make me happy.  Changing out my pillows always brings a smile to my face.

I hope this post inspires you to create some new pillows for your home.

PS - Have you linked up to Saturday Sparks yet? The party is open till Friday. Hope to see you there.

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Terrarium Tutorial

I wanted to bring a touch of nature into our home and decided that terrariums would fit the bill nicely.

In the process of making these miniature gardens, I discovered a whole new world. There are books, classes and clubs devoted solely to the hobby of terrarium building. 

During the Victorian Era, terrariums were common in every home, but their popularity dwindled over time. We are currently in the midst of a resurgence of their popularity.

I can see why they are making a comeback. They are beautiful, unique and they require minimal maintenance - in fact they tend to thrive on their own. 

Now onto the tutorial:

Supplies Needed:

- Potting Soil

- Moss Sheet

- River Pebbles

- *Activated Charcoal (available in the fish supply section of pet stores) *only needed for closed containers

- Drainage Stones (not shown)

- A varied assortment of plants  (Ask your local gardening center which plants are best suited for terrariums.)

- Glass enclosure such as cloches, vases, canisters, etc...,.

- **Base for your dome - **not needed if your container has a top opening

(I used dollar store cake pans. I sanded the coating off them and soaked them in a vinegar and peroxide mixture to give them a faux aged patina.)

Begin with a layer of stone on the bottom to allow for drainage.

Follow with a layer of activated charcoal and then a layer of potting soil mixed with activated charcoal. The charcoal is only needed if you are using a closed container like mine. The charcoal filters the air.

Arrange your plants as you would like and fill around them with potting soil. Create paths with the 'River Rock'.

Use an assortment of textures and colors to add visual interest. I thought this 'Earth Star' (Cryptanthus) provided just the right pop of color to the mixture of greens.

The placement of miniature objects such as this sweet nesting bird add an element of surprise to the enclosed oasis.

Finish by placing moss over any bare spots. Lightly water your newly planted garden with a spray bottle. Terrariums naturally recycle their own water, so they require minimal watering. 

Carefully place your glass enclosure over your plantings. Place in indirect sunlight. Do not overwater. For further information on terrarium care, visit Horticulture Magazine.

I will be doing a post on these faux vintage enamel tags that I made in the future.  A humble piece of jute tied onto the tag added some a bit of bling.

Every garden needs a fairy to bless your home and bring good luck.

Have you had the pleasure of a terrarium in your home? If not, maybe you should give it a try. I am enjoying this little touch of nature, while I await the arrival of Spring.

PS - Have you linked up to Saturday Sparks yet?  Hope to see you there!

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Fabulously Creative Friday at Jennifer Rizzo