Hey Friends! Before we left last week I promised we would come back to all the patriotic decor and share the details about how we made each piece. Well today we are going to cover the simple process I used to create the pillows for our segment. Pillows are a super easy and perfect way to add interest into your space. In fact, you may already have pillows that you can add embelishments to for a pop of personality.
I showed you the loot I came home with after visiting the military supply store. Within that collection of things were some military uniform pants and a Navy flag.
I wanted the first pillow to be bold and and graphic. So I simply cut the logo portion out of the Navy flag and created a circle. I know most people have an issue with altering an American flag in any way, but I wasn’t sure if the same was true for the different military flags. If you are offended by my cutting of this flag, I hope you will see my heart and know that I did this to celebrate our military and not to degrade it in any way. I love the fact that this idea serves as a reminder of my grandpa’s time in the Navy and that I see it everyday!
After cutting the circle out, I took the pillow out of the case so that I could create a flat surface to attach the logo to.
After deciding on placement for your logo, you can get out your sewing machine, do a quick hand stitch, or use fusible tape to keep the piece in place.
Last, stuff your pillow back in and you’ve got a brand new, meaningful accessory to add to your decor!
The next pillow I did has a little more clean and simple look. Men in uniform have always been very attractive to me, so I couldn’t help but use part of a uniform to create the look for my second pillow. I bought a couple pairs of uniform pants because I love the trim that runs down the side of the legs. I would have loved to use my grandpa’s old uniform, but I had to put these pieces together too quickly to work that out.
Anyway, I simply cut a strip of the pants leaving a about 2 inches of fabric on each side of the trim. You can then choose your sewing method of choice to address the edges of the fabric and create a smooth finish.
Next, I wanted to add in a name badge that also came from an old uniform. This is a great way to honor specific family members or friends in your home. Once I decided where the name badge would be located along the strip, I attached it.
Lastly, I decided where I wanted to place the strip on my pillow (once again I took the pillow out of the pillow case to aid in the attachment process). Again, you can use whichever sewing method you prefer here.
So, after all that work (which really only took a couple of hours) you have two great looking and meaningful pieces to help your home tell your story. It’s just another way to start creating a space that you love to live in. And I love that when people ask me about these pillows, I will be able to tell them about my grandpa who served. I love that this is a way I can honor his and other military members’ sacrifice in my home. 🙂
‘Til tomorrow!
that is awesome. we have a great army navy store nearby and they have so many neat things. i’ll have to look for pillow ideas next time i go!
Those are both just lovely! Repurposeing things is a fav of mine and your are right pillows are a quick easy project!
Those pillows look great! I’m also really digging the wooden wall behind the couch. Is that another DIY project?
Hi Kara, just found your blog…love! You are extremely artistic and talented! Is your family name “Bates”? My married name is Bates and I was wondering where you got the name tag? Love all of your ideas!!