If you think I save fear for the big things in my life, you'd be wrong. That list is full of all manner of things. I spent a good part of Friday afraid to start this sewing project. My list of concerns was growing by the hour: I couldn't find a tutorial for an envelope pillow cover that uses 2 different fabrics, I was afraid to use the Cabbages and Roses fabric on the front because well, I'm just afraid to use my favorite fabrics, what if I didn't like the fabric combo when I was done, what if I totally screwed it up, and on and on.
I finally just made myself start. And it all went smoothly. Except I sewed one of the covers inside out and had to rip it apart and resew it. Also, if I had it to again, I would have made the top part of the back a little longer and I think I need to add a button to keep it properly closed. So, to recap, it didn't turn out perfectly. Guess what?? The world did not come to an end. And I'm proud of myself for doing it. And I love my pillows.
Leave it to me to turn making pillow covers into a lesson on not letting fear take over. The truth is, I'm working hard to not let fear get in the way of the living of my life. Now I'm inspired to take on something else that had me fearful because that's how this stuff works. I'm a work in progress. Clearly.
It turned out gorgeous! I love the fabric. I know what you mean about "saving" them but really it is fear of messing it up and then you don't have more of the fabric. I so get it. it's just so beautiful, I love how it turned out.
ReplyDelete~Shanon
I'm totally like that with hanging pictures. Especially when it comes to putting up a gallery wall. I'm always afraid I'm going to get it wrong!
ReplyDeleteI love your pretty pillows. You did a nice job on the sewing and the patterns look lovely together!
Great job Jen...
ReplyDeleteNow....what was it that you were afraid of, again??!!
They look lovely..
Cheers!
Linda :o)
Hello. I'm not a blogger, just someone who reads a few favorite blogs such as yours. I had to comment because fear could be my middle name. In life and crafts! I'm a beginner sewer and I've made a few envelope pillows. I too made mine without buttons. They turned out fine and are still going strong. I cannot tell you how many times I've put off things in life for fear of failure. Thanks for letting me know I'm not alone.
ReplyDeleteYour pillows are gorgeous! Love the fabrics, they do go so well together! I have fabric I am afraid to cut, too. I have to wait until I am in the mood to 'live dangerously' and make the first cut. It's a good feeling to overcome your fear. Good for you! xx
ReplyDeleteI think they turned out GREAT! Keep tackling those fears. :)
ReplyDeleteWay to go! Looks awesome! And we are all works in progress - good for you getting at it 'already'!!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pillows, Jen, good for you.
ReplyDeleteYou know what? I hate to use my GOOD fabrics,too. I think it is a phobia of some sort. I still have some Cabbage & Roses fabric that I won in a giveaway that I haven't used! SAD! xo Diana
ReplyDelete{exhale} i have the same fear over pillows and favorite fabrics. thank you for being such a trailblazer as always!
ReplyDeleteyeah, jen!
xo
elyse
I think you pillows turned out lovely. I am always afraid to begin. Once my feet are wet, I'm okay. A job well done!
ReplyDeleteI totally get you in that I think when we really love a fabric or something we are afraid to screw it up, but letting the fabric sit in a drawer is worse so I am glad you took a chance. The pillows look beautiful!
ReplyDeletei think they look awesome! great job!! my sewing machine is at my mom's for her to use! love the fabric!
ReplyDeleteyour pillows are gorgeous! and i completely understand...i always have a hard time starting projects that involve favorite/irreplaceable materials. :) so glad that you just did it...
ReplyDeleteWhen I have a fabric I'm really attached to I also am afraid to start cutting. I've recently decided to tell myself it's not doing anybody any good setting on the shelf. I like the envelope style.
ReplyDeleteI love the fabric you chose...great work!
ReplyDelete:) Hope
P.S. I found your blog through
Lemon Lane Cottage.
i seem to be following hope's everywhere i go...i'm loving this! i think they turned out beautifully. i do the same thing & find slight imperfections in just about everything...it's okay though!!
ReplyDeletexo~hope
they are beautiful. you did it!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Jen, I love reading your blog and think your pillows are awesome. I've been making lots of them lately myself and found a great online tutorial - but basically, pick your size and add a half inch for quarter inch seams. For the back, take the front dimension and divide by 2 and add 3" to each width. That way you'll have enough overlap on each side so it doesn't pouf out. Also - I found that Crate and Barrel has the best down pillow inserts for pillows at really affordable prices. Good for you for jumping in - now go make some more ;-)
ReplyDelete-Michelle
Love them ~ great job!! :)
ReplyDeleteThat is where I am right now, I just need to do it already. Your pillows look great. I have a few projects that I need to hop on right away.
ReplyDeleteJen, I can't find your email! I wanted to message you about the Indie Arts Market and something else!!
ReplyDeleteoh I feel the same way so often! love your very perfectly imperfect pillows!
ReplyDeleteoh, i love this post! such a great sense of humor. well, perhaps i should just take the plunge as well and not worry about messing up my fabric that i love :) beautifully done.
ReplyDeleteI love them. What's next?? An Etsy shop?? Think about it!!
ReplyDeleteYour pillows are gorgeous...and for what it's worth, I can't even sew on a button. Seriously!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful job!! I need to get over it and try sewing, then my house would turn into a pillow factory:)
ReplyDeleteThe pillows look lovely. Good for you for getting past the 'what ifs' and going for it. A button would work, but I have also stitched on a piece of velcro/hook and loop.
ReplyDeleteJust do it already was the perfect thing for me to hear this morning. I always agonize over all the tiny details, second guess my original decisions, etc., to the point of not starting anything by the time I have thought about it for so long. I'm starting to get on my nerves, and now after reading your post I am going to just do it already! I'll let you know how it goes!! Thanks for the inspiration. I thought I was already following you but when I tried to follow again it allowed me, so I guess I am your newest follower. Love the chocolate chip muffins and the text messages BTW!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Julie
They turned out so beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteyou did a great job on them! i know how exactly how you feel too...i was afraid to sew my first anything!! keep doing more pillows, they will get easier. i think the best way to learn is from mistakes and i have made A LOT of them ;) isn't it fun to turn you fave fabrics into something one of a kind??!!
ReplyDelete:)