Pillows or Table Linens?

I like to check out the linen aisle when I'm at Target. Some of the new designs/patterns in dish towels, napkins and tablecloths can be transformed into great pillows, drapes and valances with a little inspiration. 

I found these napkins.

They worked well with my fall tablescape.

 And, they made a great pillow!

Join me at the following blog parties:

Coastal Charm 

A Stroll Thru Life 

Savvy Southern Style 

(Thanks, ladies, for hosting such great parties at your amazing blogs!)

Summer Has Arrived!

The title of my post must sound crazy to some of you, but it's true.  We're finally experiencing some steady sunny days here in the NW with temps in the 80's.  Love it!

These are lemons, if they ever turn yellow??

Strawberry plant from my dear friend, Heather, at My Everyday Graces.

The nicer weather has inspired me to do a little freshening up outside.  I posted here about our backyard getting an update last year.  We are really enjoying the water feature.

I used these fabrics to make a few seat cushions and an accent pillow to liven up the seating areas.  They're outdoor fabrics from Joann's.

 I did some cutting to get just the right flower for the front of my pillow.

 This is what I wanted for the center of the pillow.

 Here it is with a couple of store bought pillows from last year.

I backed it with the contrasting fabric and used an envelope closure (see the lens cap)

because I'm terrible at finishing a pillow with a hand stitch.

Here's the other side of the patio.

As you can see, I didn't even finish these seat cushions, but just 

tucked the remaining unsewn side like a pillow case.

  I hope summer lasts awhile!

I'm linking to the following parties:

Handmade Tuesdays at Ladybug Blessings

Show Me What Ya Got at Not Just A Housewife

Outdoor Wednesdays at A Southern Daydreamer

I've reunited with an old friend ~

My sewing machine! 

I haven't used it for a big project in a long time, but today I got it out and we 

spent the day getting re-aquainted while I made this.

I've been anxious to try my hand at printing something onto fabric.  This is a nest that I downloaded from the internet.  The fabric is inexpensive Unbleached Natural Osnaburg.  I ironed the fabric to the sticky side of freezer paper, then cut out a piece 8 1/2" x 11 to fit perfectly in my printer, hit 'print' and voila'.  The freezer

paper peels right off.

 The pillow form is 12x16.  I decided to frame my nest print with burlap.  Let the measuring, cutting and sewing begin.

 

I decided to do the backside of the pillow like a sham, with an overlap closure.

Right now it's in the entry with my new pillow from Home Goods.

I'm partying with:

100 ideas under $100 at Beyond the Picket Fence 

Flaunt it Friday at Chic on a Shoestring Decorating 

Inspiration Friday Party At the Picket Fence