Friday, July 21, 2017

Christmas in July blog hop

Well, today is my turn on the 12 days of Christmas in July blog hop.  We have sure had lots of fun ideas for gifts. I want to thank my friend Sarah over at www.confessionsofafabricaddict.blogspot.com for  putting this together and for her willingness to let me join.

My post is a very easy one. Between now and Chrustmas, you can make lots of pillow covers for throw pillows.

Last year, I made throw pillows for my grandkids. With the intention of making pillow covers throughout the year. The best thing, is how fast and easy they are.  You can make them in various sizes and many different fabrics.


Materials needed:

1 12x12 fabric square
1 rectangle 16x12
Thread
Rotary cutter
Cutting mat
12" pillow form

The instuctions:

Cut your rectangle so it is 8 x12. Hem one of the 12 inch edges on each piece. Just a narrow hem. This is your backing for the pillow.



Now put these 2 pieces right sides together with the 12 inch square. You will have your back pieces overlapping by 4 inches in the center.



Pin and stitch, using a 1/4" seam allowance all the way around.

Turn the pillow right side out.



Stuff the pillow form inside. You will have a tight fit, but that is okay.




My grandkids had a blast sitting there, removing the pillow covers and putting different ones on.


I love these pillows. You only need to buy 1 pillow form for each gift, then make as many pillow covers as you want.  It is so much easier to store the covers than to store several pillows. 

Want a fancier pillow?  Use a pattern for a 12" quilt block and use that for the front. You can also put batting on the back and a backing on the square and quilt it, then finish the pillow.

These are pictures of the pillows I made for the grandkids.






Please join my friends today and see what they are sharing.

www.confessionsofafabricaddict.blogspot.com
devotedquilter.blogspot.ca
jeanmckinstry.blogspot.co.nz

I love to see your comments. Please leave a comment and I will reply. Also, remember to leave a comment to be entered in the drawings.




169 comments:

  1. I'AM SEEING A LOT OF PILLOWS IN MY NEAR FUTURE !
    hjrogers@sympatico.ca

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    1. I hope you have fun in making them. They are a blast to make. Thanks for visiting. Stay tuned because I have more fun coming up.

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  2. You make those covers look so easy!! My mom has that John Deere fabric. I should suggest she sew some pillow covers for the grandkids since she never knows what to give them. kthurn@bektel.com

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    1. I have a daughter whof loves John Deere stuff. I do as well. These really are easy. My 7 year old granddaughter brought one to sew me yesterday that she had made. I would love to see what you make. Stay tuned, because I have a post for the 25th showing something my granddaughter is making.

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  3. Cushion covers are one of my favourite things to make, although I haven't made any Christmas ones so far. Thanks for a quick and easy gift idea. x

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    1. Hi Kay,

      Thank you for stopping by. I love quick and easy, as I tend to procrastinate. I also get swamped at work during the time I normally think of starting Christmas stuff.

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  4. Who can have too many cushions? Or better still too many cushion covers, no point in storing all the cushion pads! Lovely fabrics, especially the snowman.

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    1. Thanks Kate. It makes it fun to change up the decor just a bit. I found the snowman fabric in my stash. Don'the know where it came from.

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  5. Great idea, It makes much more sense to make pillow covers. I have always wanted to make myself seasonal pillows and this is the smart way to go about that. I love the fabric on the first cover!

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    1. Thank you Maxine for dropping by. I agree it does make sense to have the covers. I would love to see what you make.

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  6. Great idea, It makes much more sense to make pillow covers. I have always wanted to make myself seasonal pillows and this is the smart way to go about that. I love the fabric on the first cover!

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  7. What a great idea, Kathy! *Thank you!*
    (Those covers you made for your grandchildren look wonderful!... It's easy to see why they loved them!... Even soft fuzzy fleece!)
    Pat T.

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    1. Thanks Pat. I actually used flannel. However I have made some 24" pillows with fleece and my hubby and son love them.

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  8. A great idea and an easy to follow tutorial. Thanks for being part of the blog hop. I have subscribed and look forward to reading your future blogs. delissac@hotmail.com

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    1. Hi Delissa. I love to write tutorials. I do try to make things easy to read and understand. Glad you have subscribed. I have some great things I am working on. I was glad to be part of this hop.

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  9. Thanks for sharing. Already looking forward to next year.

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    1. Judy, I am looking forward to next year. Will have to come up with something fun and exciting. Stay tuned, because I have some more great things coming. Thank you.

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  10. I love the idea of one pillow and multiple covers. That would be a great gift!

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    1. Allison,

      Thank you. I like easy and if I cam find a,way to store easier, I will. Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment. Stay tines for more great things.

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  11. What a smart idea - sure saves storage space. One can never have too many pillows!

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    1. Hi Annemarie,

      Thank you. It does save space and I agree, you van never have too many pillows. Sorry it took so long to reply. Got swamped at work.

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  12. Love the pillow covers you made for your grandkids.

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    1. Stitchin at home, thank you. So do they. Sorry it took so long to reply. Got swamped at work.

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  13. Thanks for sharing your pillow tutorial. It will be great to change them for holidays or seasons. grinnie1961 @ gmail dot com

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    1. Linda,

      Thank you. It has been fun to do. Sorry about the delay in replyinf. I got swamped at work.

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  14. The fleece covers are so cute and snuggly. Thank you for the idea.

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    1. Karen,

      Fleece does make wonderful covers. These were a tally flannel. Still soft and cozy. Sorry about the delay in responding, work got a bit swamped.

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  15. I have some pillow forms kicking around and some fabric I can use - guess what I'll be working on shortly? thanks for sharing!

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    1. Drquilter

      I would love to see them. Sorry about the delay in responding , I got swamped at work.

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  16. great idea...maybe a solution for the quilt I'm never going to finish!

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    1. Jann,

      Great idea. Sometimes we need to change plans. Sorry about the delayed response. We got swamped at work.

      Delete
  17. Love the idea of using fleece for pillow covers-there are so many cute fleece fabrics great for kids! Thank you for sharing, Susan

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    1. Fleece is wonderful. These were flannel. Thanks for visitinf. Sorry about the slow response, we got swamped at work.

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  18. Cute pillow covers--I'm sure they were a big hit! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Hi kt,

      Yes, they were a big hit and still are. I hope you find do yourself making some. Sorry about the slow response, but we got swamped at work.

      Delete
  19. Looks like fun. Easy and effective. Thanks. Janice.snell@gmail.com

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    1. Thanks Jan. Yes, very easy. My seven year old granddaughter made one. It looks great. Sorry about the slow response, but we got swamped at qork.

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  20. I love seasonal pillows too and it is so much easier to store the covers than a huge bunch of pillows.

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    1. I do too, Kathy. Much easier to store. Sorry about the slow response, we got swamped at work.

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  21. This idea is usable for every holiday. Thanks for the tutorial.

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    1. Charlene,

      Thanks for visiting. Yes, very usable. If you make some, I would love to see them. Sorry about the slow response, but we got swamped at work.

      Delete
  22. What a great idea! Thanks!
    eahorgan@gmail.com

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    1. Liz,

      You are welcome. Thanks for visiting.

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  23. Like Kathy, I a lover of seasonal pillows. Never thought about the John Deere fabric I have stashed for a pillow. This is going to bee a toddler quilt with matching pillow. Thanks for sharing your pillows.

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    1. Hi allthingzsewn,

      I need to make a John Deere quilt for at least 1 grandson. I would love to see your projects. Sorry about the slow response, but we got swamped at work.

      Delete
  24. Replies
    1. Threadcatcher,

      Thanks for stopping by. Sorry about the slow response, but we got very swamped at work.

      Delete
  25. How much fun are these pillows?!!! Thanks for the ideas!

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    1. Leslie,

      You are welcome. I hope you make some and share with me. Sorry about the slow response, but we got swamped atwork.

      Delete
  26. Great idea to make more covers than pillows. We can change them with the season, holiday or even whim.

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  27. When I was teaching my granddaughter how to sew, I had her make pillows for her mom for Mother's Day and her brother for his birthday. She had so much fun picking out the fabric and making them.

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  28. I love pillows that have removable covers like this. The fabric possibilities are endless! Great idea.

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  29. Used the same principal to help grand daughter make her latch hook into a pillow!! Thanks

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  30. Great idea--one pillow and any number of covers.

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  31. Good use of novelty fabrics.

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    1. Fun pillows. I do big bed pillowcases for holidays but never thought to do throw pillows....

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  32. Pillows all around the house, thanks for the suggestions!
    patsystitch@gvtc.com

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  33. Wonderful idea for a different pillow cover each month!

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  34. Versatel project and I like this inexpensive and easy pillow closures. Thanks for sharing.
    ejaneemerson@yahoo.com

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  35. Simple, easy, and a great gift idea. Easy to store, and change for different seasons. Thanks.

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  36. Very cute pillows. Merry Christmas

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  37. Simple, but oh so cute with the fabric you used! There are endless possibilities with the variations you shared! Thanks for sharing!

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  38. My grandchildren would love these pillows that you made. Thanks for the idea and the inspiration

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  39. Great idea and a fun way to use all the different holiday fabrics that are available. I use this idea for my seasonal cross-stitched pieces. Much easier to store than framed items.

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  40. What a fun idea!! I love the fabrics you used -- especially the snowmen. Thanks for sharing!!

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  41. what a great idea for my Grandkids

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  42. I love this idea. Thank you
    Swoot@att.net

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  43. What a great gift idea. Thanks for sharing!

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  44. Now...how cool is this? A wardrobe for your pillows! I'm sure grandchildren would enjoy this a lot! Thank you sharing.
    Debbie
    ollieami@aol.com

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  45. I bet these are a hit :-) Lots of squealing laughter and some good pillow fights :-) A very cute idea! Happy Christmas in July!

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  46. Great idea! What child doesn't love looking over all those fun prints, plus having a pillow fight!

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  47. my sister did this one year and it was such a fun gift for me; of course, i had to make more cobers for mine.

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  48. Yep! A gift that keeps on giving!

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  49. Those pillows are cute!!Epecially like the snowmen!
    barbkaup(at)(yahoo)(dot)(com)

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  50. Awesome idea! I'll be making these as gifts for sure!

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  51. Another great way to use those novelty prints that kids love. Do the quarter inch seams hold up to the pillow covers being changed often?
    Pat

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  52. Fun gifts for kids and adults.

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  53. Great idea - keep the grandkids occupied. Pillows take up lots of room and covers are less room intensuve as you said. Great idea and can be done with cute, cute, cute plain fabric or more labor, if desired. Thanks for a great idea.

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  54. Very cool and cute idea!!! Thank you!!
    kcummings71@gmail.com

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  55. Cute idea. I have made some seasonal pillow covers for our house. These look very quick to make!

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  56. What a great idea and you are so right. It is much easier to store the pillow covers!

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  57. Great project. Thanks for sharing. D. Weeks (aka Momma Llama)

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  58. What a great idea! Thanks for sharing!

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  59. Pillows are so fun and easy! Everyone loves to cuddle with pillows.

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  60. Adorable pillows. Thank you for sharing the tutorial with us :)

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  61. cute fabric makes cute pillows! Nancy A: rangerer@sbcglobal.net

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  62. Kids love pillows, and those are sure cute!

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  63. Funny how kids will find fun in anything! ndfromsdATgmailDOTcom

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  64. Love the novelty fabric. Those pillow covers are great not just for kids but adults too.

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  65. I've never seen that snowman fabric before. I love it

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  66. There are so many cute so I really like the ideal of be able to swap out the pillow forms as the seasons change too!

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  67. Thanks for the quick and easy pillow cover tutorial! I have a few pillows that could use covering!

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  68. Thank you for this very clever idea. I have made quite a few pillows as gifts but never even thought to make different covers for them. That is genius! My youngest daughter loves pillows and her room is getting overrun with them. I'm definitely going to make changeable pillow covers for her.

    hijoffeATgmail.com

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  69. What a great idea! Love the snowmen pillow cover.
    nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

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  70. I like to make pillow covers as well. My daughter's partner (who has allergies) was so impressed that a set I made for them came off and were washable. The first set are bike themed, and I will choose another theme soon, perhaps science since they are both scientists.

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  71. I BET THE KIDS ENJOY GETTING NEW COVERS THROUGH THE YEAR VERY FUN IDEA READINGTIRZAH AT YAHOO.COM

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  72. It looks like you made them out of fleece or flannel maybe. Good idea for kids because they will love how soft and warm they are!

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  73. Great idea for the grandkids. Lots of time to make this special little gift.

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  74. I love this idea using fun novelty fabrics! Thanks for sharing!!

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  75. Nice way to make a personalized gift.

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  76. What a sweet idea! I love how easy it is too. Thank you.

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  77. Fleecy pillows are so comforting to kids, and there are so many fun prints these days.

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  78. pillow covers are my favorites. Thanks for sharing.

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  79. Who can't use some extra pillows? Great gift idea. Thanks for sharing!

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  80. Loved the cushions and great fabrics :) Thanks for the share.

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  81. Great quick pillow covers. Thanks for the directions, so easy to follow.

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  82. Neat cushion covers! Thanks!
    msstitcher1214@gmail.com

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  83. Good ideas for the cushion covers. I love, love cushions and these will be perfect. Thanks.

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  84. Love this idea. New pillow covers for every holiday. Must make some. Thank you.

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  85. Very cute idea will have to show my daughter maybe somthing my grandson and mommy can whip up....tyty happyness04431@yahoo.com

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  86. I love this idea! Once you give the pillow then there are so many options for future gifts.

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  87. The pillow covers are a great idea! I bet the kids love it. cknapp3626(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

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  88. What a GREAT way to showcase a fun fabric!! Thanks for sharing this gift idea with the 12 Days of Christmas in July Blog Hop.

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  89. That flannel construction fabric is too cute!

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  90. Pillow covers seem like a fun idea for kids' gifts! They can change the cover as often as they wish! I especially like the John Deere fabric pillow. My husband just retired from John Deere after 38 years! Now my son works there.

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  91. sweet pillow covers. thanks for sharing.
    quilting dash lady at Comcast dot net

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  92. Love this idea. It would also be fun to make special covers for other holidays (Halloween...).

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  93. Cute decoration. Darlene dhoctor@sbcglobal.net

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  94. Thank you-I need new pillow covers!

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  95. Thank you-I need new pillow covers!

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  96. That is such a good idea. Kids always love a fun new pillow.Thanks for sharing your idea.

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  97. Pillows are always fun. Great way to brighten a room.

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  98. Great idea. My grands can help with this project.

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  99. What a sensible way to have seasonal pillows! Great idea!

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  100. Great idea but I think my house would quickly become over run with pillows if I showed this to my kids. :)

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  101. Like the idea to use flannel. beimborn@charter.net

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  102. Thank you for the pillow cover tutorial. I love the snowman print! Thanks!

    Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

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  103. Kathy, thank you so much for your pillow tutorial. So easy, quick too. Indeed I'll be stitching up quite a few! FUnny, my children always loved changing out their pillow cases and covers each season or occasion too. Great tip!

    schimmel(dot)db(at)gmail(dot)com

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  104. Great idea to use one pillow form and multiple covers for variety--thanks! susanprincess at att dot net

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  105. Great idea! I have 4 grands who might like this idea!

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  106. Such a good idea. It would make freshening up a room quick and easy. Thank you.

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  107. Must have some very happy grandkids. great idea.

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  108. Your home will have a very festive flare for Christmas. I love changing out pillows with new, fresh, covers!

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  109. This looks easy. With busy fabric, these pillows could be so fun to change out.

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  110. I think even my teenage grandsons will like these.

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  111. Good idea for sleepovers and family trips, too =)

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  112. Love the snowmen fabric.
    Shahann@yahoo.com

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  113. you make is look so easy, I think I will try to make some of these, thanks

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  114. You can NEVER have too many pillow covers. I love the fun fabrics you used for yours.

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  115. How doesn't love pillows?!
    tvonzalez at gmail dot com

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  116. know that john deer fabric , I made my men aprons with it.

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  117. Great idea for the pillow covers! Thanks

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  118. That tutorial looks as though it comes together very quickly. Just the right thing for last minute, or extra gifts for kids. momoftana at yahoo dot com

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  119. Pillows are always a great gift idea and can be easily personalized.

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  120. Pillows do make great gifts! Thanks for the idea of personalizing them. Awesome!

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  121. What cute pillows! Those snowmen - they all look so darn happy. ~smile~ Roseanne

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  122. Very nice pillows. They will make great gifts!

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  123. Great idea for fast and easy festive pillows, and one can never have enough of 'em. Read the latest post, your granddaughter's pillow tutorial--aww! So special.

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  124. Great idea to get the kids sewing! My 6 year-old granddaughter is coming tomorrow for her 1st sewing lesson. Wish me luck! She has been bugging me for a while..as a friend has already made gifts for her teacher. I think we will start with a Barbie pillow! Thanks!

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  125. Very cool my grandson helps us make project linus blankets...nice job.. happyness04431@yahoo.com

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  126. Great idea- my kids loooove pillows!

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  127. I love all kinds of pillows. Thanks for the variety of ideas.

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  128. This is a great project for my granddaughters! Thanks!

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  129. I love when kids learn to sew. My daughters had no interest (and still have no interest) in learning to sew. The pillows are such a cute idea for kids!

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    1. I love that as well. Both daughters have interest in sewing. They are justhe crazy busy with being mom's. But grandmaybe enjoys sewing and sharing with grandkids.

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  130. Fun idea to use those special fabrics--thanks!

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  131. Thank you Karen. It was fun to use those fabrics.

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  132. I love the idea of having one pillow form with lots of different covers. It's always fun to change things up now and then!

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  133. What a simple and quick idea. Now to just keep this in my head when it is crunch time. Thank you for sharing!

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  134. Thanks for the idea. I can see it being a big hit at our house.

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