First of all if I ever say I am going to put a pleated ruffle on something just take me out back and shoot me. Or buy me a fancy sewing machine that has a ruffle foot.
The embroidery part of the pillow was the happy, mellow part of the project (except for the occasional knot on the front which I discovered only happened with the green flosses (Hmmmm…). The rest of the pillow should have been pretty easy but it frustrated me at several points.
First of all my finished embroidered square ended up being a weird size – 9.75". I was doing all kinds of mathematical gymnastics trying to figure out how wide the framing strips should be so I would end up with a 12.5" square. Then I realized I should just sew on some strips and then cut it down to a 12.5" square. Math has never been my strong suit.
Then the ruffling business. Oi. I originally planned to do a pleated ruffle then abandoned that idea as too time consuming since I would have to do each pleat manually. So I tried a standard ruffle (sewing two parallel lines and then pulling the threads to create the ruffle). Forget that. The length of fabric was LONG and my thread broke about a third of the way in.
So back to my original plan for pleated ruffles. By hand. And who ever invented corners? What a stupid idea. Do you have any idea how hard it is to sew a pleated ruffle around a corner?
Finally finished the front and got the ruffle attached but when I went to sew on the two back pieces I cut them about a 1/4" too short.
I’ve always thought it would be lucrative to go into the throw pillow making business because they are always SO expensive. Now I know why.
Now I need to go redecorate the guest room around this new color scheme.
Very, very pretty pillow! Ruffle and all! I do wish someone could tell me a secret for making easy ruffles….. they are so lovely, but in my opinion such a pain!
Your pillow is gorgeous. Inspite of the problems to get it finished. If you search for ‘Cottage Pillows’ on Ebay you will understand why they go for the prices people are willing to pay! Such a work of art. ~Adrienne~
It turned out beautiful! You’ve given me a idea for a blog entry. I’m going to do a tip on making gathered ruffles. I have a very good, quick tip for them. Check me out later today and I will put it up! xo, suzy
Wow Andrea, just beautiful (and perfectly sewed) Well done !!!! Clarice
The word “Ruffle” actually evokes terror in my heart. Scared to death of them. But they are beautiful when someone else makes them. Yours looks wonderful.
Lisa
Knitty, Vintage and Rosy
It turned out so nice!
I know what you mean about those darn ruffles! I just bought a brand new Bernina and I really want to buy the ruffle foot. I think it is really expensive though last time a checked,but I think it is worth the money! The last ruffle nightmare was on the Anna Sui blouse that I did a post on. The sheerness of the fabric and all the ruffling on the bottom was very tricky.
Your pillow turned out real sweet though so at least there was a reward at the end!
Your pillow is gorgeous with all that delicate stitchwork. Ruffles – the world is not the same without them even if they can be a handful to try and keep straight.
I too once thought of going into the pillow-making business. But I didn’t. And I don’t go near ruffles for any reason!
Brenda
ha ha – you are too funny…but the pillow did come out beautifully!
love it! sewing can be such a adventure! I think your ruffle turned out great … hats off to you for taking on that task>
Ruffles are challenging, but your pillow turned out just beautiful!
That is adorable! I used to sell pillows on Etsy and Ebay. Not my best idea…