DIY Pillow Project Sun Bonnet Sue

About

Free Form Sun Bonnet Sue Pillow In addition to managing Dove Originals Trims, I am also a sewer and a quilter. I love stitching up pillows since they are quick and easy to make, provide instant decorating bling, and afford a marvelous canvas upon which to express my creativity. I use pillows everywhere: in bedrooms, outdoors, scattered in the family room, on sofas and chairs, and even on the floor. I change them out seasonally, thus creating an instant new look. And I make them in sizes ranging from extra large to very small. All of my pillows are what I call “free form”; that is, I don’t use a pattern. Instead, I begin with the center section and add to it until I’m satisfied with the design and size. I use standard construction methods with a back overlap closure which is easy and affords me the ability to have the reverse of my pillow be as decorative as the front. I don’t purchase pre-made pillow forms. Instead, I measure my pillow when it’s completed and stitch up an appropriate size form using white muslin and polyester fiberfill stuffing. And of course, I use the trims that we sell here at Dove Originals Trims. I began the Sun Bonnet Sue pillow by machine embroidering a redwork 5 X 7 inch design onto a piece of white cotton fabric. I used two strands of thread through the needle to more clearly define the design. If you don’t have an embroidery sewing machine you can hand embroider a design of your choice, use embroidery paint to create a design, or use a section of a damaged vintage towel or linen with an appropriate design. See detail below. I cut the embroidered piece to my desired size of 8.5 inches by 7 inches, but you should use whatever you think is appealing. (Note: My dimensions allow for ¼ inch seams.) Next I stitched a 1.5 inch wide border of bright red cotton to the top, bottom, and sides of the center design. Finally I added a second 3 ¼ inch border of blue gingham check overlaid with a bright floral design. I decided a white ruffle would enhance