Just Add Buttons!

Here is a quick and simple idea to add a custom touch to store bought or handmade pillows. Simply add buttons!

As much as I hate to admit it, above is a pillow I purchased at HomeGoods. The fabric was perfect and the price too good to pass up. Below is the same pillow with four simple shell buttons added. Below is another pillow with added buttons. (I made this one.) See how a few buttons can really up the cute factor!

Modified Amy Butler Bag

I had so much fun this weekend completing this simple bag from Better Homes and Gardens Creative Collection - Bags, Pillows & Pincushions. This magazine is available on news stands now and is filled with lots of easy to follow projects.I choose Amy Butler's "Favorite Clutch" found on page 68. The fabric I used is available at JoAnn Fabrics - outside is a bright blue and green paisley and inside is a coordinating green with blue dots. Great spring colors!

Since I am not a clutch kind of girl, I decided to modify the design slightly by adding a handle. I also did some additional top stitching to give the bag a more finished look. This was a perfect project for me, as I have a growing collection of vintage rhinestone pins.

Simple Table Runner

A simple to make table runner to add a splash of color and style to any table. Finished size as shown is 16" x 54".

Materials List:
1 Yard fabric

Coordinating thread

Directions:

Cut fabric into three pieces of the following sizes - one 18" x 44" and two 9" x 44". Fold and press under 1" along both 44" sides of the 18" x 44" piece of fabric and both 9" sides of two 9" x 44" pieces of fabric. Fold and press raw edges towards crease on all pressed sides.

Sew using a 3/8" seam allowance. Fold and press under 1" on bottom edge of both pieces of 9" x 44" fabric. Fold and press raw edge towards crease. Sew using 3/8" seam allowance.

Lay 18" x 44" piece of fabric right side up on flat surface. Place 9" x 44" piece of fabric wrong side up on top, lining up raw edges and matching one 9" side to long side of 18" x 44" side. Form evenly spaced folds across 18" side. Pin at top and bottom of fold.

Sew along raw edges using a 1" seam allowance. Remove pins from sewn side. Press pleats in place, removing pins at bottom of pleat as you go.

Turn under and sew raw edge.

Repeat with other 9" x 44" piece of fabric.