I feel pretty guilty because I'm not great at gift-giving or card-writing, especially when showing my love in this way involves calculating shipping as well as crafting times, and taking into account my commitment issues, which are that I never think a gift is expressive enough of my true feelings, and I am always waffling between being too cheap and too extravagant.
Leaning towards cheap.
Which is why, for instance, my dear son Joseph didn't even get a birthday gift from us this year. I'm such a bad mother. I did email him from Ireland…
That multi-colored trim would have been perfect, but there wasn't enough of it 🙁 |
But I wanted to be sure to wish my sweet daughter-in-law Natasha happy birthday (while pretty much spacing out on her anniversary, sigh). She loves cards and she has just gotten herself about as far for a card to travel as a person can, thanks to my son. Remind me to discipline him. As I always say, you're not to big for me to take you right over my knee…
Anyway, I wanted to show you what I brainstormed for her to remind her of her beloved hometown, San Francisco.
My mother-in-law was a great collector of pretty little things. In her stash were many handkerchiefs of all kinds, including several with a California theme.
I also inherited some fine linen pillowcases for bedroom pillows, two of which were new and unused (and I hope to put them on a bed at some point), and two of which were a little frayed on the edges.
So I got the idea to make some throw pillows for Natasha, using these things, including some vintage/thrifted trim I had stashed away.
It was pretty simple.
I washed the pillowcases in hot water and oxygen-based bleach, and then I took them apart.
I decided to make the cases 16 x 16″, thinking that would fit the same size pillow form, but in fact you could put an 18 x 18″ form in these (I used 20 x 20″ for the photos, because that's what I had, but they were a bit of a squeeze).
The pieces of linen were long enough to fold over, so I just had to sew the top and bottom (I did remember to leave a seam allowance when I cut them — I'm a genius).
I used the lovely trim of the original cases to make a simple folded over closure with a vintage button to keep things tidy.
The light was busting my bottom, as Basil Fawlty would say. I needed to get these packed up! |
I centered the handkerchief on the front part of the pillow, and, using stitch witchery to anchor it, hand sewed all around.
Then I sewed the case together and added the trim.
And here they are, all pressed and ready to send, since I can't feature sending actual pillows to Hong Kong, so here's hoping they have pillow forms over there.
The last gleam of sun… |
These dears will be receiving all flat gifts until they come back to the good old US of A.
Here are some more details from these adorable little handkerchiefs!
Aren't they darling?
Alice says
They make me homesick, for all the grumping I've been doing about our plans to move back west (not any time soon… just ASAP. Still, it'll take me even further from all my friends!)
Lisa says
Those are the best ever! I love them.
NorahS says
They are so darling! And you are so clever!
Mom in MO says
You just described me! You know, “Leaning towards cheap.” I'm glad I'm not the only one. Thanks for your honesty. And for sharing the pillow idea.
Mom in MO
womanofthehouse says
Oh, yes, they are darling! I love those vintage prints!
Farmgirl Paints says
I know she will love them. Who wouldn't. Very impressive!!!
Sue says
Very darling! I love your creativity.
Sara says
Those are fantastic! She will love them! I wish I knew what happened to my collection of vintage hankies my grandmother gave me when I was a child.
Deirdre says
Oh my word those are ADORABLE! So well done, Mama!
emily b says
these are gorgeous. lovely post; lovely craft.
margo says
oh they are so beautiful! and thanks for explaining how you did that. easy, but yet thoughtfully done.
I'm not sure I could give away such charming hankies – it's a sign of how much you love your daughter in law or of how selfish I am.
natashamlawler says
Hands down, the most incredible gift ever. I love the pillows and will treasure them always. Thank you!! xoxo
briana says
What a lovely gift!
I wanted to make sure you got my reply to your questions at my blog so I came over to post. Here's what I said.
“I am in zone 6. I can't remember what the plastic is called. It is 6 mil plastic that you can buy at your local home improvement center. It is in a big role and they have different lengths and widths available.
If you try it let me know how it goes. Maybe we can all learn from each other.”
And your question inspired another post on winter gardening. Here's the link. http://briana-icantdecide.blogspot.com/2010/09/mo… I hope I'm not being too forward in posting it here. I couldn't figure out how to email you directly.
_Leila says
Thanks for popping by, Briana! I will check it out. I'm in zone 5 but I want to do this!! Anything that involves bales of straw…isn't that weird?? 😉
wanderingsue says
Yes, that's awesome, Leila. But I cant decide whether I prefer that helpful line, or this one “… to sustain life in this dire form that presents itself to you.” Perfection.
wanderingsue says
Yep, posted that comment in the wrong place- meant for the following post!
Anne says
Hi Leila!
I couldn't sleep as I had toe surgery so I got up and started reading your blog and came across this wonderful pillow-craft of yours of my beloved San Francisco! I love the idea and the cute little pictures of San Fran!!
I'd love to do some crafts with you!
Blessings,
Anne