Finding Comfort, A Vintage Needlework Sewing Project

I sometimes pick up things at estate sales that I don’t need.  Often they are things that really make me feel good.  Handmade items are especially irresistible. Somewhere along the way I picked up two set of vintage embroidered panels. Neither set was perfect. They just reminded me of home and comfort.

I had been planning for a long time to make them into pillows, but I had just never managed to find the time.  When I pulled out my sewing machine to hem pants for my eldest, I remembered those embroidered panels and how they made me feel comforted.  I decided it was time to make good use of them.  I made pillows using materials I had on hand including old zippers, fabric, thread, lace and trim.  I had pillow forms I had bought to make pillows a long time ago.

The two pieces of embroidery I used to make the red and black pillows above was actually from one panel. The embroidery was done a black satin fabric. The sections between the embroidery was torn and had holes, so I cut the pieces apart. The embroidery was not perfect and the piece with the house still has a small hole in it. Everyone seems to read the Home Sweet Home pillow wrong the first time.  It says “The Dearest Spot on Earth to Me Is Home Sweet Home”.  I loved the embroidery when I bought the piece. 

I’ve been planning to make the two vintage crewel panels above into pillows for so long, I can’t remember where or when I found them.  They are a little newer vintage than the black panels.  I loved the big floral and the bunny and bird. The embroidery calls out vintage.  I love the colors!  I never knew they made so many pinks and greens.   The pieces are just perfect for pillows.

Normally I would have made the pillows with a plain trim just because it seems like it would fit the style back then and the current style now.  I had a bit of lace that matched, so I decided why not?  The pillows are for me, not for anyone else.  Why worry about what anyone else might think?

I don’t know about you, but it seems like I’m constantly doing something for someone else.  I guess it’s the hazard of growing up and having a family.  Yesterday, I was feeling a little low.  I thought I needed a little comfort.  My pillow project definitely brought me out of the doldrums.

Pillows are like teddy bears for big people.  Having a bad day?  Hug a Pillow!