The Apple Street Cottage

It's the middle of August and much too early to start Fall decorating (IMHO) but it's not too early to craft for it, and that's exactly what I've been doing.   Into my fabric stash I went and came out with enough fabric to make a Fall pillow cover. Pillow covers are such a wonderful option.  Why? Because it's much easier to store pillow covers than it is to store pillows!   Pillow covers are nothing new around here.  The first ones I shared gave full instructions on how to make them.   Then I upcycled a Valentine's Day tablecloth into placemats and pillow covers .  Some vintage dresser scarves were reinvented the same way, and last, but not least, a wool applique pumpkin pillow cover - that I don't think I shared.  Probably because I was busy packing for our move. Ha! So sorry.  I promise to share it soon. This post may contain affiliate links. All of that being said, let me share my most recent one.  I think you're going to like i...

This post may contain affiliate links. How about a nice quick and easy DIY/Upcycle to start the new year?  If you have a pretty kitchen towel that you hate to use for fear of staining it (not that I ever do that!), I've got you covered! It all started with this beautiful kitchen towel that I found at Lynn's Estate Sale - the one I went to 4 times?! I absolutely love the bright colors in this towel and thought it would make a beautiful pillow. Let me show you how.... First, fold it in half. Stitch almost all all the way around it. See where my fingers are?  You need that opening to stuff your pillow. Using some Poly Fill Fiber Fill , stuff your pillow. Stitch the opening closed and just like that, you have a new pillow!  How's that for quick and easy? I decided to display it in the kitchen on my ice cream parlor stool. It makes a great conversation starter since it's from Lynn's house and  Chanticleer and the Fox is a fable from the Middle Ages, a story I used ...

I really want to show you how to make these easy pillow covers, but things have been a bit 'eventful' around here.  I debated whether or not to share all of this, but part of it is really important.  Let me begin... It started with my husband's emergency laser surgery last week for retinal tear in his left eye.  He is currently on 'light-duty' - no bending, lifting, etc, as well as, no reading and very limited screen time... serious business! My PSA:  If you have a sudden burst of floaters and/or flashes of light in your eye, seek immediate medical attention.  We headed to the ER and from there, the retina specialist's office where the surgery was done.   We go back in a week to see how things are healing. In the meantime, he's resting and hoping that spider in his eye goes away...we've named him 'Boris'....gotta have a sense of humor when these things happen, right? Then we also had a snowstorm - about 10 inches.  Can I tell you how glad I am t...

Well, it finally happened.  My favorite chambray shirt ripped through at the elbow.  For 15 years I was a Close To My Heart Consultant and I LOVED that shirt! So, rather than throw it out, I decided to make a pillow. I decided on an 16-inch pillow, smoothed the buttoned shirt flat and cut (both front & back) into a 16-inch square. After putting the right sides together, I pinned the edges - all the way around the square. Now it was time to sew a 1/2-inch seam all the way around.  That's right, no opening for turning! At this point, you are ready to unbutton the shirt so you can turn it right side out. Using a 16-inch pillow form, I slid it in the unbuttoned opening, smoothed it and rebuttoned the shirt.  The pillow was done! The entire project took about 15 minutes and it's a great way to preserve a shirt that has special meaning to you. My pillow sits in my Craft Room. This is a wonderful way to preserve a memo...