Christmas Pillows that Give Joy
Remember on Monday when I showed you the stack of vintage military blankets?
So today I get to share the story of how 2 blankets became 6 Christmas pillows...
Saturday...our story begins...I'm not sure where they started but let's just say they were honorably discharged after years of military service keeping a certain soldier warm. I purchased them at my local thrift store which is run by an Episcopal church that has a food pantry and helps the needy in other great ways in our community.
I took the blankets home, cleaned them and brainstormed about how to repurpose them. I knew it had to be something special because like all members of our military they deserved the best. Pillows seemed like a natural choice so I started cutting the two blankets into 21 x 21 inch squares so they would end up as 20 inch pillows after sewing. I adored the black stripe on the blankets and thought it would make a great accent but I needed to give these pillows an Upscale Downhome Christmas twist.
Monday...I took the pillow squares that I had cut to my local embroidery shop called TLC Embroidery. Sandy was so wonderful to turn the six pillows around in a day. She always gives great service with a smile.
Tuesday...I took the pillow squares to my local seamstress, Terri at Quick Stitches, to sew them together. She is such an excellent seamstress and added the zippers and serged the inside edges for me so they wouldn't fray. She took good care of the pillows and gave them the royal treatment they deserved but that's no surprise because that's how she works all the time.
Wednesday... I picked up my pillow covers and couldn't wait to share them with you!
Thursday...The JOY pillows had their photo shoot and are being listed in my Etsy shop to be hopefully sold far and wide. Isn't it amazing how these pillows helped three local business in my community? And, the embroidery shop and the seamstress are one woman owned and operated. Just like my Etsy shop! That's the story of how two vintage military blankets became six pillows and brought a little JOY to different businesses in my community. I hope they will add a bit of Christmas joy to whomever purchases them.
I also used some remnants of the blanket to cover a set of antlers.
Remember to shop local in this upcoming Holiday season. You can truly make a difference in your community.
So today I get to share the story of how 2 blankets became 6 Christmas pillows...
Saturday...our story begins...I'm not sure where they started but let's just say they were honorably discharged after years of military service keeping a certain soldier warm. I purchased them at my local thrift store which is run by an Episcopal church that has a food pantry and helps the needy in other great ways in our community.
I took the blankets home, cleaned them and brainstormed about how to repurpose them. I knew it had to be something special because like all members of our military they deserved the best. Pillows seemed like a natural choice so I started cutting the two blankets into 21 x 21 inch squares so they would end up as 20 inch pillows after sewing. I adored the black stripe on the blankets and thought it would make a great accent but I needed to give these pillows an Upscale Downhome Christmas twist.
Monday...I took the pillow squares that I had cut to my local embroidery shop called TLC Embroidery. Sandy was so wonderful to turn the six pillows around in a day. She always gives great service with a smile.
Tuesday...I took the pillow squares to my local seamstress, Terri at Quick Stitches, to sew them together. She is such an excellent seamstress and added the zippers and serged the inside edges for me so they wouldn't fray. She took good care of the pillows and gave them the royal treatment they deserved but that's no surprise because that's how she works all the time.
Wednesday... I picked up my pillow covers and couldn't wait to share them with you!
Thursday...The JOY pillows had their photo shoot and are being listed in my Etsy shop to be hopefully sold far and wide. Isn't it amazing how these pillows helped three local business in my community? And, the embroidery shop and the seamstress are one woman owned and operated. Just like my Etsy shop! That's the story of how two vintage military blankets became six pillows and brought a little JOY to different businesses in my community. I hope they will add a bit of Christmas joy to whomever purchases them.
I also used some remnants of the blanket to cover a set of antlers.
Remember to shop local in this upcoming Holiday season. You can truly make a difference in your community.
A ruffled mind makes a restless pillow.
Charlotte Bronte
Have you shopped locally lately?
Charlotte Bronte
Have you shopped locally lately?
Posted by Sarah at 11/8/2012 8:46 AM 
Categories: Downhome Folks, Holiday
Tags: upscale downhome etsy shop christmas pillow recycled military blanket shop local
Categories: Downhome Folks, Holiday
Tags: upscale downhome etsy shop christmas pillow recycled military blanket shop local
WOW! I love these pillows. I am having serious thrifty envy at all your great finds lately. Such JOY!
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I would love one of these! I have 3 children in the Military. And our 4 child going in when she graduates from high school in June.
Patti
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Thanks so much for your comment about the pillows and thank you so much for your family's service. My grandfather, father, brother and nephew were all in the Marines but it's entirely different when it's your child. Wow! I offer all my blog readers a 15% discount if you are interested. Just use this coupon code in my Etsy shop:
15off4friends
Thanks again for stopping by!
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Thanks Shelly! I saw your post this morning and can't wait to see what you are listing in your shop! The gift wrap kits sound really neat...
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These pillows are beautiful! What a great addition for a home. Thanks for taking us on the journey. As I start to experiment with some new products, it's good to see how you get to something from start to finish.
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Thanks, Natalie. I know what you mean...it's nice to know where and how our products are made.
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