Platinum Home Staging, Inc.We all have them. Piles of pillows that are either old, stained, faded or we bought for our inventory, "because they were such a great price" yet never to be used in an actual home.  You know what I'm talking about.  Don't deny it. 

But here is an "A-HA!" moment I wanted to share.

For ZERO $$$, I practiced what I preach and used my good ol' fashion elbow greese (and a sewing machine) to revamp my pillow inventory rather than toss them, buy new slip covers or even to donate them only to then have to go BUY even more pillows.

 

 

Platinum Home Staging, Inc.

 

Recently while at my local Upholstery Vendor, I asked if he had any scraps.  You know; the left over yardage of fabrics that are from the end of the bolt when doing large projects - his eyes lit up and he directed me to a HUGE shelving unit filled with scraps. 

"You can have them!" he exclaimed - then it was ME who lit up and my brain started working wonders.

 

 

 

 

Platinum Home Staging, Inc.A few days later and after a few hours of sewing: I have an entirely new inventory of pillows. 

A few tips to get the biggest bang for your buck:

1) Make the pillows reversible with different, but complimentary, fabrics on each side. 

2) Plan out what sizes you have in your current pillow inventory and see which fabrics you can get the most out of.

 

 

 There was even enough of some fabrics to make an entire Twin bed set! =D

Platinum Home Staging, Inc.

Happy Sewing...I mean Staging!

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30 Comments on Revamp Your Pillow Inventory for ZERO Dollars!!!

JUL
13
163,805 Points 1 Featured Post

Cute and great idea!! There are lots of nice ideas like this....a little thought and ingenuity.

5:08pm • #1

Fantastic resource idea Connie!

Thank you for sharing this...I'm already trying to locate favourite local upholsterers in my mind to go make a fabric run :)

5:10pm • #2
4 Featured Posts

I've been buying pillows cheap at the thrift store- the ones in good condition. Now I'll have to look for fabric too. Oh, and borrow a sewing machine!

5:18pm • #3
199,966 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Great idea Connie -- too bad I don't have a sewing machine!  I'd thought it made a lot of sense to get additional pillow covers to put over old throw pillows that we've already used enough time in our portfolio photos.

6:16pm • #4

Connie,  Great ideal....  I have a sewing maching that I havent brought it out in years.  This will be a great rainy day activity.  Thanks for the great post.

6:46pm • #5
Outside Blog

Great idea Connie!  Pillows I can do.  In fact, I could even enlist my daughter for help with this project.  Nice to get dual use out of things!

6:50pm • #6

Great post - Thanks for the info!! I appreciate your contribution to the Active Rain community.

Best,
Dan

7:16pm • #7

Connie; thanks for the incentive to get my pillow projects going. I have a lot of quality decorator fabric left over from my decorating days, and keep meaning to make pillow covers. Gotta get on it now!

8:25pm • #8
8 Featured Posts Outside Blog

omg how great and cute too! you always amaze me. kh

9:39pm • #9
142,203 Points Outside Blog

You are just so clever and talented Connie! Great post!

10:39pm • #10
370,391 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I know exactly what you mean.  I wonder if I can use sewing glue or velcro?  I don't like to sew.

11:55pm • #11
JUL
14

Great idea to make them reversible...more bang for the buck.

7:35am • #12
214,819 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog

VERY cool!!!  now if only I had the time or sewing talent!

8:43am • #13

What a great idea, Connie!  And a very "green" solution for you and the upholstery vendor with the surplus fabric.

8:51am • #14
Outside Blog

Beautiful Connie! You are so creative! If I could sew I would be in heaven! Maybe Cindy and I could use sewing glue?!! :))

8:55am • #15
1 Featured Post

Thank you, Karen, just thought I'd share

Make sure you ask for their UNUSABLE scraps, Heather.  As we were going through the pile, my vendor was finding things he realized were placed there by accident. SO make sure everything gets the "all clear".

Linda & Maureen ~ I borrowed my sisters sewing machine for years for little projects.  My husband suggested I buy my own (what nerve! ;) but I have found that the small investment has been well worth it.  I use it more than I ever thought I would.

Happy sewing, Janelle!

Michelle H. & Peg & Melissa ~ I can't sew "much", but a straight line stitch I CAN do (no zippers, no fringe, no welting - I'm not that good)

Thank you for stopping by, Dan, much appreciated

Thanks, Kate! Now if only HGTV had felt the same way - LOL

You're sweet, Cathy, thank you! See you VERY soon!

Cindy & Wendy ~ Or maybe use the ironing stitch witchery? ;)  I don't know how well that would hold up to the fabrics being pulled apart by the inserts though, but hey - it's worth a shot!

Marina ~some I made reversible, others I didn't. But the farther you can stretch it the better.

Wow, Diane, I hadn't even thought about the "green" aspect of it.  Thanks for pointing that out!

9:50am • #16
1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Hi Connie -

Excellent suggestion!

Even just a pillow form cost $9-15.  A thrift store pillow is usually about 25 cents.

And remnants are AWESOME. I've even bought EXPENSIVE special order fabric by the 1/4 yard. for about 17 and ended up with a $17.25 pillow  to die for, customized to perfection.

You just have to know how to sew. Or, in my case, have a grandmother who sews, lol.

~Michelle

12:24pm • #17
3 Featured Posts

Aloha Connie,

Recycle and save! Love the message and all I need to do is learn to use a sewing machine!

Peace,

7:43pm • #18

Funny I was doing the same thing yesterday...but I travel the easy road and dropped off the pillows and fabric at my workroom. They'll whip them up for me for practically nothing...:)

10:47pm • #19
JUL
15

Great suggestion about the fabric source!  Just between you and me:  I'm adequate with a sewing machine but I'm a beast with a glue gun.  

No sew technique:  Cut the fabric about six inches longer and two inches wider than you usually would for your pillow form.  Hot glue three sides with the right side facing in.  Let cool, then stuff with the old pillow, fold over the long open end like an envelope, hot glue the edges, and then hot glue a decorative feature (big button, trim, tassel, etc).

Thanks for sharing your ideas with us!

 

10:42pm • #20
JUL
21

Great post.  I like to make the covers then keep them on hangers w/0 the form inside.  I can leaf through them quickly and slip the form inside when I find the ones that will suit the job.

And why not use old clothes that we no longer like?  There's great fabrics right in our house that maybe   WE were going to throw out!!!!

Deb

Debra Landy
2:51pm • #21
SEP
07

Great idea!  Love being crafty and resourceful and of course....REDUCE, REUSE & RECYCLE!

8:51pm • #22
SEP
28
Outside Blog

Great Idea and use of fabric - a way to recycle.

I have been thinking of doing just this with the pillows that I have in inventory.  The one thing that is great about making extra covers - is that you can store a variety of covers not interchance them with the cushions that you have in stock.  This in turn will save space.  A great way to be organized.

 

12:23pm • #23
3 Featured Posts

Yesterday I was just telling my friend that I would teach her how to sew pillow cases so she could revamp hers!!   Finding great fabric is the way to go...and FREE is just the right price!!

2:10pm • #24
OCT
10
206,187 Points 5 Featured Posts

I love the idea of making the pillow reversible and having two for one!  I always have my eyes open for fabric, but never realized I could get it free!  Awesome!

3:43pm • #25
1 Featured Post

Forgive me, I had NO dea how far behind I was with comments on this post

I can sew a straight line, Michelle, that's about it!  But I have more fabrics even today and am working on the next batch.

C'mon, Kimo, you mean to tell me with all of your talents YOU don't know how to sew! I'm flabbergasted! ;)

Thanks a great idea as well, Margarete, if only I had a work room!

Never thought of using hot-glue, Holly!  If I'm ever in a real hurry I'll have to remember that little trick!

I'm actually in the process of doing that myself, Deborah & Susan.  It's easier to store the covers, than a million pillows.

Thanks for stopping by, Lori!

You know me, Kathleen, I am ALL about F-R-E-E!  Have fun sewing!

You can get the fabric for free, Sharon, but I'm not promising anything. ;)  I give my upholstery company a LOT of business, so they are more than willing to share.  Even so, if they sell you fabric for $1.99 p/yrd it's still a steal when it probably costs $24+ retail. Check with local vendors and ask to see what they might be able to do for you.

5:34pm • #26
OCT
11
Outside Blog

Connie,
     You can also use large cloth napkins (heavy weight) in complimenting colors depending on the pillow size.  For those without a sewing machine, use narrow fabric fusing tape and follow the directions carefully.  Since the pillows don't get used, that will hold them.  The only sewing required will be whipstitching the end.

 

9:30am • #27
OCT
13
Outside Blog

What a great idea. Love it!!!

regards; Kimberley

7:18am • #28
OCT
20
1 Featured Post Outside Blog

What a  wonderful idea.   I donated my machine becasue we just didn't get along.   It seems that I'm better with a spray can of paint than a sewing machine

4:01pm • #29
NOV
05
1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Super idea for scoring free fabric! Sometimes it can cost more to make things yourself. I love the reuse and recycle component, too!

10:38am • #30

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Connie Tebyani, Platinum Home Staging Los Angeles to Santa Barbara

Thousand Oaks, CA

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Platinum Home Staging, Inc., Los Angeles to Santa Barbara

Office Phone: (805) 553-9952

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