When Nova posted a pattern for her wonderful Petal Pocket and Pillow Pocket pillows, I was immediately sold. When I was little, I had a pillow with a small little pocket on the interior where I used to hide away all my special treasures. (I should really show you a photo of it in all its ’70s glory – oh, here’s a little peek of it in the first photo of this post – that orange and green one in the little chair. Kitties, of course.)
So I decided to make up a couple for Max and his cousins. Because even though babies don’t necessarily need pillows, I just couldn’t resist. I’m hoping that the pillows will make for some fun decoration in their nurseries right now, and maybe will be a great spot for them to store their own treasures when they’re older!
I can’t say enough about Nova’s pattern. She’s done a wonderful job clearly describing and showing all the steps, making this a quick and satisfying project. I tend to shy away from projects like this, being kind of afraid of applique, but I was pleasantly surprised at how easily it all came together.
And I truly love how it leaves lots of room for you to add your own touches. I had fun playing around with lots of different fabric combinations – I was surprised to find I had enough reds in my stash for this fun pillow, which I put on a striped gray background and finished with a light gray printed and solid pocket.
I went with browns on a cream background for this one. The back is a fun gold Lotta Jansdotter print with a pop of blue for the binding. And Nova even inspired me to try a bit of hand embroidery on each.
Max’s pillow is made up of prints in bright greens, blues and grays with a pieced gray pocket. The backing is primarily aqua, with darker aqua in one corner for a fun little twist. This pattern is designed to fit a 20″ pillow, but I had no trouble making the background a bit smaller on two of them to fit 18″ pillows instead.
I finished each with a corresponding backing and invisible zipper and a matching binding, and voila, cute pillows!
Thanks Nova, for a really great pattern! In case you want to make one yourself (and you should, you really should!) — you can buy a copy of Nova’s pattern here. Not only does it make a fun pillow for a kids room, but I think it’s also fun for adults as well. Just think of all the things you could store in there — your book, iPad, or kindle, the remote, a little snack… I’ve been keeping Max’s pillow on the couch and lately I’ve been keeping my knitting tucked in the pocket. No end to the fun!
merry merry!
hello 2012!
Awww, what a fun gift! They came out great. I love the fabric combos and the embroidery. I bet the children will love them for years to come.
These pillows remind me of the one I had on my bed growing up which was meant to hid my nightgown. Same 70s glory in my house…
These are fantastic! You did a beautiful job and I love the embroidered names!
Oh I have this pattern – I can’t wait to have time to make some!
What a great gift! I’ll definitely be thinking about one of these for the girl child in the near future… to go with her new quilt.
So cute Ashley! I fell in love with Nova’s pillow way back when she made one for the pillow swap. I love your versions, thanks for reminding me I want to make some for my girls too!
These pillows are fabulous!!
Very cute, love the idea of a wee hiding place like that
LOVE those pillows!! What a great idea to personalize them with each childs name
How cute are these And the model is quite handsome.
@pril
These are lovely and remind me of one I had when I was little and remade for my little Madam, it had “Tooth fairy” appliquéd on and a teeny tiny pocket on the front for me to put a tooth and then dig out the pennies the next morning!
They look pretty. The finishing is really beautiful. Goota make one
EEK!! SO adorable!
& the pillows are pretty cute too
xxx
Too cute! And glad to get my Max-fix!
I so love the colours and the ncombinations are great. I am off this minute to find the pattern. Annabelle xx
How clever and cute! (The pillows AND Max.)
I LOVE these pillows. What a great idea.
Oh yes! Those are so cute. The blue and brown one is my favorite, I think. The embroidery is such a great touch! Thank you for sharing. I’m definitely inspired to make one, too!
I looove that boy. I love your quilts, I pin them on my Pinterest site, with your name, etc. Your gray butterfly one is on my to make list. I love the tone of your blog. I looove that Darlin’ Darlin’ BOY!!!!
Yeah for the pillows! Super awesome. It is cool to see them all together, as well.