Sewing project update

Here is my first sewing project since the boxers in high school (Blain, thanks for the clarification on that, and why did they have us make boxers??) ... a pillow! I finished it last week, but wanted to get an insert before posting. Side note: totally missing my Pottery Barn discount, but thankfully we still have some wedding gift card money left. So without further ado, here it is!

It is no where near perfect, but "good for my first attempt." (Words out of the hubby's mouth; I guess honesty is the best policy, ha.) I am pretty hard on myself, so I know it's not perfect, but I kind of like that about it. As the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, says about recipes (and I think can be used in other contexts like this one), if something doesn't come out right, just say, "Look, it's rustic!" I just love her! I quickly learned a few shoulda-woulda-coulda's, and am hopeful that my second attempt will be much better. I have already sewn a second pillow cover, and it is a perfect 18" square! 

I can't take full credit for this idea, as I found it on Pinterest (which I also just love). For those not familiar, Pinterest is a place online where you can upload craft ideas, recipes, fashion obsessions, dream home must haves, etc. for others to view. You have different folders aka virtual "boards" that you post aka "pin" ideas onto. You must check it out if you aren't already a member aka "addict" (my word not Pinterest, although, agreed upon by many). Wedding planners are even asking brides to use Pinterest, so that the planners can easily access the brides' ideas and inspirations, sans a million emails and print offs. Genius! And, I am getting off topic!

Back to the pillow. I thought, hey I think I can do that! I knew it would be some what tedious, but I currently kind of have lots of extra time on my hands. The "pin" on Pinterest took me to the blog of Wit & Whistle, a shop selling unique greeting cards and other paper goodies. The girl behind Wit & Whistle, Amanda Wright, actually attended NC State, too! Small world. Check out her shop...I will warn you some of the cards may make you blush or say, WHAT?!, but I love her card sets, especially the chervon ones, of course! Amanda mentions the pillow inspiration came from here, where the pillow is selling for $159!!! I couldn't believe my eyes! Amanda ended up buying a plain linen pillow cover for $45 on Etsy (another a love of mine), which I still felt like was a lot for something I was going to write or paint on, and possibly more than likely mess up. She also used a black fabric sharpie for her letters. I wanted something a little more shabby chic, so I went with white paint. Overall, it turned out exactly like I had conceptualized; I just need a little more practice with the paint and stenciling...it is not that easy and especially on fabric. I may try the sharpie next time though. 

The lyrics on the pillow are from Zack and my first dance, "Stand By Me"...I shortened it a bit but made sure it still made sense when read. Zack picked out this song, and I couldn't have agreed more that it was the perfect song for us. And every time we look at this pillow, we will be reminded of the promise we made to each other, and that we can do anything, as long as we stand by each other.