I have mentioned a few times that I love velvet, and I also mentioned that I’m adding more color to my home this year, so it should come as no surprise that today I’m talking about blue velvet pillows. I won’t do another tutorial, because I’ve already shown you how to make these pillows. You can find a tutorial HERE.
This post is sponsored by CALICO.
I’ve made several velvet pillows lately, but this is the first time that the nap was super slick. When I say ‘nap’ I am referring to the direction of the velvet. Think of petting your favorite puppy. You usually pet from head to tail rather than tail to head because that is the direction the hair grows.
The fabric tends to ‘walk’ and doesn’t want to stay where I’ve pinned it. If you use this fabric for a sewing project, you will probably need to use additional pins. It’s so gorgeous, and I feel it’s well worth a bit of extra effort. Another idea to make sewing a pillow a bit easier is to use a coordinating fabric for the back of the pillow. I used leftover fabric I had used on my sofa pillows. Using a different fabric for the back, meant the fabric didn’t shift as much. See how the fabric shimmers?
The fabric is CALICO. This velvet is one of the prettiest I’ve seen. The middle pillow was also made with fabric from Calico.
It looks silvery in the photos, but is more blue in person.
I made several of these pillows. Here is one in my daughter’s room.
And now onto my second chances. I wasn’t happy with this project, CLICK HERE. I decided to try a looser fitting ottoman slipcover and it doesn’t look as neat as I would have liked. So, not one to waste fabric, I used my handy-dandy seam ripper and removed the seams. My first thought was to sew it again, but make it smaller than the first one. Then I decided to use the fabric to make a pillow cover for this very soft feather pillow. Fabric can sometimes be used again for a different project. I’ll do another slipcover for that round ottoman. I haven’t decided on the fabric yet.
The fabric for this velvet pillow is FOREVER VELVET in BLUE OPAL.
That pillow matches perfectly on yours buffalo plaid chair! It was just meant to be!
I know a place where those pillows would look AWESOME! They are beautiful – and look good where they are – but, you know me (and love me in spite of myself)! I sure wish I could sew. And, thanks explaining “nap”!
Where did you get the blue plaid for the chair and what color is it?
Alona, it’s an antique. I bought that fabric ages ago. I can’t remember where I found it.
I used this blue & white check in slip overs for dining room chairs. I bought it online. Just plug blue & white “buffalo check” into search engine
Oh great idea Mary!
Yeah for more color. I can’t tell you how many blogs I’ve unfollowed recently because I can no longer bear the monochromatic blahness.
Oh I hear you. I still plan to keep my foundation pieces neutral, but I’m having fun adding color. I think the ‘all white’ is a nice look, but I think it’s been overdone.
Anita, I can see why you weren’t happy with the slipcover so I’m not alone thinking it wasn’t ‘quite right’. You made the right decision to re-use the velvet for the cushion. Nothing wasted only your time and I’ve been down that road many, many times!
It’s all a learning experience as far as I am concerned. I didn’t have a lot of fabric left over when I sewed the pillow. Win/win, and I figured someone could relate!
Your previous posts on velvet pillows inspired me! Last week I bought a new white quilt/shams for my bed. I was planning to use all white pillows so the focus would be on the colorful quilt I was going to fold over the end of the bed. I liked but didn’t love the look. I spotted a pair of velveteen curtains in the donate pile in the garage and knew I’d found the perfect blue to make pillows. I made two 20″ pillow covers for the feather pillow inserts I already had. Most of my quilts came from my mom and since she loved blue adding two soft blue pillows ties the look together. Now I love my new look!
Love your new pillows and so glad your adding a little color! ???
Me too Linda.
Love your your fabrics and the fact you can sew whatever you want is such a blessing?
Oh so beautiful and the colors are gorgeous Thank you for showing us
Hi, Anita! I really admire your talent and sewing skills in designing and completing these new coordinating pillows. I love that Blue Opal lumbar ~ seems I’m discovering I prefer a matte finish, rather than a sheen to the velvet. (I suppose velveteen would have the same matte look?) I recently ordered four white velvet pillow covers for our living room, in a matte finish. My preference probably comes from my tendency to want to create a more informal feeling in our home.
I still really love the all neutral ~ even all white ~ rooms online, but I can also appreciate adding color! Ultimately I think our homes should reflect each of our personal tastes, whatever they are: all white, neutral, colorful, or brightly colored!
Alona,
If you go to spoonflower.com and search for “Large Light Blue Buffalo Check Gingham” you will find fabric very, very similar.
Love the blue you have added to your home. Do you wash any of your fabric before you sew the pillow cover or other items? Jean
Sometimes I do Jean, but often I don’t. It just depends on if I anticipate washing it later.
So, the blues look perfectly blue on my monitor! 😉 Just thought you would like to know. 🙂 I have noticed posts look different on different computers (which I’m sure you know that 😉 ) Love the velvet AND the blue! Thanks for inspiring us all!
Your selections of blue fabrics are so lovely, as are the pillows and ottoman covers you created!