Both of my granddaughters, aged nine and 16 months, enjoy books. They (well, the older one anyway) also enjoys "sister" things. So a pair of coordinating Reading Pillows sounded like something they might have fun with - either together or individually. The pattern by Polka Dot Chair was my starting point, which incorporates a front pocket, appliqued letters, piping(!), and 18" pillow forms. In making these, I realized that I don't have a piping foot, so I used my zipper foot. Not ideal, but it definitely worked. I did change up the handles on mine - a feature I love by the way, especially for children - by making one with fabric matching the personalization, rather than using a ribbon as suggested. Other fabrics I used were Essex in gray and that cute cat print from Dear Stella.
Even though the photos above show plain pockets, I actually machine-appliqued the girls' names on the pillows, and surprised myself with how much I enjoyed that. See below an edited photo that shows another idea from Melissa, the word {READ}. Which is great, of course, but imagine them being personalized instead, and you'll have a good idea what mine looked like.
Books were tucked into the pockets before gifting them to my grandgirls, and from all indications after unwrapping all the gifts on Christmas, they will be well-used and enjoyed. I sure hope so.
What a great gift, and how nice to know they're excited to use them to read, right?
ReplyDeletethose are darling and I know they will be well loved by the girls!
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely gifts Debbie! I'm sure they will be enjoyed and cherished for years to come. Thanks for the link to the pattern too.
ReplyDeleteLovely! I planned to make these for my great-grandchildren but ran out of time so it will next Christmas now. I particularly like the piping on yours - the pop of blue is perfect with your choice of fabrics. Happy Christmas!
ReplyDeleteVery nice. Thanks for all of your dedication in blogging for us!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure they will both enjoy these pillows for years to come! I was so excited when I saw these and hope to remember about them for next holiday season...I must make a pair!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it wonderful how much pleasure we get from making things for others? I think these reading pillows are a terrific idea, especially as they're gender neutral so would work as gifts for my grandsons. Adding a book makes each pillow even more special. You must be so pleased with these! Thanks for sharing another great idea!
ReplyDeleteVery sweet Debbie! I can only imagine that they will treasure them for years to come. I know things like that from my grandmother mean so much to me. Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThey are lovely Debbie! Congratulations for the piping! I remember stitching one ages ago and that's not a good memory ... 😉 I didn't know there were piping foot by the way.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea to have them similar but still personalized. I have used piping recently on a small bag as another highlight for the outside pockets. I used my zipper foot as well. It worked fine there but I guess with the corners a pillow is a touch more complicated. So congrats on finishing those pillows with. I love the extra pop it gives your project. PS: You did a great job photoshopping the names away :)
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