Pillow review anyone??

Ah, another glorious morning in Central Illinois. It's cold, rainy and dreary. I think I need to make something quick and easy today to lift my spirits. I think I will make slipcovers for my couch pillows! We have this comfortable couch, but it is ugly as all sin. I would like to get one of the mircrosuede slip covers for it. We went to one of our friends houses last night, and they had one on their couch. I loved it! Best part is...they have the exact same couch as us so I got a preview of what it would look like. I looked online and they are a bit expensive but I would like to swing it if I can. It would be like having a new couch, and you need new pillows if you get a new couch right? Wrong, here's why....

With a sewing machine, some spare fabric (about 1/2 a yard for most pillows), matching thread and some time you can remake your old pillows!

This tutorial assumes you have a very basic sewing knowledge. If you have questions about terminology check them here....http://sewing.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=sewing&cdn=hobbies&tm=5&gps=439_241_1020_622&f=20&tt=14&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.fabriclink.com/Dictionaries/Textile.cfm

You will need:
Sewing machine
Scissors (pinking shears work best)
Fabric ( a sturdy cotton or heavier)
Matching thread
Sew on Velcro - optional ( two dots/small strips per pillow)
Any little trim or tassels you would like to add - optional
Old pillows that still have life in them


Begin by measuring your pillows. Squish down as much as you can and measure across and top to bottom. I find that child butts work well for squishing. Be sure and jot down your measurements so you don't forget them (like me).

Cut a piece of fabric to match your dimensions, add in 1-1 1/2 inches for seam allowance and pillow movement. This will be the front piece of your pillow case. At this time you can add embellishments/patches/pretty baubles to the cover. Just remember people will be using these so whatever you add should be comfortable.

Next you will cut two piece for the back. Divide your front measurement from top to bottom in half. Now add 3 inches to the length, 4 if you have large pillows. Cut two pieces.

Now fold down 1/2 inch on each of the back pieces and run a hem.

Turn the front piece over so that the printed side is facing you and pin one of the back pieces - print away from you - to the front, matching up corners. Run a hem along all three of the sides of the case. Personally I like to use a tight zigzag if you are using a heavy fabric, it holds up better to washing, children and pets.

Now pin the second half in exactly the same manner, overlapping the first back piece ( it's supposed to do this, don't worry!). Run your hem around three sides of the case. Now turn the case inside out.

You should have a solid front pieces with two overlapping back pieces. At this point insert your pillow and you can mark where you would like to sew your Velcro tabs. This helps to hold the pillow in the case as well as give it a professional finish. Simply put a pin through the top layer of the back piece where you would like the Velcro to be. Whip stitch the Velcro in place and Voila, New pillows for you at a fraction of the cost!