Do you have one of these old t-shirts that you’ve out grown…I mean…that has shrunk and is now too small for you? Recycle it into a pillow cover.
I embroidered “simplify” on it and then cut it straight across. This would also be great to do freezer art on. You could freezer art your monogram, a word you love or an image.
Turn it inside out and sew the bottom. I added trim…just to the top and bottom. It really just looks like a mohawk…now that I think about it.
An example of some Hawaiian themed pillow covers. What’s so great is that they button…easy to put on and take off to wash. No zippers…my kind of pillow cover! You could also use button cardigans, jackets or coats. There are a plethora of items to be found at the thrift store. Just look at that shirt or jacket as a pillow cover.
Also, I listed some of my aprons here…if anyone cares to see me holding an empty cup!
Excellent idea! I hope my husband won’t be too upset if I infiltrate his closet for some button up shirts…
You have so many amazing ideas! My kids’ room has a beachy surf theme and I’m always trying to think of new and inexpensive ways to add to the decor. I have a new sewing machine that I have been intimidated to use because I haven’t sewn much, but this might be a good place to start. Thanks for the inspiration! 🙂Btw.. I notice you unschool or homeschool and I have been thinking about doing it from before my kids were even born, but then panicked and sent my oldest to kindergarten. We are trying to decide now whether to send him back next year or keep him home.. I would love to talk to someone else who is actually doing it, I think it might help ease my fears a bit! I know how busy mama life can be, but if you have a free moment I would love to chat with you about it. Hope you have a wonderful day! 🙂
These are perfect – you can never have too many pillows and inserts are always 50% off! What a great idea. thanks-Laurel
Fantastic!!
That is so stinking cute!
Fabulous! MIL would love these for her new beach house. I guess this is what the crafting bug left at your house with the snow?! Cuteness 🙂-Hayley
Fantastic idea! Another excuse to frequent my favorite thrift stores, thank you!
I have always wanted to make a pillow from an old sweater. They are so cozy looking! The large cable knit sweaters are the best. Love your pillows! Thanks for the great tips.~Misti
So clever – I love that I wouldn’t have to learn how to sew in a zipper!
This is fantastic! Do you embroider by hand? If so, how did you learn? It’s amazing!
Kraesc,no. i don’t embroider by hand. my mom actually taught me when i was a kid. i have an embroider machine.
So cute!! I love this idea! Thanks for sharing!
I LOVE the Hawaiian shirt idea. It’s so obvious but yet I never, ever thought about that. Not one single time. Now I picture myself combing thrift stores hi and lo, looking for all kinds of button down shirt to make into cute pillows. As if I don’t have enough to do already.I love your blog.
yes, I have seen this done, and now really need to get my sewing machine out of its brand new box. 🙂
Oops – forgot to add…so darn cute!!
So great! I definatly have some old shirts…hmm….!
What a great idea, I’ll have to go through my yard sale pile and see if I have any salvagable shirts. I am a beginner sewer so I am sure they wont come out as nice as yours but we will see. Stop by my blog and give your opinion on what color I should paint, if you get the chance. Thanks for the inspirtation and I just love your faux wood floors.
how perfect is that!
“Simplify”… One of my favorite words! Clever ideas for those shrunken shirts in the closet! Thanks for sharing!
Oooooh, I love the pillows you made with the shirts that button! How clever! I will now be keeping my eye out for shirts that button that would great patterns or material for throw pillows. 😉
when I was little my mom would reuse fabrics this way..I had totally forgotten about it until I say what you did with the pillows..Love the idea…and what a great way to hold on to memories of something special..Amy
I love this! You are so creative :0D Thanks for the wonderful ideas!
Very cute idea! I’ve got my wheels turning now!
me again! I hope it’s okay if I link to this post on my blog today.
what a neat idea! way to use something you already have…
I would like to spotlight you on my blog during a month long party in February, please email me at carlnmichelle@yahoo.com if you are interested and I’ll email you back all the details, I called my girlfriend squealing about your pillows…ha!!
Love the “Simplify” pillow – the theme of my life! Too cute! Caroline
Great idea! Even to make them as gifts!Good share, thanks so much!
Just love your creativity.LuLu
That’s the cutest idea!
love the idea..love your aprons too.
Now that’s a good idea! Love the natural/linen-look one.
CUTE!!!! I WANT THAT PILLOW! Do you have a sewing machine that does embroidery, or did you do it by hand?
Such a great and inexpensive way to get a new and unique pillow!
I’m a new reader…I love your practical tips! I am just learning to sew, so I am looking for easy, new projects!
I’m a new reader…I love your practical tips! I am just learning to sew, so I am looking for easy, new projects!
I love what you did with the black T-shirt. I am so proud to be your cousin…you are so wonderful and creative. I will be going through my closet and pulling out shirts to save for this project now. I still have not gotten my sewing machine but my New Years resolution was to learn to sew so I will be getting one soon I hope. xoxo
What a wonderful idea!! Thanks for sharing!!
I love the shirt pillows! Very handy. I love all of your do-it-yourself ideas.
That is so darned cute! The Hubster’s going to wonder what happened to all of his shirts!Can’t wait to see you!KimbaPS – LOVE the new blog look!