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Kids love pillows. They sit or lie on them while watching television, use them in imaginary games, take them along on car trips, and snuggle up to them in bed. Pillows with unique or sentimental designs are always a big hit, work well to decorate the family room, and since they’re among the simplest projects, even a beginner can find success and a great outlet for creativity.
When I was a child, I had an attachment to some T-shirts I had outgrown. Perhaps they had a favorite image or design on them or had been purchased during special family outings, but I hated to give them up. So my mom sewed up the waist, neck, and arms, and I had special pillows, soft from many washings. If a disembodied torso seems peculiar to you, cut off the arms and make it into a square. If there’s a favorite outfit your child hates to part with, sew it all up and stuff it, adding a round head with yarn hair, perhaps mittens for hands, stuffed socks, and your child will have a cuddly life-size doll.
There are many possibilities for creative pillows – check fabric stores for unusual patterns. I remember one pattern packet my mother had which included plans for a pillow hamburger, pack of french fries, and a sandwich cookie. The cookie was easy to construct. Two round pillows in a “chocolate” color, and a white “creme” center, held together with velcro. The french fry pack had a stuffed red tube with a few long yellow pillows that would have been great for siblings who like to whack each other. Use your imagination to figure out favorite food items that would look great oversized and stuffed – maybe giant chicken nuggets, or pizza slices with removable pepperoni circles.
Fabric stores also have panels that are pre-printed for making into pillows. You can find almost any theme in a pillow pattern – animal prints, whimsical designs, etc. The size is gauged so you can purchase a pre-filled pillow stuffing and easily fill it. If the pillow case is finished with velcro, it’s easy to exchange and wash the cases, though the whole thing can be tossed in the washer when needed and holds its shape well.
Nothing makes a family room comfortable and cozy like a pile of pillows, and kids love pillows that are made in fun designs. It’s an easy way to exercise your creativity. Worn-out blankets and favorite outgrown clothing can be made into terrific pieces for your child to snuggle up with. The cost is minimal, and the possibilities are endless.
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