brought to you by the color yellow

It appears as though this blog is now officially brought to you by the color yellow. And French Knots. And dear friends who are kind enough to share their gorgeous linen stash (thank you, Jean!) when I really need it (yes, sometimes one really does need linen).

New pillows! With some vintage green doilies I picked up somewhere (can't remember), some french knots, and the back 'leaf' fabric also gifted from Jean (she says it was from Superbuzzy last year). The back is two overlapping panels, with some (handmade, because I'm addicted to making it) linen bias binding holding it all together.

Yes, I made some less than a year ago - in the very same colors, even. Oh, and I loved that Merrimekko fabric! But, unfortunately, the back fabric was white. The key word being "was" - in the very past tense. Now they're more a mash-up of jelly, crayon, and some good old-fashioned mold on top (from sitting on the basement floor waiting - for a very long time - to be washed. Nice.). The front pieces can and will be salvaged for something else, but the pillows needed to go.

The couch needs to go too, but I'm still holding out. Every single time I walk into a thrift or antique store, I visualize the perfect vintage couch, green velvet, please, with dark wood. Soft but not too squishy. And under $400. Hey, a girl can dream, can't she? These pillows will match that couch quite nicely. They're just waiting for it.

Then again, maybe I should ditch the couch(es) altogether and just make more pillows. And quilts. I have a feeling I could rally some family support for that idea...

Comments

[sarah]

where are the beautiful doilies coming from did you make them or buy them?

[jean]

Seriously, now. Those are SO beautiful.

[Amber]

Hmmm, I wonder where I can get a child to match my couch cushions?
I just love your new springy vibe.

[natasha s]

My best friend used to have that exact couch.We would haul off the cushions and play the day away,it has been upholstered three times since as it took such a beating from us and then the grandbabes..My favorite bit was where the green velvet was held in by these lovely old fashioned brass tacks.The velvet was worn thin on the arms too.I have the best memories of being snuggled up on that couch with my dear friend,warming ourselves by the fire,keeping out the chilly,dreary,English weather.
It's funny,I hadn't thought of those days for quite some time and now I can feel that velvet against my toes,
Don't forget to pop on over for some of the new Heather ross fabric;0)
Must go and call that dear friend,
Cheerio,

[Julie]

Can you please do a tutorial on sewing french knots? I try and I try and they NEVER come out!! Thanks!

[christina]

i am so lovin thoes pillows! make me some! (in blue) so springy! That velvet couch may just show up!
Christina

[sistermama]

I love the doily on the pillow idea.

[SOULEMAMA]

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Julie -

Have you seen this tutorial, over at Purl Bee? It's very good:
http://www.purlbee.com/knot-know-how-tutorial/drawing-with-french-knots.html

--amanda

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[kosenrufu mama]

i love your cushions, i will try... and thank you for your everyday posts.

[anilia]

Que bueno! They are so lovely. I love green and yellow!

[marcella]

The pillows look very Spring and I like how you have a book out that says Fruhling on it too! You seem to know that means Spring in German and that is very interesting!
Marcella

[Rachel]

I was just thinking it was time for some spring pillows of my own. You just prompted me to get working!

[TD wool design]

fresh for spring, and sooo inspiring. love all things new! enjoy :)

[becca selma]

super sweet!

[Lila]

Lovely cushions, Amanda. As for the couch complain :: come and visit mine virtually... Well, only if my little one allows you to join in the fun ...
A bientot,

[asti]

Is that a tie-dyed doily ?! Lovely cushions :)

[Samantha]

Doesn't it make you feel better to freshen things up a bit! I love the pillows.

xoxox
Samantha

[Carrie]

The colors are so Spring-fresh cut grass and daffodils-I love them! The green doily is so special.

[QALBALLAH]

Mould? Ouch. Of well, a good excuse to make something new! And really, I like that couch.

[QALBALLAH]

Mould? Ouch. OH well, a good excuse to make something new! And really, I like that couch.

[Ram in the Thicket]

Great pillows! Amanda, if we are planning to go to one of your book signings, do we hold off on buying the book and buy it at the signing? I've been to only one book signing (Jan Brett) and you could bring up to 3 of your own copies for signing then purchase her new release for signing at the store, but I imagine this will be different. What is the etiquette?

[linnea]

Yellow is just so pretty. I love the pillows. I have thought about ditching my couch as well, it would be so fun to have a pillow room!

[tava]

Ugh, I have that same couch so I know what you are saying. Hard to get a new one with kids who produce crayon, jelly and mold though! I will keep mine until my boy properly destroys it all the way.

[jen]

I'm looking for the perfect couch, as well, I just don't understand why $400 isn't enough!

[melissa s.]

i'm looking for that couch too, but it can wait to appear until my kids go off to college (and I can pass our current couch off to them!!) beautiful pillows!

[miss chris]

Lovely pillows, Amanda. That green doily is fun. I'm sure you could dye a regular white one and make a whole bunch of dainty springy pillows...

[ilse]

I just love the doilies you found, and the way you reused them. ( also on your totebags)
I keep my fingers crossed for that green velvet couch of you.

[Elizabeth]

i just love doilies! and green! gorgeous pillows. :>

[Nic]

I love the doilies on the cushions. I have just inherited a bundle my mum made in the 50s, and your quilts and cushions totally inspire me to do something with them other than knowing that I have the pleasure of their company in my stash.

[Paige]

Hello. First comment and fairly new to your blog. Have been enjoying it immensely! Very sweet pillows - I like the soft yellow color. Green and yellow - so spring-like.

[beautythatmoves]

i love how you make use of the vintage doilies, really pretty.

i have summoned the same couch into my life... i grew impatient waiting for it's arrival so i went ahead and purchased a wood frame futon (really nice quality) and covered the cushion with a green velvet cover... a really good mossy/army green. makes me happy and it was just under $400!

[beautythatmoves]

oh, and the cover is removable which is great for households that battle jelly/crayon stains!

[tryshia]

these pillows are beautiful!!! i love them.

[mamie]

i find myself in love with french knots lately and am using them indiscriminately. they are so satisfying. now i want to use them all around vintage doilies on a pillow case. sigh. you make lovely things. thanks for sharing.

[Lisa]

Love the pillows! You've inspired me. I've been looking for just the right pillows (and we just decided to go with yellow to brighten up our living room) and I think I won't find them -- I just need to make them. Absolutely love the doily on the pillow -- perfect!

[julia]

looks lovely! and what a beautiful shot of adelaide enjoying (as always) your handiwork. very inspiring. i think i might need some new pillows...

[Berlinswhimsy]

Such lovely pillows. And I'm happy to see that buttery yellow anyday.

I love the idea of lots of pillows and quilts! Always.

[Lauren]

Beautiful! Mmmm...

[sewstylish]

Love it all. I recently got an antique couch which had been in my husbands grandparents house in VT and knowone else wanted it. So we all got to buy what we wanted I had loved this couch from the moment I first saw it 12years ago so I had to have it. It is a pretty big couch and yes it has dark wood and came with this faded blue velvet but I found green velvet and had it recoverd and it looks great not to mention the total was including having it redone was under $400 so KEEP looking. Try looking at estate sales as well. This one is from the late 1800's and I love sitting and having tea, or coffee, on it while reading a good book. Needless to say the kids are NOT aloud near it with food but they all love to curl up on it with a good book or gameboy.

[kristena]

I love love your new pillows (and the old ones were quite nice too!). I'm pretty sure we have the exact same couch with a matching chair and ottoman. And they're all gross. I have similar dreams of vintage furniture, but with small kiddos, I'm thinking it will be a long time before we spend money on another couch. :( I wonder if it would be worthwhile to make a slipcover for the one we have? Or just drape an old sheet over it...

I love how Adelaide coordinates with the pillows. Cute.

[sizzle]

What great pillows! I am just about to start a bunch of sewing projects. I am awaiting my Amy Butler material in the mail.

I have been holding off on buying a couch because I want it to be perfect but I fear my perfectionism is getting in my way again.

A green velvet couch under $400 would be awesome. I agree.

[Jennifer]

I love the pillows. Beautiful!

[Eren]

So, so perfect for the arrival of Spring!

[Nancy]

Will you be making any of these for your store?

They are just lovely!

Nancy

[caroline]

I understand your couch dreams! I have table dreams myself..farmhouse table, made of barnwood, worn, and cheap..someday, I'll find THE one i'm looking for!! Good luck finding your dreamy couch!

[Carol]

Lovely, spring time cushions.

[tara pollard pakosta]

so so pretty>!
and i would love to see some more of your quilts and pillows YUM!
your stuff is just YUMMY!
tara

[Monika]

I love doilies too! You can make lavender bags from them too. http://www.flickr.com/photos/21909272@N00/2141603059/in/set-72157603559084650/

[Sara]

I've been reading your blog for several months now and just had to leave you a comment. Your life looks so lovely, and your blessings abundant. I'm so grateful you share snippets with people like me, giving us a moment out of our busy day to find peace in posts. You are an inspiration.

Sara

[Alice]

Love your blog and this post in particular. I have seen some doilies in a little shop by my house but have never thought of something to do with them. Now I know :) Thank you for your beautiful blog.