Flange Throw Pillow

I recently finished drapes for the living room/library.  We have a fabric outlet store here in town, and I was able to score some designer fabric for about $4/yard.  You can find it here for $26.99/yard, so I figure I got a pretty good deal!  The fabric I purchased were remnant pieces to which I added a bit of linen and I had my drapes.  There was just enough fabric left over for a pillow, and hopefully something else relatively small (another project for the list, maybe a footstool).

My desire was to finish this project yesterday, however, it took me a bit longer than expected, as do most of my sewing projects!  I think the item I use most when sewing is not the machine, but the seam ripper.  I can't seem to cut a straight line, which results in a poor finished product.  I began to tackle this project during nap time (which is generally 2-3 hours), but I quit after about an hour and a half because I just couldn't quite get it.  After sleeping on it, I was able to complete it today and I'm much more satisfied with the outcome!

Here's a tutorial on what I did:
Materials: pillow form
                fabric for the pillow (half a yard will be enough)
                coordinating thread
                sewing machine
                scissors, or rotary cutter and mat
                seam ripper (if you're like me and make mistakes!)

1. Cut the fabric into two squares, 3 inches larger than the size of your pillow.  (My pillow was 14x14, so I cut two 17" squares).

2. Place your fabric pieces right sides together, lining up all edges.  I would recommend pinning your fabric together, so the fabric doesn't shift while you sew.

3. Sew the pieces together, using a 1/2" seam allowance.  Leave about a 7 inch opening for inserting your pillow, but make sure you sew around all four corners.

4. Clip corners.

5. Turn right side out and press.

6. On each corner, measure in 1 1/4" from each side, to make a point.  Place a pin here.  This will help when top-stitching around the corners to know where to pivot your needle.

7. Top-stitch around entire pillow, 1 1/4 " from edge seam, leaving an opening in the same place as before.

8. Insert pillow into opening.
9. Close inner top-stitched seam.  (This was the tricky part for me, because I had a difficult time keeping my seam straight with the pillow inside.  If anyone finds a better way, let me know!  Truth be told, my seam line is not perfect, but it was good enough for me).
10. Slip-stitch outer opening.

And, you're done!

Here is my pillow, resting on my chair.  Do you see my designer drapes in the background?  I love my new reading spot and can't wait to finish off the rest of this room!